Pharmacy Technician

MAIN FUNCTION:

Responsible for the performance of various duties of the Pharmacy Department under the supervision of a pharmacist and not requiring the professional judgment of the Pharmacist.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

** 1. Utilizing Computer Applications:

Maintains a complete medication profile and accurate computerized medication profile through the accurate interpretation of physicians' orders and accurate and efficient detailed data entry.

• Obtains, reviews and conveys allergy data to Pharmacist and any possible contraindications.

• Reviews and accurately interpret Doctors' orders.

• Highlights any questionable dosing or frequencies.

• Enters appropriate information into the computer medication profile.

• Prepares and labels medication for dispensing.

• Affixes the necessary ancillary labels and communication slips for special dosing/administration requirements.

• Is knowledgeable of multiple routes of drugs by therapeutic class.

• Is knowledgeable of unit specific medication floor stock when scheduling orders.

• Is knowledgeable of NYS laws re: Automatic Stop Orders (ASO--Controlled substance, etc.)

• Is knowledgeable of generic and brand name conversions.

• Has working knowledge of pharmaceutical calculations for injectable and oral liquid dose preparation.

• Is knowledgeable of various medication dosage routes of administration and dosage forms.

• Has working knowledge of proper medication storage and basic principles of drug stability.
• Is knowledgeable of pharmaceutical-medical abbreviations and symbols.

** 2. Has working knowledge of the procedures associated with a hospital drug distribution system. Responsible for the accurate filing, delivery and transfer of all patients' medications:

• Daily in acute care areas.

• Weekly on the SNF.

• These are primarily 3rd shift responsibilities.

** 3. Fills medication floor stock requisitions for units and ancillary depts.

• Develop, maintain floor stock forms.

** 4. Prepares controlled substances for dispensing and delivers to specific units.

• Maintains accurate, detailed records of ordering, receiving and distribution of controlled substances.

• Prepares accurate daily and monthly physical inventories.

• Prepares controlled substances for destruction according to NYS and Federal regulations.

• Has working knowledge of NYS and Federal law requirements when preparing controlled substances for ordering and destruction (i.e. accountability, Pharmacy regulations, use and storage).

** 5. Compounds and repackages bulk medications in solutions, topical and oral solids. Maintains appropriate documentations.

• Has working knowledge of NYS documentation requirements and procedures and operations related to the computerized unit dose prepackaging system.

** 6. Is responsible for timely monthly QI (Quality Improvement) inspections of nursing units/departments and assigned areas of the pharmacy department to assure proper storage and dating of pharmaceuticals. Maintains required documentation.

** 7. Maintains appropriate records of all emergency boxes and code cart medication transfer trays in the Arnot Health, accurately updates and replenishes medications as required.

** 8. Maintains accurate records of receipt and distribution of alcohol. Prepares monthly and annual alcohol inventories.

** 9. Maintains appropriate records of the receipt of all pharmaceuticals.

• Checks for irregularities or errors in shipping, price, quantity of item, etc.

• Marks in merchandise and places in inventory.

• Assumes designated ordering responsibilities for certain pharmaceutical categories.

• Has working knowledge of the essential functions relating to drug purchasing and inventory control.

1. Maintains appropriate storage and records of patient personal medications, to be returned to them upon discharge.

1. Assists in the taking of the annual pharmacy physical inventory.

** 12. Is responsible for the aseptic preparation and pharmaceutical calculations for designated IV admixture of pharmaceutical products. Only those technicians who have successfully completed the training and competency requirements for IV admixture personnel shall be permitted to perform IV sterile product preparation. Working knowledge of procedures and techniques relating to aseptic compounding and parental admixture operations.

• Maintains accurate computer entry for IV products.

• Delivers patient specific IVs to designated Units/Departments.

• Maintains QI documentation for sterile products.

• Maintains inventory controls of IV products.

** 13. Is responsible for comprehensive orientation of new personnel.

** 14. Is responsible for QI activities related to the department QI plan, which includes assisting with the development of QI indicators, data collections, and data analysis, making recommendations for actions for improvement, and assessing effectiveness of these actions.

** 15. Is responsible for courteous, accurate and timely verbal, telephone, and written communication to all involved employees and customers as appropriate.

1. Is familiar with and demonstrates QI principles and participates in the process as appropriate.

1. Is responsible for attending all annual mandatory educational programs as required by position.

1. Employee understands and demonstrates the importance of satisfying the needs of the

customer/patient by interacting with him/her in a friendly and caring way, being attentive to the customer's needs, both psychologically and physically, and by taking the initiative to maintain communication with the customer in order to provide a secure and pleasant experience with the Arnot Health.

1. It is understood that this lists typical duties for the classification and is not to be considered inclusive of all duties that may be assigned.

EDUCATION:

High school diploma. Math/science background required. National Pharmacy Tech Certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

One to three years in a hospital or health care field preferred. Medical terminology and computer experience preferred.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION (CPR) REQUIREMENTS:

No CPR required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical effort required. Objects lifted; some reaching and stooping. Required to be on feet most of the time.

EXPOSURE CATEGORY:

Category III. Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues. And Category I tasks are not a condition of employment.

** A.D.A Essential Functions

Salary : $19 - $24