Pharmacy Technician II

Job Title:         Pharmacy Technician II

Job Code:         PHARMTII

Department:         Pharmacy 

Division:        Operations 

Salary Level:         Non-Exempt 5            

Reports to:         Pharmacy Director 

Last Revised:     September 2021

Primary Function

The incumbent in this position serves as a Pharmacy Technician for the Cherokee Service Unit under the Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority. The incumbent for this position has prior and/or initial experience as a pharmacy technician. The incumbent is responsible for the provision of technical and support duties associated with the provision of pharmaceutical services to the patient population that is served by the organization.

Job Description 

•    The technician fully assists the pharmacist in the preparation and provision of medications in the fulfillment of patient care functions.

•    The technician will have responsibilities for inventory control, which include, but are not limited to, ordering of pharmaceuticals and supplies, management of stock, inventory maintenance, maintenance of appropriate records, and management of requisitions and requests.

•    The technician will participate in the provision of outpatient pharmaceutical services. This includes, but is not limited to: performing receptionist/clerical duties; performing data entry functions; preparing prescriptions for patient use; maintenance of appropriate records; and completing functions related to insurance and billing.

•    The technician will participate in the provision of inpatient pharmaceutical services which include: data entry responsibilities; preparation of intravenous admixtures; preparation of unit dose supplies; maintenance of appropriate records; and maintenance of medication inventories for patient use.

•    The technician will have responsibilities related to medication supply management including packaging, labeling, minor compounding, maintenance of appropriate records, and maintenance of adequate supplies to meet patient and hospital needs.

•    The technician will have other general department duties including: automated equipment maintenance and monitoring; department cleaning and organizing; professional interactions with pharmacy and hospital staff; proper monitoring of medication storage conditions and status; and maintenance of appropriate records related to pharmacy operation.

•    The technician will be responsible for other duties as assigned, in order to meet the mission of the pharmacy department to provide patient care.

•    More specific information related to job duties is available as a supplement to this job description.

Basic knowledge of or possess the ability to obtain knowledge of:

•    Pharmaceutical nomenclature

•    Characteristics, strengths, and dosage forms of pharmaceuticals

•    Pharmaceutical Calculations

•    Pharmaceutical systems and metric/apothecary systems of weights and measures

•    Procedures and techniques involved in the care, storage, repackaging, bulk compounding, and distribution of pharmaceuticals

•    Sterile and aseptic procedures

•    Federal pharmacy laws and regulations, JCAHO and IHS standards

•    Operation of various types of pharmaceutical apparatus, equipment, automated technology, compounding techniques, and measurement of ingredients

•    Public relation skills

•    Valid driver’s license may be required

Experience and Job Training

General Experience

•    Ability to learn and/or knowledge of basic pharmacy process and systems, pharmaceutical drug names, calculations, and regulations.

•    Ability and/or knowledge to manage the ordering, receipt, accounting of, and proper storage of supplies.

•    Ability to work with a variety of people from various backgrounds.

•    Ability to exercise tack and diplomacy in order to gain the confidence, support, and cooperation of the individuals.

•    Any type of work that demonstrates the applicant’s ability to perform the work of the position, or experience that provided a familiarity with the subject matter or processes of the board subject area of the occupation.

•    Basic proficiency in position expected within 6 to 12 months of the date of hire.

Specialized Experience

•    Two to Four Years of specialized experience including experience as a pharmacy technician, working in health care in a hospital or practice setting with direct patient care experience, or in a pharmaceutical firm or laboratory.

•    For consideration for this position, certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board as a Certified Technician (CPhT).

Education

Minimal required schooling:

•    High School graduate with diploma

•    Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations

•    Ability to operate a typewriter and/or keyboard for the production of documents, labels, and other printed materials.

Additional formal schooling may be required. See Specialized Experience.

Contact with Others

The position involves frequent contact with other individuals, especially health care professionals (physicians, allied health providers, nurses), support and clerical staff, other pharmacy staff, patients, and the general public. Contacts are numerous and, at times, can be under difficult circumstances or in difficult settings. Professionalism and tact are imperative for this position. Failure to act professionally can reflect poorly on the facility and department and contribute to unforeseen adverse effects on the organization. Utmost sensitivity is required when interacting with patients and their families.

