Pharmacy Technician

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Pharmacy Tech I is responsible for providing support for the Department of Pharmacy Services in the production and distribution of pharmaceuticals and related supplies, as well as associated billing.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Fills unit dose cassettes and ADM’s.
• Prints "Bin-Fill List" and fills bins properly: correct drug, amount and dosage form.
• Credits and puts away returned items brought back with the bins.
• While filling, notes medications running low on the order list.
• Initials "Bin-Fill Sheet" for nursing units filled.
• Periodically during the shift, attends to the census list.

(1) When discharging patients, removes file folders, credits meds in-patient bins and returns all meds to stock.

(2) Transfers patients according to the census list.

f. Pulls medications for refilling the ADM’s from the fill list and initials the Pyxis Fill Log for each unit filled.

g. Does not deliver and fill the ADM’s until a pharmacist has checked all meds.

• Delivers medications to all appropriate nursing units.
• Ensures accurate and timely delivery and return of medications.
• Ensures that medications are signed for properly.
• Refills Pyxis from delivery list and fills stock outs and critical lows afterwards.
• Delivers unit dose cassettes and IV medications
• Delivers and returns hazardous drugs and chemotherapy appropriately.
• Disposes of hazardous waste and chemotherapy in the appropriate biohazard buckets.
• Inspects assigned areas for expired medications.
• Completes audits of assigned areas of responsibility monthly.
• Removes expired and expiring medications from assigned area accurately and in a timely manner.
• Documents activity appropriately with proper forms by deadline each month.
• Stocks the assigned hospital areas with pharmaceuticals.
• Stocks according to the levels on the Pyxis Delivery List and Floor Stock
• Form in an accurate and timely fashion.
• Returns over-stock to the pharmacy to be credited and returned to pharmacy stock.
• Rotates stock in the stocking area of the pharmacy and the assigned nursing areas.
• Updates the "Pharmacy Services Floor Stock" form.
• Fills medical requests and replenishes emergency supplies.
• Fills medication orders to be checked by a pharmacist.
• Fills emergency medication boxes and code trays as required.
• Prepackages medication as required.
• Prepackages bulk tablets and capsules into unit dose packaging when needed.
• Completes the necessary Prepackaging Log.
• Assures all work is checked by a pharmacist prior to placing prepackaged meds in stock.
• Handles and triages phone calls appropriately. Provides answers to questions within scope of a technician’s practice and refers other calls to pharmacists.
• Performs other duties as required that are consistent with the scope of practice of a technician.

Education and Training Requirements:

Pharmacy Tech I:

Minimum High School Diploma or GED.

Active Pharmacy Technician License from the NM Board of Pharmacy.

Previous experience in a hospital or retail pharmacy highly desirable.

Pharmacy Tech II:

Minimum High School Diploma or GED.

Active Pharmacy Technician License from the NM Board of Pharmacy.

Must have passed the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam.

Full time technicians must complete the IV Admixture Training Program per NM Board of Pharmacy Training Guidelines within three (3) months, part time technicians six (6) months, and PRN technicians within nine (9) months.

Must complete IV Chemotherapy Training Program per NM Board of Pharmacy Guidelines within three (3) months of completing the IV Admixture Training Program unless exempted by the Policy Admixture and Administration of Chemotherapy.

Must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam within 12 months of obtaining NM License.

Previous experience as a pharmacy technician required.

Hospital experience preferred.