Inpatient Pharmacy Technician

Job Summary

Under direction of a licensed pharmacist, transcribes abbreviated and symbolized information from physicians orders onto patient medication profile through manual and computer entry; selects and prepares medications, pharmaceutical products, including intravenous admixtures; assists in dispensing and distribution of unit dose medications; maintains pharmacy merchandise; reviews medication cassettes for returned medication; maintains pharmacy equipment; types unit dose and intravenous admixture labels; transports pharmacy merchandise. Performs other duties as required.

Essential Responsibilities

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws. Reviews physician orders for completeness; transcribes appropriate information through computer order entry to generate patient medication profile by using pharmaceutical/medical terminology, symbols and abbreviations. Selects and prepares medications and pharmaceutical products by name and dosage listed on physicians order, places merchandise in proper container with correct label, makes required notations and initials physicians orders. Reviews physicians orders and patient medical record in order to determine whether allergies, sensitivities and/or reactions have been documented. Assures allergy/sensitivity information is recorded on patient medication profile. Alerts pharmacist when prescribed medications may be contraindicated due to drug allergies, sensitivities, or interactions as indicated by information systems. Fills unit dose mediation cassettes from patient medication administration records by dispensing the appropriate supply through calculations based on dosage, strength and frequency of administration; performs substitution of drug equivalents through knowledge of generic, trade, chemical drug names and approved therapeutic equivalents; reviews Medication Administration Record for appropriateness (i.e., drug entry, dosing frequency and documentation of administration) and advises appropriate licensed personnel of discrepancies. Prioritizes workflow to meet the operational needs of the pharmacy. Ability to interact effectively with patients and co-workers in a courteous manner. Maintains pharmacy inventory in designated areas; reviews pharmacy inventory for medications to be returned (i.e., expired products, deteriorated products, illegible labels, etc.). Assists the pharmacist in the preparation, distribution, and record-keeping of controlled substances, i.e., narcotics, hypnotics, barbiturates, etc. (Class II, III, IV, V), governed by Federal and State law.
• Demonstrates the ability to distinguish controlled substances on physicians orders. Prepares required pharmacy products; uses mathematical calculations and conversions from apothecary and avoirdupois to metric system. Prepares pharmacy products through an understanding of physical characteristics of medications, which require special packaging or handling. Prepares sterile admixture products, such as intravenous piggybacks, large volume parenterals, syringes, chemotherapy, and bulk manufactured products using techniques governed by aseptic parenteral admixture policies and procedures. Prepares pharmacy products by demonstrating a knowledge of quality control. Participates in quality assurance and performance improvement processes. Operates and maintains specialized pharmacy equipment such as automated dispensing devices, I.V. compounding pumps, and unit dosing machines, cleaning, and performing periodic checks and adjustments. Charts all scheduled maintenance designed to ensure sterility according to protocol. Participates in the preparation, documentation, and scheduling of drug therapy for non-hospitalized patients. Exhibits a working knowledge, of and adheres to Federal and State Laws, standards, rules, regulations, regional, hospital and departmental policies and procedures that govern the practice of pharmacy. Participates in assigned education and training programs as required. Keeps assigned work area and equipment in an organized and clean condition. Maintains a safe, secure and efficient work environment. Answers and makes telephone calls, consistent with assigned duties and in accordance with telephone protocols. Assists or performs the duties of the inventory control assistant/stock clerk to prioritize and maintain maximum work flow in the pharmacy. Assists in medical office stocking-to-standards by organizing, replenishing stock, and preparing monthly recharges and credits. Exemplifies Pharmacys Mission and the organizations Vision by contributing to the health and satisfaction of members by providing appropriate medications, information, and professional services in a helpful, caring, courteous, and efficient manner. Performs other duties as required. Specific duties may vary depending on Pharmacy location.