Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital - PRN

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

About the role

Under general supervision, assist the pharmacist in processing medication orders by selecting, assembling, and preparing medications to be dispensed for inpatient (acute care; hospital) and/or outpatient (ambulatory; retail; home infusion) services. The Certified Pharmacy Technician will have a variety of job responsibilities within the pharmacy that may encompass various activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist the pharmacist in preparation of medications for patients within inpatient (acute care; hospital) and/or outpatient (ambulatory; retail; home infusion) service areas, including:
  • Accepting new written, faxed, or electronic prescription orders from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent
  • Accepting new verbal prescription orders for non-controlled drugs from a prescriber or a prescriber's agent as authorized by state law and responsible pharmacist authorization
  • Entering information into and retrieving information from an electronic health record or prescription processing computer system
  • Ensuring accurate charge and credit functions related to medication orders are processed for patient billing
  • Preparing and affixing labels; stocking prescription drugs and retrieving those drugs from inventory locations
  • Counting and pouring drugs into containers prior to dispensing by a pharmacist
  • Performing non-sterile drug compounding as defined under guidelines published by United States Pharmacopeia
  • Stocking automated drug dispensing cabinets, floor stock, and crash carts
  • Transport of medications by vehicle to off-site locations
  • Operating technology used for drug dispensing (robotics)
• As permitted by state law/regulations:
  • Accept verbal refill authorizations for dangerous drugs that are not controlled substances from a prescriber or the prescriber's agent, so long as there is no change from the original prescription and clarifying prescriptions when no professional judgment is needed
  • Send or receive copies of non-controlled prescriptions (i.e., prescription transfers)
  • Technician checking of associate technician work prior to dispensing
• Assist in the education and precepting of new pharmacy technicians and pharmacy students, and participate in performance improvement activities
• Outpatient-specific duties:
  • Packaging and selling prescription drugs to a patient or patient representative
  • Assisting with insurance claim processing
  • Performing diagnostic laboratory testing as defined in state laws/guidelines
• Inpatient/Home infusion-specific duties:
  • Performing sterile drug compounding as defined under guidelines published by United States Pharmacopeia and infection-control procedures
• Assist in maintaining a clean and safe work environment
• Other functions as outlined and in accordance with respective State Board of Pharmacy rules and regulations

Requirements

• ExCPT Certification provided by the National Health Career Association or Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification (required)
• Registration with State Board of Pharmacy (required)
• High School Diploma or GED (required)
• Completion of ASHP/ACPE tech training program or pharmacy technician training via Armed Forces/Veterans Affairs or respective state department approved career tech high school program (preferred)
• Previous experience working in Retail, Ambulatory, Outpatient, Hospital, Acute Care, or Home Infusion pharmacy (preferred)
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served, including:
  • Neonates (0-4 weeks)
  • Infant (1-12 months)
  • Pediatrics (1-12 years)
  • Adolescents (13-17 years)
  • Adults (18-64 years)
  • Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids
• May have periods of constant interruptions
• Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control

Skills

• Electronic Medical Records (EMR)
• Stocking Medications
• Mathematically Proficient
• Point of Sale Equipment Operation
• Processing Prescriptions
• Dispensing Prescriptions
• Robotic Dispensing Systems
• Prioritization
• Performance Improvement
• Packaging Medications
• Insurance Claim Processing
• Compounding Medications
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Service
• Problem Solving
• Active Listening
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Professional Judgement
• Diagnostic Testing
• Medication Transport

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage
• HSA/FSA options
• Life insurance
• Mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave
• Short- and long-term disability
• Backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.