JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

Pharmacy technicians assist the registered pharmacist in preparing and distributing medications, maintaining the drug inventory, and maintaining patient records. Pharmacy technicians work only under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. They do not perform duties that can legally be performed only by a registered pharmacist.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs work accurately with attention to detail within specified time periods
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication.
• Can work independently in all requirements of the job
• Prepares intravenous admixtures or other sterile products accurately according to USP797 guidelines
• Handles frequent interruptions and adapts to changes in workload demand and schedule
• Sets priorities and solves problems
• Responds quickly to emergency requests
• Enters physician medication orders into the pharmacy computer system with accuracy
• Ensures accurate pharmacy charges and credits are applied to patient accounts
• Assists with the monitoring of hospital wide medication use
• Replenishes medications in emergency crash carts or floor stock areas accurately.
• Maintains adequate stock of medications and supplies according to established policies and procedures.
• Completes twice daily replenishing of all Pyxis automated dispensing cabinets
• Assists senior technician in placing drug orders to pharmacy suppliers as needed
• Accountable for 340B compliance and day-to-day management of the 340B program; assure compliance with 340B program requirements of qualified patients, drugs, providers, vendors, payers and locations; testing and tracking of 340B software, assure appropriate safeguards and system integrity; review and refine 340B cost savings report detailing purchasing, and replacement practices.
• Assists in ordering, receiving, unpacking, and storing pharmaceuticals and supplies in appropriate locations.
• Prepackages bulk medications in unit dose packages accurately per established procedure
• Completes and documents all assigned medication storage area inspections at least monthly, while identifying and replacing all outdated and unusable drugs.
• Procures and distributes medication orders in accordance with all policies, procedures, and protocols
• Assists senior technician and pharmacist with inventory management
• Contributes to the effective operation of the department
• Works cooperatively with all hospital, clinic, and pharmacy staff
• Assists in meeting the pharmaceutical care needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients
• Answers the phone with appropriate etiquette and directs all calls appropriately
• Keeps pharmacy area clean, neat, and well organized
• Seeks out needed information by staying informed and involved by attending meetings, reading memos, policies, meeting minutes, newsletters, email and other appropriate information in a timely manner.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality, including observing appropriate break times, and extending a scheduled shift when necessary to meet patient demands
• Performs duties in a safe manner, in compliance with all safety policies and procedures
• Complies with the Code of Conduct and all appropriate policies and procedures
• Other duties, as assigned, that are relevant to the position and department

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Current State of Maine pharmacy technician license or eligibility before start of work
• Current National Pharmacy Technician Certification required at hire or within 1 year of hire
• At least 2 years pharmacy technician experience preferred, but not required
• Ability to use a personal computer, pharmacy order and dispensing applications and proficiency in Microsoft Office Applications (word processor, excel, etc.)
• Willingness to work weekdays, weekends, and holidays as necessary

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT

Moderate: Occasionally lifts up to 25 pounds independently. Occasionally pushes/pulls 50 pounds on a cart. Often stands or walks for long periods of time (4-8 hours). Repetitive use of hand and fingers is necessary when preparing IV admixtures and entering physician order into the pharmacy computer system. Stooping or kneeling is involved when accessing items on lower shelves or files in lower drawers. Must be able to physically operate the specific equipment required for the job.

EXPOSURE RISK

Exposure Category II: Employee reasonably expected to be at some risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens. Potential for exposure to hazardous and toxic substances (including chemotherapy, cytotoxic drugs, and cleaning solutions). Potential for sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

• Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
• Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
• Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.

COMPLIANCE

• Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
• Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
• Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
• Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.