Pharmacy Technician, Certified - Part Time

JOB SUMMARY: Perform drug distribution, drug storage, inventory control, billing and clerical functions associated with the provision of pharmacy services under the supervision of a pharmacist.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare medications for a pharmacist to check prior to dispensing/distribution/delivery to the hospital and its partners according to safe medication practices and pharmacy policies and procedures.
• Inpatient unit dose drug distribution system including, but not limited to, fill automated dispensing machine, packaging medications into unit dose packaging, and extemporaneous (non-sterile) compounding.
• Perform functions related to inventory management.
• Serve as a contact person with drug wholesalers and other suppliers with regard to drug returns, discrepancies, and questions about invoices.
• Review drug recall notices, check inventory for recalled drugs, and return recalled drugs per instructions provided.
• Prepare shipments of outdated and inappropriately stored mediations to the reverse pharmaceutical distributor and track credits for drugs returned.
• Track 340B drug utilization from 340B-eligible areas of the hospital and assist with procurement of 340B-eligible drug inventory.
• Arrange for courier services as needed for drug transportation; use hospital transportation to obtain medications purchased or borrowed from other pharmacies when the courier service is unavailable.
• Ensure drugs are stored and secured appropriately and that drug storage areas are clean and organized.
• Check and document temperatures of all refrigerators and freezers within the hospital designated for drug storage.
• Perform drug storage area inspections monthly in the hospital, each GCH clinic every other month, and EMS squads every six months; complete and submit inspection reports to the Director of Pharmacy.
• Keep pharmacy clean and organized, including cleaning dispensing and other work surfaces, computers and Pyxis surfaces and keyboards, and shelves.
• File all pharmacy records, including controlled substance records, per legal requirements and pharmacy policy and procedures.
• Assist Accounts Payable and Director of Pharmacy with invoices as needed.
• Enter drug charges electronically.
• Track and submit interdepartmental and EMS charges and submit to accounting monthly.
• Assist patients with Medicare Part D out-of-pharmacy network applications as requested.
• Performs and maintains documentation related to quality assurance of sterile compounding operations.
• Clean sterile compounding rooms per policy and document.
• Monitor and document pressure differential.
• Maintain drug database information in the pharmacy information system and automated dispensing system as assigned and instructed by the Pharmacy Director.
• Submit PMP Aware Info for controlled substances sent as take homes form the ER.
• Promote and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.
• Remains current with medication safety alerts, suggests changes to processes to improve medication safety, and assists with implementation of medication safety initiatives.
• Adhere to infection control policies as appropriate including isolation precautions, hand washing, and use of PPE.
• Follow hospital policies and procedures for disposal of sharps, biohazardous waste, and hazardous drugs.
• Follow HIPAA regulations and ensure that the confidentiality of patients’ medical, personal, and financial records; employee records; and organizational records is maintained.
• Comply with federal and state regulatory requirements related to the performance of GCH operations and requirements of the GCH compliance program.
• Present self in a professional manner. Enhance professional growth and development through educational opportunities relevant to the job, as well as reading and/or contributing to current literature.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• National pharmacy technician certification (PTCB or ExCPT) upon hire or achieved no longer than one year after hire
• Eligibility for registration as a pharmacy technician with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy
• Hospital pharmacy experience and training in medical/pharmacy terminology preferred