Pharmacy Technician

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Pharmacy technicians, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in the various activities of the pharmacy department not requiring the professional judgment of the pharmacist. Pharmacy technicians will function in strict accordance with standard, written procedures and guidelines. 

Performs a variety of duties which involve the procurement, storage, and dispensing of all medications and supplies involved in the manufacturing of preparations, supplies, etc. as required by the department.  Perform a patient medication history which actively includes the patient and/or the patient's family.

Works under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.  Reports to the Clinical Pharmacy and Operations Manager and Director of Pharmacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job.  They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position.  These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.

• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Entity as well as the proper release of information. 
• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
• Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes, and practices.
• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code. 
• Obtains and maintains appropriate knowledge and understanding of the Greater Waterbury Health Network and the Department of Pharmacy. This knowledge will include an overview of the department, the content of the department's training program, and other topics as determined by their supervisor.
• Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position to which he/she is assigned which may include:
• Accurately and timely fills medications, medication carts/trays, and stock requisitions accurately. and IV orders from computer generated labels, fills and updates. 
• Delivers medications to and picks up medications from patient care areas and automated dispensing cabinets or uses the pneumatic tube to deliver medications when appropriate.
• Prepares pharmaceutical sterile products, and chemotherapeutic admixtures as assigned.
• Keeps work area clean and neat and free of excess items, maintains adequate par levels of medications within shift and removes all outdated drugs.
• Accurately credits returned patient medications.
• Demonstrates ability to answer telephone/window and deal with visitors to pharmacy appropriately.  Demonstrates ability to involve other pharmacy staff when appropriate including directing all drug information questions to a pharmacist.
• Prepares prepackaged medications under pharmacist supervision using proper technique, maintains appropriate logbooks and completes work within shift.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the general chemical and physical properties of drugs handled in the pharmacy department. This includes, but is not limited to, identifying medications that are light sensitive, requires refrigeration, are caustic, or poisonous. Is able to use reference books and website references for stability information or material safety data sheets.
• Dispose of pharmaceutical waste appropriately
• Performs the essential functions relating to drug purchasing and inventory control.
• Performs floor inspections for all areas with medications as assigned.
• Perform a patient medication history. Actively include the patient and/or the patient's family.
• Document the history accurately and completely.
• Contacts the patient's outside pharmacist or physician to resolve all discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Documents resolution of discrepancies in the medical record so that the attending physician can review and reconcile the list.
• Complete all Pharmacy Department Quality Improvement/Quality Control assignments as directed.
• Conduct routine-controlled drug inventory audits.
• Utilizes effective interpersonal communication skills while maintaining confidentiality of hospital information and addressing co-workers, nurses and others in a pleasant and cooperative manner.
• Performs routine activities with minimal supervision, offering to provide additional help when needed, participates in training of new employees.
• Maintains safe working habits, does not create hazardous conditions within the work environment.
• Completes and maintains IV/Admixtures lab and departmental competencies.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• BS or Associates Degree preferred with concentration in Biology or Chemistry.
• High School Diploma with either completion of formalized pharmacy technician training program or equivalent work experience.
• National Pharmacy Technician Certification required.
• Must have or be eligible for pharmacy technician registration in the State of Connecticut.
• Hospital pharmacy experience preferred.

•  Ability to work well as a member of an interdisciplinary team with tact and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital procedures.
• Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility.
• Ability to prepare and complete records as required.
• General knowledge of chemistry and mathematics.
• Ability to learn new techniques; use of equipment, etc.
• Standing/walking and lifting is required