Inpatient Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications, maintaining drug inventory, and maintaining patient records. Pharmacy technicians work only under the supervision of a registered pharmacist and do not perform duties legally restricted to registered pharmacists.

Responsibilities

• Collects data, conducts quality monitors, and completes documentation as assigned.
• Collects patient home medications per hospital process and enters into EMAR.
• Fills physician orders, medication surgical kits, medication carts, and stock requisitions accurately.
• Replenishes medications in emergency drug containers and floor stock areas accurately.
• Prepares intravenous admixtures and other sterile preparations (including chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition) safely and accurately using appropriate techniques.
• Delivers medications and supplies to patient care and ancillary areas accurately per established schedule.
• Assists in ordering, receiving, unpacking, and storing medications and supplies in appropriate locations.
• Rotates stock to ensure use before expiration date; identifies and replaces outdated and unusable medications.
• Restocks medication and IV dispensing areas accurately within specified time periods.
• Repackages bulk medications in unit-dose packages safely and accurately per established procedures.
• Picks up orders, requisitions, and medications for return from patient care areas when on delivery rounds.
• Enters medication orders into pharmacy computer system accurately; enters charges and credits for patient medications.
• Generates reports, pick lists, and labels as required.
• Answers the telephone, identifying self and department; directs calls to appropriate personnel.
• Answers requests and makes stat deliveries to patient care and ancillary areas when requested.
• Organizes and prioritizes work assignments.
• Maintains logs, records, and other required documentation accurately; files documentation in appropriate locations.
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication.
• Keeps pharmacy areas clean, neat, and well-organized; keeps pharmacy equipment clean.
• Completes and documents all assigned medication storage area inspections at least monthly; identifies and replaces outdated and unusable medications.

Expected Behaviors

• Maintains current technician certification, attends pharmacy staff meetings, and participates in orientation, education, and training programs.
• Is punctual and dependable; reports to work as scheduled.
• Maintains a neat, professional, and well-groomed appearance; observes pharmacy dress code; wears identification badge at all times.
• Performs work within specified time frames; adapts positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload and/or work schedule.
• Provides courteous, cooperative, and timely service to patients, visitors, and staff members.
• Works cooperatively with all staff members; voices concerns and suggestions to appropriate persons in a positive manner.
• Demonstrates sound judgment consistent with training/academic background.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient, visitor, and employee information; complies with HIPAA Privacy Rule standards.
• Fosters a team environment by providing orientation and training to new team members; assists coworkers in tasks, as time permits.
• Adheres to health-system policies and procedures; complies with all requirements related to risk management, safety, medication-use safety, security, fire safety, and infection control.
• Understands and meets customers’ needs and expectations; the patient and family members always come first.
• Demonstrates the ability to address problems in a group setting using tools and techniques for identification and resolution of problems.
• Demonstrates the values and behaviors of the organization.

Requirements

• Currently licensed as a pharmacy technician in the state of Indiana.
• High school diploma or equivalent; college courses desirable but not required.

Skills

• Medications
• Pharmacology
• Sterile Compounding
• Pharmaceutical Calculations

Critical Demands

• Ability to perform work accurately with attention to detail within specified time periods.
• Work cooperatively with health-system and pharmacy staff.
• Handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule.
• Set priorities and solve problems; respond quickly to emergency requests.
• Communicate effectively (orally and in writing).
• Assist in meeting the pharmaceutical care needs of the patient populations served by the organization.

Physical/Mental Demands

• Repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard).
• May require lifting and carrying light loads (up to 40 lbs.), including boxes, equipment, unit-dose cassettes, and IV solutions.
• Stooping or kneeling (e.g., to pick up items from the floor, to remove and replace items on lower shelves, and to file documents in lower file drawers).
• Walking or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours) is often necessary.
• Must be able to physically operate the equipment used for the job.
• Requires alertness, awareness of details, and accuracy to ensure performance of duties.
• Must be able to withstand stresses from frequent interruptions and confinements in physical environment.
• Requires the ability to adjust and prioritize workload in order to meet scheduled deadlines.