Pharmacy Technician

JOB SUMMARY :

The major job responsibilities of this position are : batch preparation, new order dose preparation, stock preparations, Automated Dispensing Machine (ADM) functions, inter / intra department orders, maintenance of assigned medication area(s), liaison activities, medication distribution processes and departmental service requirements.

EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS :

All pharmacy technicians must possess certain demonstrated abilities and a thorough knowledge base, understanding, and level of proficiency to assure adherence to the procedures and objectives of pharmacy services.

These abilities and knowledge include general basic chemistry, arithmetic, basic algebra, reading, and writing.

EDUCATION :

LICENSURES / CERTIFICATION :

Current California State Board of Pharmacy Technician License

Must successfully complete and maintain LA City Fire Card certification at the time of hire or within the first 30 days of employment

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ( These are the essential job functions for this position. The essential functions of this job include, but may not be limited to those listed in this job description.

Employees hired for this position must be able to perform the essential function of this job without imposing significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of themselves or others) :

U nder the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assists in the various activities of the pharmacy department not requiring the professional judgment of the pharmacist.

Pharmacy technicians will function in strict accordance with standard, written procedures and guidelines.

The following activities are components of the position to assist in meeting the major job responsibilities :

1. Obtains and maintains appropriate knowledge and understanding of the Hospital and the Department of Pharmacy. This knowledge will include an overview of the department, the content of the department's training program, and other topics as determined by their supervisor.

2. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position to which he / she is assigned which may include :

Filling unit dose carts

ADM loading and unloading, refills, outdates, troubleshooting, discrepancies

Repackaging, labeling, manufacturing, handling, and storing pharmaceuticals

Processing charges for medications

Using and maintaining equipment and facilities

Restocking floor stock and many different types of specialty kits and trays

Operating automated Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) compounder equipment

Documenting controlled substance use

Controlling medication inventory

Functioning in accordance with the operational procedures specific to the Acute Care areas, Pediatrics, NICU, PICU, Oncology, Critical Care, Operating Room with respect to sterile compounding

3. Uses appropriate pharmaceutical-medical terms, abbreviations, and symbols common to the prescribing, dispensing, and charting of medications in the institution.

4. Maintains a working knowledge of the general chemical and physical properties of drugs handled in the pharmacy department.

These include, but are not limited to, identifying medications that are light sensitive, requires refrigeration, are caustic, or poisonous.

Uses reference books and website references for stability information or material safety data sheets.

5. Carries out the calculations required for the usual dosage determinations and solutions preparation, using weight and volume equivalents in the metric systems.

6. Performs the essential functions relating to drug purchasing and inventory control.

7. Maintains a working knowledge (for all patient ages) of all aspects of pharmacy services identified below :

Medical terminology and abbreviations

Drug names and classifications

Medication order and prescription interpretation

Medication computer order entry

Preparation procedures for adult, pediatric, and neonatal non-sterile dosage forms

Pharmaceutical calculations

Aseptic technique and preparation procedures for adult, pediatric, and neonatal sterile dosage forms, including chemotherapeutic agents, total parenteral nutrition products, and various other specialty sterile dosage forms,

Federal and State Laws governing the practice of pharmacy and the distribution of controlled and non-controlled substances,

Medication error prevention methods

8. Manufactures, packages, and labels drug products as needed.

9. Performs aseptic compounding of parenteral admixtures and other sterile dosage forms. This includes the practice of aseptic technique, proper procedures for preparing all types of parenteral admixtures (excluding chemotherapy), preparation of the label and any control records, the proper technique for visual inspection of parenteral solutions, and the documentation of quality control.

10. Performs various functions associated with an institutional drug distribution system. This includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of medications for patients, the completion of the necessary dispensing records, the procedures that apply to record keeping and dispensing of controlled substances, investigational drugs, non-formulary drugs, antineoplastic agents, and the delivery and exchange of medications.

Participates in the training and / or orientation of new pharmacy employees.

Interacts effectively with other members of the health care team on a regular basis. Maintains honest and attentiveness to the rights of patients.

Maintains confidentiality of patient information.

Triages orders, determines priorities, processes orders and notifies the pharmacist as appropriate.

14. Operates automated technology (ADM, TPN compounders, computers, etc.) in accordance to policy, procedures and manufacturing instructions.

Performs other tasks as assigned.

