Pharmacy Technician - Medication History

General Summary

The Department of Pharmacy has the responsibility for the implementation and coordination of drug control in the process of providing pharmaceutical care for patients of all ages within the Medical Center. Under the clinical supervision of a Registered Pharmacist, the Pharmacy Technician I assists pharmacists in pharmaceutical preparation, distribution, and record keeping functions in the delivery of pharmaceutical supplies to patients in accordance department policies and guidelines.

Principal Job Functions

• Prepares unit dose medication based on labels generated from pharmacist order entry according to department guidelines.
• Differentiates between “stat”, “now” and “routine” doses and whether it is a medication to be loaded into the automated dispensing machine or if it is needed for the patient specific medication drawer.
• Delivers and exchanges patient medications accurately and in a timely manner according to established department guidelines.
• Fills floor stock orders for deliveries as well as accurately restocks medications in the automated dispensing devices on patient care areas and in ancillary areas.
• Operates pharmacy computer system to fill medication replacement orders and missing medication requests; accurately credits and/or returns patient medication in pharmacy computer system as appropriate.
• Troubleshoots automated dispensing devices for medications on nursing units and in ancillary areas as needed.
• Utilizes software to generate barcode labels for medication products following established hospital procedures.
• Adheres to safety and security procedures to promote a safe and secure environment including adherence to state restrictions on Pharmacy Technician functions.

Education And Experience

• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Previous work experience in a healthcare environment preferred.

Other Credentials / Certifications

• Registration as a Pharmacy Technician in the State of Nebraska required.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification from a State of Nebraska approved certification agency preferred but not required until required by the State of Nebraska based on the 1-year anniversary of the individual’s State of Nebraska Pharmacy Technician Registration.
• Examples include: ptcb, ExCPT, UNMC (NE-CPhT).

Additional Job Functions

• In collaboration with the pharmacist, coordinates and develops a home medication list.
• Possesses knowledge of brand and generic medication names, common dosages and dosage forms and frequency of administration of each medication.
• Assesses completeness of current medication list looking at drug, dose, frequency, application site for topical medications, indication for use, and last prescription fill date. Establishes rapport with patient and/or patient representative to obtain medication history.
• Determines medication adherence and recent antibiotic utilization prior to admission. Obtains indication for PRN medications and actual frequency of use of PRN medication. Adapts to changes in workload and schedule to meet patient needs.
• Navigates the electronic health record and enter new or update existing medication history information.

Additional Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to multitask in a fast paced environment.

Additional Required Credentials / Certifications

• Retail pharmacy experience including prescription transcription duties preferred.