PHARM TECH ADV-CHEMO

Overview

Advanced Pharmacy Technician, Chemotherapy

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

2nd Shift, set schedule

Parkwest Overview:

Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer.

Parkwest is Covenant Health’s and West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home.

In addition to providing the area’s leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Top 10” hospitals in Tennessee.

Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols!  Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons.  Best of all, each of them is pretty mild!

Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It’s a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.

Pharmacy Department Overview:

The Pharmacy Department at Parkwest operates 24/7, providing comprehensive medication services throughout the hospital, including procedural and patient care areas. Our team consists of Pharmacists and Registered Pharmacy Technicians, maintaining a balanced ratio to ensure efficient patient care. We take pride in our modern facilities, state-of-the-art Omnicell Carousels, medication dispensing cabinets, and anesthesia workstations. Our commitment to patient and staff safety extends to our IV Room suites, compliant with Chapter 797 and 800 standards. Our team provides comprehensive medication services.

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, performs functions pertaining to the dispensing of medications.  Technical functions are expanded to include IV process proficiency, problem solving skills and quality improvement involvement.  Leadership skills are required to include demonstrated written and verbal communication that supports the overall objectives of the department.

Recruiter: Jason Shubert || jshuber1@covhlth.com || 865-374-5393

Responsibilities

• Performs all position accountabilities and performance criteria for level I and level II technicians.
• Assists the pharmacist in the training of technicians in levels I and II.
• Initiates and/or coordinates improvement activities as appropriate.
• Assists in the implementation of new projects including the development of policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in providing for age-specific needs of the oncology population served.
• Accurately performs calculations to prepare, compound and dispense chemotherapy medications.
• Assists pharmacists in preparing compounds, chemotherapy, and intravenous medications upon physician's orders.
• Responsible for pharmaceutical inventory stocking, restocking and management of chemotherapy medications and supplies; reconciles invoices.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of biological safety cabinets by performing daily hood cleaning/decontamination.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of the facility’s clean rooms by performing monthly air and surface testing for microbial surveillance. Exhibits understanding of the gauges used to read the air pressure of the negative pressure room, positive pressure room, and ante room and the proper action needed if readings are outside acceptable levels.
• Responsible for appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the preparation of chemotherapy agents.
• Adheres to the guidelines for safe handling of hazardous waste (Chemotherapy Hazardous Waste Spill Policy).
• Maintains Investigational Drug supply with strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

Qualifications

Minimum Education:           

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:        

Three (3) years of experience in the storage, handling, and disposal of chemotherapy drugs or two (2) years of experience with State approved certification.

Licensure Requirement:      

The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy requires newly hired probationary employees to be licensed by the end of their first 90 days of hire and to maintain their Technician License in active status thereafter.