Pharmacy Technician - Inpatient

About the role

This position functions primarily in the Inpatient care areas and the Pharmacy Service within the VA Palo Alto Health Care System (VAPAHCS). This area serves adult and elderly Veterans needing care within VAPAHCS 24 hours a day 7 days a week, nights, weekends, and holidays. The technician rotates through selected sections and is assigned to a rotating tour of duty schedule in the Inpatient Pharmacy Section.

Responsibilities

• Unit Dose Responsibilities: filling and delivering new, STAT or missing medication orders; restocking point of care machines (Omnicell); utilizing cartless delivery system for patient medications; replenishing crash cart medications and kits; repackaging bulk items (oral solids and liquids); replenishing pharmacy automation (Omnicell XR2, Med Carousel, Yuyama, Omnicell and Anesthesia Works Stations); performing optimization of automation; and conducting monthly ward/clinic inspections.
• Sterile Compounding Responsibilities: preparing IV admixtures, piggybacks, syringes, TPN, and chemotherapy doses based on patient specific orders using sterile technique in the laminar flow hood in accordance with USP and USP ; performing all necessary pharmaceutical calculations; and cleaning and restocking the IV room.

Requirements

Work Schedule: Variable, including weekends

Qualifications

• Education: None required.
• Certification: For positions above the full performance level, the employee must pass a national certification exam and hold an active national certification through either:
  • Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
  • National Healthcareer Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT).