CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHICIAN

Position Summary:
A Certified Pharmacy Technician is an individual licensed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) to perform cognitive and physical activities related to the preparation and distribution of prescription medications under the direct supervision of a licensed Pharmacist.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Must acquire 20 credit hours of continuing education every 2 years to maintain certification in good standing.
• Perform administrative support duties on a rotating basis as required.
• Rotate through all pharmacy workstations as required.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times. 
• Attend mandatory hospital and education programs as required.
• Understand and comply with the standards of the SMH/NHF Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
• Maintain a friendly/cooperative manner with the hospital staff and public.
• Immunization product distribution coordination.
• Coordinate the procurement and distribution of all vaccines and immunological products.
• Facilitate floor stocking and accountability of vaccines throughout the institution.
• Participate with the Arizona State Vaccines for Children Program (VFC) in the immunization records keeping process.
• Employee may be requested to perform duties not detailed in this job description.
• Outpatient Prescription Order Process:
• Accept new written prescription orders from the providers; physicians and med-levels.
• Obtain necessary information from the patient’s medical record or from the patient:
  • Address
  • Phone Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Allergies & Reactions
  • Medical Record Number
• Receive requests to refill prescriptions.
• Input data into the computer so that a prescription label and billing ticket is generated.
• Count medication using proper techniques so the Pharmacist on duty can check for accuracy. 
• Provide staff support to assure smooth operation of the Meditech, PrimeRx Software program and Pyxis, training staff and assuring accuracy of patient-specific computer entry.
• Collaborate effectively with the Information Technology (IT) Department to develop, improve and maintain Pharmacy computerized programs.
• Assist the Pharmacist in Charge in developing and maintaining various reports in Pharmacy Pyxis information systems.
• Responsible for maintenance and support of appropriate financial, billing, and revenue information systems, such as Meditech, Pyxis, and PrimeRx.
• Enter new pharmaceutical drugs into Meditech and PrimeRx and maintain accurate up-to-date billing/cost data for pharmaceuticals.
• Complete insurance billing through PrimeRx and Meditech accurately.
• Re-stock pre-packs and supplies, and check Pharmacy areas for appropriate levels and for out-of-date medications in Greasewood Field Clinic, periodically except as assigned or directed.
• Coordinate with the Lead Pharmacy Technician and Pharmacist in Charge to actively contribute to the planning and achievement of departmental objectives and goals. 
• Facilitate the implementation and continuous improvement of patient services, policies, and procedures. 
• Complete other jobs related duties as assigned by the Lead Pharmacy Technician & Pharmacist in Charge.
• Product Package:
• Assist with the prepacking of medication for the field clinic, E.R. night locker and clinic Pharmacy only if the wording and contents are pre-approved by a Pharmacist. Prepackaged drugs and original bottle will remain on the counter until a licensed Pharmacist has verified each item is correct.

Inpatient:

• Prepare unit dose for a 24-hour supply of medication according to the Restock List and Daily Medication Log. 
• Perform mixing and dilution calculation for large volume hydrating and nutritional solutions with multiple additives under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist.
• Perform dilution and administration calculations for inpatients when required under the direct supervision of a licensed Pharmacist.
• Prepare IV fluids according to standard IV admixture procedures. All Technicians will complete the IV training course provided by the Pharmacist in Charge. Perform a Media Fill Test annually.
• Ensure proper aseptic IV admixture (sterile IV admixture-inpatient).
• Responsible for intravenous solutions inventory and purchasing for the Pharmacy Department.
• Daily sanitizing and cleaning of glove box and enter time/initials on the keep Daily Log Sheet.  
• Retrieve inpatient orders, deliver medications and IV’s to nursing station, and restock the Pyxis, which should be stocked by two Pharmacy Technician’s/Trainee’s. 
• Oversee distribution of intravenous products in the Pyxis units.
• Inspection of Pyxis for expired and misplaced medications periodically, every 3 months or as assigned.
• Available to provide services during Code Blue and other trauma related events.
• Assist in training Technician’s/Trainee’s on Pyxis units.

Records:

• Crash Carts/RSI Inspections periodically, every 3 months or as assigned
• Assist the Pharmacist in filing prescription records. All prescription orders are to be filed numerically.
• Assign purchase orders, type and place purchase order entry.
• Receive and inventory wholesale medication orders with invoicing. 
• Maintain Quality Control and Quality Assessment and improvement records.
• Record Daily Temp (AM &PM) for room/refrigerators.

Stock Maintenance:

• Assist the Pharmacist in inventory control.
• Periodically, every 3 months or as assigned, complete inspections by checking assigned stock areas for appropriate levels and for out-of-dates.
• Stock pre-packs and supplies in/out Pharmacy.
• Maintain adequate supplies of medication and office supplies.
• Rotate stock.
• Stock, reorder, and sell OTC items during pharmacy hours under the supervision of the licensed Pharmacist.
• Make deliveries of pharmaceuticals to patient care areas.

Knowledge, Abilities, Skills, and Certifications:

• Working knowledge of some pharmaceutical/medical terminology.
• Skill in operating business computers and office equipment.
• Working knowledge of computer programs (Word and Excel).
• Proficient typing skills required.
• Skill in the use of the Pharmacy computer.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to follow instructions with accuracy and dependability.
• Ability to work independently and take the initiative to work in a hospital environment where degree of accuracy, care, and attention is critical, with little or no supervision.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to sit; use hands to reach and grasp objects; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee occasionally is required to stand; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment:
Work is generally performed in an office with moderate noise level. Extended hours and irregular shifts may be required.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or General Equivalency Diploma.
• One (1) year of experience working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
• Licensed by the Arizona State Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician.
• Certification by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).
• Must be able to successfully pass the Employee Health Program and background investigation.