Pharmacy Technician 1

Oregon Health & Science University•Portland, OR

About The Position

This position provides technical support to pharmacists through preparation of unit doses, data entry, medication delivery, and cartfill exchange. The technician is responsible for accountability and accuracy in standard operating procedures in these areas and works under the direct supervision of a pharmacist. The pharmacist is responsible for the safe and proper distribution and use of drugs for inpatients and outpatients ranging from neonates and infants to children, adolescents, adults, and elderly patients. The role includes unit dose functions, medication inventory and replenishment, medication returns and credits, refrigerator temperature recording, narcotics processing, barcode integrity, and delivery to nursing locations. It also supports pharmacists with order entry, filling medication orders, maintaining medication profiles, billing, telephone support, and loading automated dispensing cabinets. The technician prioritizes new-order labels, maintains work areas, removes expired medications, and performs other technician duties as assigned based on operational needs. The position may involve exposure to hazardous chemicals and noise. The technician must distinguish hazardous from non-hazardous medications and handle hazardous medications safely according to regulatory guidelines. Flexibility in shift scheduling and accountability for accuracy are emphasized.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Active State of Oregon Pharmacy Technician License.
Complete and maintain job-specific competencies and certifications.
Computer keyboarding skills.
Ability to read and understand medical-related terms.
Ability to perform basic pharmaceutical mathematics calculations.
Skill in manipulating small objects, such as needles, syringes, and ampules.
Ability to use mechanical systems for transfer of fluids.
Knowledge of and skill in applying aseptic technique.
Ability to establish priorities in workflow.
Good interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work under the supervision of diverse pharmacists.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation.
Accountability for accuracy in performing the duties of the position.

Nice To Haves

Formal pharmacy technician training program.
Inpatient and outpatient hospital pharmacy experience.
Knowledge of medical and scientific nomenclature.

Responsibilities

Tube medications from the pharmacy to hospital and clinic areas.
Repackage medications for unit dose dispensing and maintain and replenish stock for emergency trays and kits.
Return medications to stock and perform credits.
Record refrigerator temperatures daily.
Process narcotics for removal from pharmacy inventory and order replacements as needed.
Ensure medications are barcoded before leaving the pharmacy to maintain barcode medication integrity.
Visit nursing locations to deliver items and remove excess or discontinued oral and injectable dosage units from patient bins and refrigerators, returning them to the pharmacy for action.
Enter inpatient and outpatient orders into the computer system.
Fill unit dose medication orders.
Select medications from inventory to fill new orders or provide 24-hour medication distribution to patient rooms.
Answer telephone calls; perform filing, billing and crediting, and medication profile maintenance.
Load and refill medications in automated dispensing cabinet stations.
Prioritize labels from new orders so products are delivered to the label location at least one hour before the label due time.
Organize and restock work areas during and before the end of the shift, and remove expired medication.
Distinguish hazardous from non-hazardous medications and safely handle hazardous medications according to regulatory guidelines.
Perform other technician duties as assigned based on operational needs.