Compounding Pharmacy Technician

Trinity Health•Dubuque, IA

About The Position

Under the supervision of a pharmacist, assists in the provision of oncology/hematology pharmaceutical care to MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center patients. Responds to routine and emergency requests in a prompt and efficient manner. Tasks require a moderate amount of independent judgement, an advanced level of technical knowledge, and a high degree of accuracy. The hazardous compounding pharmacy technician works to prepare and/or compound sterile and non-sterile hazardous and non-hazardous products to include all dosage forms (e.g. chemotherapy, intravenous admixtures, and oral/solids/liquids) according to established procedures and current pharmacy standards. They shall also maintain their skills to function as a pharmacy technician in the main pharmacy to prepare all medications for pharmacist check, ensure delivery to nursing units for patient administration, refill & maintain Pyxis units, restock kits, triage phone calls, and process departmental paperwork ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Adheres to the principles of caring and expected behaviors outlined in MercyOne Medical Center's Model of Caring and Trinity Health's Code of Conduct, fostering a climate where all customers are treated in a manner consistent with MercyOne Medical Center's Mission and Values. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior. Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job as directed.

Requirements

Proficiently perform math calculations involving addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, fractions, and the metric system accurately.
Knowledge of pharmaceutical names and dosages.
Must exhibit independent thinking in performing job functions.
Must have acceptable accuracy in performing tasks of verbal and written communication, as well as keyboard operation and computer skills.
Must be detailed and well organized.
Must have above average recall abilities in order to perform technical job functions.
Must possess the ability to effectively and courteously communicate with other members of the pharmacy, medical and hospital staff as well as guests and clients of the hospital.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
High school diploma or GED required. A degree from higher level education degree that requires a high school diploma or GED as a pre-requisite is also permitted.
Registration with Iowa Board of Pharmacy within 30 days of employment.
Demonstrated competence during 3 years of pharmacy (hospital-experience) required, or at the discretion of the director/supervisor based on employee's skill set, aptitude and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

Prepare IV solutions including hazardous and non-hazardous products following the rules and regulations outlined by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy, USP 797, USP 795 and USP 800 as appropriate, along with proper aseptic technique throughout the compounding preparation process.
Clean work surfaces and IV hood components consistent with department policies and procedures.
Seek opportunities to impact our Key Results and Cultural Beliefs to produce positive outcomes.
Seek to identify process problems and utilize problem-solving to produce a positive outcome.
Promote and role model a positive work environment and teamwork.
Adapt positively to the ever-changing healthcare environment by supporting and implementing needed changes.
Perform duties with flexibility, adapting to changing schedules, as well as patient needs by prioritizing workload accordingly.
Perform dispensing functions under the supervision of a pharmacist.
Generates medication labels and/or fills medications for use by patients, nursing units and other departments.
Monitor patient's usage of IV antibiotics and returns unused medications to the pharmacy.
Refill Pyxis according to scheduled days for refills, refills stock out orders for Pyxis as needed, pends new items to Pyxis units when needed, and able to resolve error messages and discrepancies when they occur on the Pyxis devices.
Accurately fill unit dose medications for final verification by the pharmacist
Credit/return unused medications to appropriate storage locations.
Order/receive medications and supplies from vendors, wholesalers, and SPD.
Monitor medications throughout the hospital for expiration dates and appropriate storage.
Maintain shelving in the pharmacy in a clean and organized manner.
Maintain current knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.
Perform daily record keeping requirements.
Communicate with providers and nurses by answering phones and responding to their requests by procuring urgently needed medications in an efficient manner.
Solve problems with orders still in process and properly refers drug information requests or special situational problems to a pharmacist.
Perform necessary pharmacy functions including processing emergency/crash carts, processing EMS/Air Care kits, processing interdepartmental requisitions, restocking, and other necessary duties to effectively operate a pharmacy.
Restock pharmaceuticals, intravenous solutions, and supplies in work areas, rotating stock as needed and removes expired medications.
Generate designated computer reports and operates related computer equipment.
Deliver medication carts, intravenous solutions, and controlled substances to nursing units following departmental storage, security and accountability practices.
Compound non-sterile pharmaceutical products not commercially available following established policy and procedure.
Promote and establish effective relationships within the department, with other departments, providers, nursing staff, and with hospital guests and clients.
Maintain the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patients, providers, employees, and visitors to MercyOne Medical Center-Dubuque. Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places and always abides by HIPPA regulations.
Behave in accordance with the Mission, Vision, and Values of MercyOne Medical Center.
Assume responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to their supervisor.
Take an active role in enhancing abilities to carry out job functions through personal and professional/job-related growth and development.
Perform and documents routine cleaning responsibilities to ensure proper maintenance of the Pharmacy. Maintains a clean environment within the pharmacy as required, and monitors cleanliness in designated areas within MercyOne Medical Center.
Compound designated pharmaceutical products and irrigation solutions, following departmental procedures, under the general direction of a registered pharmacist.
Maintain current registration status with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy including notification to the board of any changes in technician name, address and/or pharmacy employment status.
Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health’s Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, as well as other policies and procedures to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical, and professional behavior.