Understands, implements and complies with the National Patient Safety Goals

The following job accountabilities are not unique to this particular job but are common to all jobs at VPH :

Complies with VPH policies and procedures on customer satisfaction and service excellence. Demonstrates professionalism and cultural sensitivity in coordinating activities and communicating with all customers, peers, and the community at large.

Conducts self in a professional, respectful and courteous manner during all interactions. Works effectively and collaboratively with others toward common goals.

Communicates accurately, honestly, supportively and in a timely manner with department and interdepartmental team members.

Demonstrates effective business writing and oral communication skills, handwriting is clear and legible.

Participates in operational aspects of the department, and maintains / participates in performance improvement activities within the department.

Participates in all departmental specific training, Environment of Care (injury / illness prevention, fire / life safety, hazardous materials, emergency preparedness, utilities management, medical equipment management, safety and security management), infection control (standard precautions, TB Exposure Control Plan, Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan).

Demonstrates knowledge of and follows safety practices. Understands the importance of safety, including patient safety in the work place.

Maintains a safe environment for self and others.

Actively participates in the Patient Safety Program, including event reporting. Identifies sentinel events / near misses and responds per defined organization processes.

Participates in education activities and process implementation. Demonstrates advocacy for the patient / customer and appropriately acknowledges patients, customers and visitors.

The above statements reflect the essential functions considered necessary to describe the principle content of the job. They are not intended to be a complete statement of all work requirements or duties that may be inherent in the job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

Primarily an inside building / office environment, well lighted and ventilated, which may consist of multiple treatment and / or work sites.

Fast and continuous work pace with variable workload.

Frequent contact with staff and public under a variety of circumstances.Requires ability to communicate clearly (in English) verbally and in writing for effective communication with other staff members, physicians, vendors, community members, patients and patient families, employees and applicants of all socio-economic levels from a diverse cultural and ethnic population.

Subject to many interruptions from multiple calls and inquiries and potentially emotional situations involving accidents, injuries, illness and / or death.

Handles emergency / crisis situations in accordance with Hospital policy.

Answers phones or pages; may carry a beeper / pager, and / or use a two-way radio.

Occasional travel may be required.

Potential risk of exposure to hazards from chemicals (toxic and non-toxic), flammable materials, gas or electrical or radiant energy or equipment with / without moving parts.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS :

Continuous 66 to 100% of timeFrequent 33 to 65% of timeOccasional 0 to 32% of time

Patient Care

Continuous standing / walking and occasional / intermittent sitting.

Continuous use of bilateral upper extremities in fine motor activities requiring fingering, grasping, and forward reaching between waist and shoulder level to handle / operate medical equipment / devices.

Frequent reaching above shoulder level and overhead.

Frequent forward bending, twisting, squatting and kneeling; occasional climbing.

Occasional repositioning and transferring patients weighing up to 200 pounds between bed, chair, and gurney.

Occasional lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Occasional / intermittent pushing of gurneys, wheelchairs, bed and other medical equipment over tiled and carpeted surfaces.

Continuous use of near vision to read medical equipment such as monitoring devices and reading documents and computer screens;

hearing and verbal communication to interact with patients, co-workers, and other customers.

Clerical / Administrative Patient Care

Frequent sitting and standing / walking with frequent position change.

Continuous use of bilateral upper extremities in fine motor activities requiring fingering, grasping, and forward reaching between waist and chest level.

Occasional / intermittent reaching at or above shoulder level.

Occasional / intermittent bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing / pulling, twisting, and climbing.

Occasional / intermittent lifting and carrying objects / equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Continuous use of near vision, hearing and verbal communication skills in handling telephone calls, interacting with customers and co-workers and performing job duties.

Clerical / Administrative Non-Patient Care

Frequent / continuous sitting with occasional, intermittent standing / walking.

Continuous use of bilateral upper extremities in fine motor activities requiring fingering, grasping, and forward reaching between waist and chest level.

Occasional / intermittent reaching at or above shoulder level.

Occasional / intermittent bending, squatting, kneeling, pushing / pulling, twisting and climbing.

Occasional / intermittent lifting and carrying objects / equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

Continuous use of near vision, hearing and verbal communication skills in handling telephone calls, interacting with customers and co-workers and performing job duties.

Salary Range : $30.50 - $36.29 per hour