Pharmacy Technician I

Posted:
6/16/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Illinois, United States ⋅ Chicago, Illinois, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary

GENERAL SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Registered Pharmacist, and in accordance with standard procedures, assists the Pharmacist in the preparation and dispensing of medications and pharmacy supplies, record keeping and stocking of inventory.

II.  REPRESENTATIVE FUNCTIONS: 

Selects medications to fill prescription orders and floor stock requisitions utilizing knowledge of trade and generic names of drugs and standard drug equivalencies (apothecary and metric systems) and attaches appropriate secondary warning labels as necessary.

Follows all policies and procedures and any special protocols for high risk medications. Performs mandated record keeping for medications, including controlled substances. Performs calculations related to medication preparation and dispensing. Ensures all drug orders are checked by a Pharmacist before being dispensed. 

Effectively utilizes the Pyxis system, including reviewing inventory at the console, running basic reports (i.e. hospital-wide medication summary, medication activity reports), and performs basic troubleshooting. Completes barcode scanning for all required Pyxis activities and maintains monthly compliance above target level.  Documents Pyxis transactions, including refilling, loading and unloading medications. Reviews Outdated Medication Report and appropriately replaces medications at the station. Reviews refill lists for high use items in which stock level adjustments may be warranted.

Ensures that drugs are properly labeled, outdated drugs have been removed, and refrigerated drugs are stored at appropriate temperature.  Credits non-administered, ordered medications to their respective accounts within 24 hours of receipt in Pharmacy.

Records all items to be ordered.  Keeps active stock in the work area well supplied for use throughout the next day.

Checks in drug orders and reports discrepancies to the Pharmacy Purchasing Coordinator.  Notifies Pharmacy Purchasing Coordinator when usage of a particular item increases or when stock levels are low. Documents controlled substance transactions in the C2-Safe. 

Reviews stock, creates pre-packed medications and labels/tadpoles using appropriate equipment. Considers cost and usage when determining quantity to prepare. Brings any questionable orders to the pharmacist’s attention. Completes quality control assignments according to policy.

Restocks pharmacy work areas on a daily basis to assure that adequate supplies are readily available for use.  Refills and replaces crash cart medications in a timely manner and maintains records of expiration dates and lock numbers.  Refills emergency boxes, bulk stocked meds and IV solutions. Processes outlying charges.  Makes medication deliveries throughout the hospital as assigned.

Prepares all necessary IV solutions in a safe, sterile manner in accordance with USP 797 guidelines. Follows policies and procedures for stock solution and high risk medication preparation. Documents calculations, dilutions and expiration dates. Processes returned IV’s.  Prepares short stability and high cost items according to policy to controls

Prepares all necessary chemotherapy according to policy, including use of close system transfer devices and priming tubing. Follows all policies and procedures related to cleaning biological safety cabinet (BSC), handling of hazardous medications and handling spills. Reviews patient card and posted drug information brining any questions to the pharmacist’s attention prior to initiating drug preparation. Completes quality control assignments according to policy.

Maintains work station in a safe, clean, and orderly condition.  Conducts monthly inspection of pharmacy, cleans and organizes shelves according as required.  Appropriately prioritizes work, consulting a pharmacist or supervisor when direction is needed.   Answers departmental telephones within 4 rings and services customers at the Pharmacy window in a professional, customer-friendly manner.

Participates in the training of pharmacy technician students and new technician employees and acts as a resource for questions or troubleshooting of the Pyxis system.

III.  SPECIAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

The communication skills to interface with pharmacists and nurses in meeting patients' pharmaceutical needs.

The analytical skills required to perform math calculations necessary to the preparation of IVs and other medications.

The customer service skills required to appropriately respond to staff, vendors.

IV.  KNOWLEDGE, PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE AND LICENSURE/REGISTRATION REQUIRED: .

Current Pharmacy Technician license in the State of Illinois.

Certified Pharmacy Technician with CPhT certification within two (2) years of licensure require, or an active student in an accredited school of Pharmacy, or have maintained active Pharmacy Technician licensure with the state of Illinois since January 1, 2008.

Pharmacy Technician certification either by a national certification test or an approved program is preferred.

Successful completion of Aseptic Technique, Chemotherapy Preparation and other competency testing as assigned on an annual basis.

What you will need:Benefits:

  • Career Pathways to Promote Professional Growth and Development
  • Various Medical, Dental, and Vision options, including Domestic Partner Coverage
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Free Parking at designated locations
  • Wellness Program Savings Plan
  • Health Savings Account Options
  • Retirement Options with Company Match
  • Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay
  • Community Involvement Opportunities