Confidential Data

Much of the information processed in this position is considered highly confidential and of a sensitive nature. It must not be disclosed to other parties except within the performance of one’s duties. All information will be handled in accordance to the Cherokee Hospital’s guidelines and Federal Law. Improper handling of information can be detrimental to the operation of the organization and department and damage Pharmacy relations with its clients. Failure to maintain proper confidentiality of all records and improper disclosure of sensitive patient information can result in civil and criminal penalties.

Responsibilities and Accuracy 

The individual in this position must perform the functions of the position with accuracy, correctness, and attention to detail at all times. Errors which occur in the performance of duties related to this position would be difficult to detect and can have adverse effects on the health of the individuals, groups, and families. Errors can place the pharmacy and organization at risk for substantial legal and financial liability. Undetected and resolved errors can result in a range of life threatening patient consequences. Errors in judgment and in filling and/or processing orders and prescriptions can result in serious injury or death to a patient. Therefore, attention to detail and accuracy in performing the functions of the position is essential.

Mental/Visual/Physical

•    Job duties can be mentally, emotionally, and physically stressful at times.

•    The work requires balancing multiple priorities in a busy, rapid paced, work environment while attending to patient safety. The job is subject to frequent interruptions, which can cause distractions and potential for error.

•    Physical activities require the ability to walk, sit, reach, bend and lift.

•    The job requires visual acuity, manual dexterity, and the ability to speak and hear clearly.

•    Repetitive activities will occur with the use of typewriter and/or computer keyboards and preparation of pharmaceutical prescriptions

Resourcefulness and Initiative 

The individual in this position will follow well defined procedures and guidelines in job duties with minimal supervision. He/she must be reliable, trustworthy, diligent, and responsive to supervision, and accept direction for all aspects of the job. He/she must maintain a high degree of motivation and work ethic. He/she must communicate and respond appropriately to various situations and changing priorities. Judgment and self-motivation are required to maintain accuracy, efficiency, and timely completion of duties. Must prioritize work and meet deadlines. Must demonstrate a high degree of patience and courtesy in interactions with patients and staff.

Environment

•    The work is performed in a health care environment within a clinic, hospital, emergency room, field clinic, and/or pharmacy setting.

•    Potential exposure to infectious and contagious disease can occur.

•    Lifting or moving of pharmaceutical supplies, equipment, and patients that weigh over 50 pounds is possible.

•    It may be necessary to work when administration leave is granted if patient care functions are required and/or if such care would be compromised.

Detailed Pharmacy Technician Job Duties

(Addendum to Pharmacy Technician Position Description)

Patient Care Functions

•    Assists the pharmacist(s) in the provision of patient pharmaceutical care.

•    Calculates dosages to match physician orders with pharmacy stocks.

•    Explains pharmacy policies and prescription directions to patients as necessary.

Inventory Control

Ordering

•    Technicians have involvement with ordering of pharmaceutical supplies, excluding Schedule II Drug items.

•    Prepares emergency orders as necessary and checks status of pending orders.

•    Able to utilize and troubleshoot Script Pro Inventory Management (SIM).

Stock Management

•    Reviews and checks all areas of the facility which maintain medication supplies. Checks nursing units, ER, and pharmacy areas for expired drugs and proper storage conditions on a routine basis.

•    Responsible for proper disposal and/or return for credit of deteriorated or outdated drugs.

•    Maintains records as required.

•    Processes incoming orders. Shelves and stores all received drugs and supplies.

•    Assures that all drug stock is stored appropriately and rotated properly.

•    Utilizes pharmacy and warehouse space efficiently.

•    Maintains adequate working shelf stock of all medications.

•    Manages and maintains adequate level of supply in ScriptPro robotic system.

Requisition Management

•    Fills inpatient, outpatient, and ER drug requisitions.

•    Restocks pharmacy automated dispensing systems according to approved policies and procedures.

•    Monitors and manages automated dispensing for adequate stock and efficient utilization.

•    Maintains appropriate documentation and statistical records related to inventory management.

