PHARM TECH ADV-CHEMO

Overview

Advanced Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician

PRN/OCC, Variable Hours and Shifts

Fort Sanders Regional Overview:

Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center is a 444-bed hospital recognized for pairing clinical expertise with advanced medical technology to deliver exceptional care. As a Joint Commission Comprehensive Stroke Center, we provide leading-edge treatment for stroke recovery. Our facility also offers specialized services in bariatric surgery, robotic surgery, minimally invasive spine procedures, and advanced orthopedic care.

Fort Sanders Regional is part of Covenant Health, East Tennessee’s largest nonprofit health system and a Becker’s “Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare.” Covenant Health includes nine hospitals and nearly 150 service locations, offering employees a comprehensive benefits package with tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, certification bonuses, and leadership development programs.

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, performs functions pertaining to the dispensing of chemotherapy medications.  Technical functions are expanded to include IV process proficiency, problem solving skills, admixture of hazardous medications and quality improvement involvement.  Leadership skills are required to include demonstrated written and verbal communication that supports the overall objectives of the department.

Responsibilities

• Performs all position accountabilities and performance criteria for level I and level II technicians.
• Assists the pharmacist in the training of technicians in levels I and II.
• Initiates and/or coordinates improvement activities as appropriate.
• Assists in the implementation of new projects including the development of policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in providing for age-specific needs of the oncology population served.
• Accurately performs calculations to prepare, compound and dispense chemotherapy medications.
• Assists pharmacists in preparing compounds, chemotherapy, and intravenous medications upon physician's orders.
• Responsible for pharmaceutical inventory stocking, restocking and management of chemotherapy medications and supplies; reconciles invoices.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of biological safety cabinets by performing daily hood cleaning/decontamination.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of the facility’s clean rooms by performing monthly air and surface testing for microbial surveillance. Exhibits understanding of the gauges used to read the air pressure of the negative pressure room, positive pressure room, and ante room and the proper action needed if readings are outside acceptable levels.
• Responsible for appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the preparation of chemotherapy agents.
• Adheres to the guidelines for safe handling of hazardous waste (Chemotherapy Hazardous Waste Spill Policy).
• Maintains Investigational Drug supply with strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:         

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:         

Three (3) years of experience in the storage, handling, and disposal of chemotherapy drugs or two (2) years of experience with State approved certification.

Licensure Requirement:      

The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy requires newly hired probationary employees to be licensed by the end of their first 90 days of hire and to maintain their Technician License in active status thereafter.