Inpatient Pharmacy Technician

Employment Type:

Shift:

Description:

Position Overview: 

Under the immediate supervision of a pharmacist and Pharmacy Department leadership, provides daily pharmaceutical supportive services for the Department of Pharmacy according to established procedures and in compliance with pharmacy laws, other regulatory agencies and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.  Responds to routine and emergency requests in a prompt and efficient manner, requiring a relatively high degree of independent judgement. Participates in departmental education activities and competency assessment. Actively supports and participates in the department's continuous quality improvement initiatives; promotes the organizational commitment to customer service. 

What you will do:  

• Reads and interprets physician's medication orders, assists with filling, processing and dispensing of medications, re-packages and labels medication, including bulk supplies, with final check performed by a pharmacist. 

• Maintains cleanliness and aseptic technique while following established departmental compounding practices and procedures when mixing intravenous admixtures including IVPBs, large volume parenterals, and total parenteral nutrition, if necessary. Prior to performing drug preparation proven competency while working aseptically in a horizontal or   vertical laminar (biological safety cabinet) flow hood using aseptic technique is required. Adheres to USP 797/USP 800 Guidelines. 

• Delivers controlled substances and other medications to nursing units' automated medication dispensing cabinets (ADC).  Delivers other medication, IV solutions and all necessary forms throughout the hospital on a regularly scheduled basis to patient care areas. 

• Prepares medications and subsequently loads and unloads medication into ADC with appropriate bar code scanning. Fills inventory needs for nursing unit ADCs, non-cabinet stock, and fills unit dose drawers by placing the proper drugs in the bins according to the computerized patient profile. 

• Supports the drug inventory process including rotation and restocking of drug dispensing areas with drugs and supplies needed to process patient medication orders. Ensures the maintenance of a clean and orderly work area. 

• Answers phones according to established phone etiquette and directs calls to the proper personnel. Determines when phone calls or emergency situations need to be referred to a pharmacist. 

• Completes nursing unit inspections, as assigned. Restocks crash cart trays and OCMCA boxes etc., as required in a timely manner. Alerts the pharmacists or pharmacy management of any discrepancies. 

• Fills controlled substance orders and reconciles all discrepancies on a daily basis. Reports any discrepancies to the pharmacist or pharmacy management as appropriate. Monitors any unusual activity for potential drug diversion. 

• Only when/if trained in oncology may an inpatient technician prepares and packages chemotherapy medications and other medications requiring special handling for subsequent administration to patients under the supervision of the pharmacist. This includes verifying drug doses and preparing preliminary drug profiles for patients on established chemotherapy protocols. Safely handles and manipulates cytotoxic and other special drugs and incidental equipment used in drug preparation while working aseptically in a vertical flow hood or biological safety cabinet. Adheres to all safety measures for handling chemotherapy/hazardous materials. 

• Maintains all necessary paperwork, legal documents, and records for all medications, including chemotherapy prepared for administration. Utilizing the pharmacy computer system, bills and/or credits patients for medication used. Maintains investigational drug research records and validates doses ordered using investigational drug protocols. 

• Obtains medications accurately from the department's automated medication supplier (i.e., BoxPicker). Loads and removes medications from this unit using bar code scanning of medication and patient labels. Prepares and labels doses removed for pharmacist final check. 

• Operates the unit dose packaging machine in an accurate and efficient manner. This includes restocking medications and replacing supplies, monitoring machine alarms, and ensuring doses are correctly labeled and prepared for pharmacist check. 

• Utilizes the MedBoard software system and bar code scanning to track the delivery of medications to the nursing units. 

• Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, colleagues, and visitors to Trinity Health System. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places. Accesses protected health information (PHI) only as necessary and according to hospital and HIPAA guidelines. 

• In accordance with unit or departmental practice, determines that appropriate charges have been entered for the correct patient, encounter, date/time of service, with any required modifiers. Make corrections as needed per charge capture policy/practice. 

• In accordance with unit or departmental practice, actively participates in on-going education and communication regarding revenue management, assists with tracking and monitoring of equipment assigned to the unit. Requests services for maintaining equipment as needed. Maintain proficiency with the electronic health records for documentation, assessment, and care management, performing these activities concurrently with provision of care throughout the shift. 

• Trains new pharmacy technicians and documents their progress and reports results to pharmacy leadership on an ongoing basis. Mentors and assists with training of Pharmacy Technician students and provides input regarding their progress. 

• Performs quality improvement audits or other tasks as assigned by the pharmacist or pharmacy manager. 

• Rotational schedule with required weekend and holiday responsibilities. Also available for coverage as needed. 

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of individuals in the job. 

Qualifications: 

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a formal Pharmacy Technician educational program and/or completion of an Associate's Degree preferred.  Previous pharmacy experience, hospital-based pharmacy experience preferred.  Formal Pharmacy Technician program experiential education may be considered in lieu of work experience. 

• Licensure in the State of Michigan is required.   

• Certification as a Pharmacy Technician is preferred. 

Position Highlights and Benefits: 

• Competitive salary  

• Comprehensive benefit packages available, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, 403B, and education assistance. 

• Opportunities for professional development and continuing education. 

• Supportive work environment with opportunities for career advancement. 

Location Details 

Trinity Health is the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare system in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. 

Legal  

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. 

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.