Outpatient Services

Reception/Clerical

•    Responsible for some clerical duties as needed, such as typing memos, copying, and distribution of information for pharmacists and pharmacy related committees.

•    Answers patient questions as to pharmacy procedures and policies.

•    Greets patients and assists with fulfilling the patient’s medication requests and needs.

•    Maintains patient charts in proper sequence for processing.

•    Stages completed medication orders and patients for pharmacist counseling.

Data Entry

•    Screens patient medical records for obvious transcription, technical, and/or omission errors.

•    Assesses patient eligibility and determines patient insurance status.

•    Accurately enters prescription orders into the RPMS computer system. Includes interpretation of the prescription order in terms of drug name, strength, directions for use, correct quantity, and number of refills.

Prescription Preparation

•    Selects correct drug, strength, and dosage form from inventory.

•    Counts appropriate quantity and reviews data entry prescription information for accuracy.

•    Labels prescription bottles including addition of appropriate auxiliary information labels.

•    Processes ScriptPro produces prescriptions. Certifies correct filling by system through use of bar coding protocol.

Insurance

•    Assesses patient insurance status.

•    Fills prescriptions in quantity and manner consistent with third party insurance requirements.

•    Assists in insurance Point of Sale billing process and processing.

Inpatient Services

Intravenous Admixtures

•    Prepares sterile reconstitutions and intravenous admixtures using sterile and aseptic procedures.

•    Visually checks all prepared intravenous solutions and admixtures for inadequate preparation, unexpected discoloration, particles, and unexpected participation.

•    Determines compatible solutions for each admixture and sufficient volumes of solution to support medication dosages.

•    Accuracy enters admixture orders into the RPMS data base program.

•    Labels prepared products accurately and completely.

•    Maintains appropriate workload records.

Unit Dose

•    Prepares unit dose medication packages for distribution.

•    Assists pharmacist with filling of unit dose carts for 24 hour period.

•    Monitors and refills automated prescription dispensing systems with appropriate drug item and package size.

•    Maintains appropriate workload records.

Medication Supply Management

•    Prepackages drug from bulk containers to smaller patient ready dispensing units for efficient stock maintenance and prescription processing.

•    Prepackages single use medication units for inpatient, emergency department, and automated dispensing cabinets.

•    Compounds bulk supplies such as ointments and solutions following appropriate guidelines for aseptic and pharmaceutically elegant preparations.

•    Correctly labels and stores all prepared medication supplies.

•    Maintains sufficient prepackaged medication supply to meet after hour dispensing requirements.

•    Prepares and maintains appropriate workload and medication control records.

General Department Duties

•    Maintains the pharmacy and storage areas in a neat, clean, and orderly condition by organizing, dusting, and cleaning as needed.

•    Remove and dispose of all unnecessary materials. Patient sensitive materials must be shredded and disposed of in a manner to maintain confidentiality.

•    Remove and provide for proper disposal of expired and deteriorated medications.

•    Return medications not retrieved by patients back to stock according to accepted pharmacy protocol.

•    Return unneeded drug supplies, bottles, and filled prescriptions back to stock and ScriptPro machine as indicated.

•    Maintains the highest level of professional standards of pharmacy practice when serving patients of all age groups, service unit staff, and the greater community. Ascribes to the Indian Health Service Standards of Practice for Pharmacy.

•    Other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

•    The position is under the direction of the Director of Pharmacy, or other Pharmacy Supervisor as assigned by the Director of Pharmacy

•    On a daily basis the technician will be under the immediate supervision of a pharmacist present in the immediate work environment.

•    The incumbent operates independently in the performance of the technical aspects of pharmaceutical services.

•    The incumbent is expected to perform routine assignments independently and to refer more difficult matters to the immediate supervisor. Unusual and/or non-routine situations are to be referred to the Director of Pharmacy Services or designated Supervisor.

•    The incumbent actively supports the mission and overall integrity of the program.

•    Additional policy and procedure guidance is received through the higher grade supervisor, the Cherokee Indian Hospital Pharmacy Policy and Procedure Manual, Service Unit policies and procedures, Indian Health Service policies, and JCAHO guidelines and directives.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.