PHARM TECH ADV-CHEMO

Covenant Health•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, the Advanced Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician performs functions related to dispensing chemotherapy medications. The position includes expanded technical functions such as IV process proficiency, problem-solving, hazardous medication admixture, and involvement in quality improvement. Leadership skills are required, including written and verbal communication that supports department objectives. The technician performs duties associated with Level I and Level II technicians, assists with their training, and supports implementation and improvement of departmental projects, policies, and procedures. The role includes preparing and dispensing chemotherapy and intravenous medications, managing chemotherapy inventory and supplies, maintaining biological safety cabinets and clean rooms, following hazardous-drug safety practices, and maintaining investigational drug supplies in accordance with regulatory requirements. This is a full-time, 80-hours-per-pay-period, day-shift position at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. Newly hired probationary employees must obtain a Tennessee Board of Pharmacy technician license by the end of their first 90 days of employment and maintain it in active status thereafter.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in the storage, handling, and disposal of chemotherapy drugs, or at least two years of experience with State-approved certification.
Must obtain a Tennessee Board of Pharmacy technician license by the end of the first 90 days of hire and maintain the license in active status thereafter.
Education must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the required license and/or certification.

Responsibilities

Performs all position accountabilities and performance criteria for Level I and Level II technicians.
Assists the pharmacist in training Level I and Level II technicians.
Initiates and/or coordinates improvement activities as appropriate.
Assists in implementing new projects, including developing policies and procedures.
Demonstrates knowledge and competency in providing for the age-specific needs of the oncology population served.
Accurately calculates, prepares, compounds, and dispenses chemotherapy medications.
Assists pharmacists in preparing compounds, chemotherapy, and intravenous medications in response to physician orders.
Stocks, restocks, and manages chemotherapy medications and supplies; reconciles invoices.
Performs daily cleaning and decontamination of biological safety cabinets.
Maintains clean-room operations, including monthly microbial surveillance air and surface testing; monitors pressure gauges for negative-pressure rooms, positive-pressure rooms, and the ante room, and takes appropriate action when readings are outside acceptable levels.
Uses personal protective equipment appropriately when preparing chemotherapy agents.
Follows safe handling guidelines for hazardous waste, including the Chemotherapy Hazardous Waste Spill Policy.
Maintains investigational drug supplies in strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards; completes required annual education assignments; works toward goals and objectives; and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.