Pharmacy Technician

The following job description identifies the qualifications and standards for Pharmacy Technicians. Pharmacy Technicians will meet the following requirements and competencies listed below. This position description provides a general overview of the type of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications that may be required of the employee assigned to the position. Depending on the facility, job duties may vary. Pharmacy Technicians report directly to the Director of Pharmacy and to the Pharmacist on Duty.

I. JOB SUMMARY:

• Improve medication safety by assisting pharmacists in collecting up-to-date prior-to admission medication lists for patients admitted to the hospital.
• Update and clarify allergy information in patient records.
• Optimize the medication history collection process.
• Obtain complete and accurate records.
• Assist the pharmacist in filling physician orders for medications.
• Enter orders into pharmacy system.
• Prepare and load medications into Automated Dispensing Machines (ADM).
• Inventory control, reports review, and other related duties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Demonstrates Competencies in the Following Areas:

• Perform medication history assessments for new admissions to the hospital and provide complete information regarding each medication identified (i.e., drug, dose, route, frequency, indication, last dose taken/time).
• Assist pharmacists in preparing and distributing drugs, maintaining the drug inventory, and maintenance of records. Assist pharmacists in providing drug information and pharmaceutical services to patients, nurses, physicians, and other hospital personnel.
• Prepare select reports and MARs, if applicable.
• Verify patient allergy information and ensure complete documentation (i.e., substance, allergy category, reaction description).
• Must be able to identify and understand dosage variations and consult pharmacists if questions arise.
• Coordinate medication history assessment with multidisciplinary team.
• Document the medication history and allergy information in the electronic medical record accurately and in a timely manner.
• Assist pharmacists with managing pharmacy inventory including medication ordering, returns, outdates, and supplies in a timely manner.
• Assist pharmacists with performing monthly medication room inspection(s).
• Maintain the Pharmacy Department in a clean and orderly manner.
• Perform all duties in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical or health care errors.
• Adhere to all hospital and pharmacy regulations, policies, and guidelines.
• Perform other pharmacy-related duties as requested or required.

2. Professional Responsibilities:

• Complete annual continuing education and competency requirements.
• Adhere to regulatory requirements including all state and federal regulations and TJC Standards.
• Actively participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Work at maintaining a good rapport and a cooperative working relationship with administration, physicians, and staff in all departments.
• Represent the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Attend department staff meetings, in-services, and annual review as scheduled.
• Read and acknowledge all staff meeting minutes.

3. Regulatory Requirements:

• Possess and maintain a valid professional license/certification/registration issued by the State Board of Pharmacy.
• Abide by and uphold the privacy rule standards of HIPAA.

4. Minimum Employment Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED.

5. Preferred Qualifications:

• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Certification.
• Minimum of two (2) years pharmacy technician experience.
• Knowledge of common medication doses and forms.

6. Language Skills :

• Able to write legibly, speak, and read English proficiently.

7. Skills:

• Produce accurate work with careful attention to detail.
• Possess the necessary interpersonal and communication skills required to interact with patients, coworkers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a high-volume work environment.
• Ability to adapt to changes in workload and schedule to meet patient needs.
• Ability to work independently.

8. Physical Demands:

• Ability to lift twenty (20) pounds, moving, lifting, or carrying boxes.
• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Fine Motor Skills.
• Visual Acuity.

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach forward with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.