Pharmacy Technician III-OR Pharmacies, Full-time Rotating Shifts

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Pharmacy Technician III reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the direction of a registered pharmacist, performs all technical duties associated with the daily operation of the dispensing areas; performs prescription related, unit dose related, and sterile product related functions; performs manufacturing procedures that have been documented in the Department records. 

Schedule:

• This position is regularly scheduled to work full-time, 40 hours weekly. Shift times are subject to change based upon departmental/patient care needs. Currently this position is anticipated to work rotating shifts (AM and PM shifts) with rotating weekends and holidays.
• The primary work locations for this position are the OR Pharmacies (cost center 1226). However, this position rotates to other pharmacies within Northwestern Memorial Hospital subject to the needs of the work group.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares medication orders for inpatients.
• Prepares prescriptions for outpatients.
• Picks up orders and delivers medications to nursing units.
• Schedules intravenous admixture solutions according to the patient’s medical record. Reports any variance from the record to a pharmacist.
• Answers the telephone according to hospital policy. Screens the call to determine if the call should be handled by a pharmacist or a technician.
• Enters new drug orders and renewal/refill information into the computerized patient medication profile.
• Uses the computer system to assist in all dispensing and inquiry functions.
• Compares the patient medication bin with the pharmacy and nursing record. Returns unnecessary and/or outdated medication to the pharmacy. Reconciles use records and reports any discrepancies to a pharmacist.
• Receives, prepares, and distributes floor stock requisitions and requisitions for other clinical locations.
• Compounds dosage forms needed for dispensing to patients.
• Assists in maintaining adequate inventory levels in the dispensing areas.
• Packages extemporaneous and STAT single doses of medications under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Prepares and maintains the emergency medication systems.
• Prepares sterile products for administration to patients.  Selects proper diluents and vehicles and determines the appropriate stability. 
• Prepares cytotoxic agents for administration employing hospital and department aseptic and protective procedures.
• Plans and performs the daily tasks required to provide department services under the direction of a pharmacist.
• Prepares and delivers narcotics and narcotic admixtures. Conducts narcotic perpetual inventories as directed.
• Meets quality and quantity requirements for new orders, unit doses, and IV admixtures.
• Ensures compliance with hazardous waste collection and disposal procedures.

Quality Management Responsibilities

• This position assists in maintaining emergency carts, inventory, and controlled substances records.  Accurate completion of responsibilities is essential to an efficient, error free drug distribution system.

Qualifications

Required:

• High School Diploma
• Illinois Pharmacy Technician License (IDFPR).
• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification through PTCB or ExCPT through NHA required for all those licensed after 2008.
  • Newly licensed Technicians have 2 years from license effective date to obtain their certification. 

Preferred:

• Completion of a Technician Training Program
• Previous experience as a Pharmacy Technician

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Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.