Pharmacy Tech

Summary of Essential Functions

• Entry level technician performing basic pharmaceutical duties
• Assists pharmacists in preparing and distributing medications, maintaining the medication inventory and maintaining patient records.
• Perform duties and works under the direct supervision of Registered Pharmacists and may be managed by more experienced Pharmacy Technicians.

Educational Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• College courses desirable but not required.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Licensure and Certifications

• Current registration as a Pharmacy Technician or Technician Trainee with the State of Texas.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Effective interpersonal communications skills
• Skill in the calculation of basic pharmaceutical problems.
• Basic computer/keyboarding skill
• Ability to organize daily work
• Ability to use pharmaceutical equipment effectively
• Ability to interact well with patients and healthcare personnel
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Knowledge of procedures to be followed in the storage of drugs, rotation of stock and checking and verification of expiration dates
• Skill in accurate measurement of liquids
• Perform work accurately with attention to detail within specified times.
• Must be able to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule. Hours may be long an irregular, includes evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary.
• Must be able to set priorities and solve problems.
• Fosters a team environment by providing orientation and training to new team members.
• Must be able to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, psychiatric, obstetric, oncology, chemically dependent, rehabilitation and skilled-nursing patients.
• Must become proficient at this level within 6 months of hire and meet the training requirements to promote to Level II within the next 6 months. This position is temporary and for the purpose of on boarding only.

Physical Requirements

• Repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., use of a computer keyboard).
• Potential for exposure to hazardous and toxic substances (including chemotherapeutic, cytotoxic drugs and cleaning solutions), sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp items.
• May require lifting and carrying light loads of approximately 25 pounds.
• Stooping, kneeling, walking or standing for long periods of time.
• Must be able to physically operate the equipment used in the job.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Procures and distributes drug orders per physician request, pharmacist request or prearranged work assignment according to established policies, procedures and protocols, and within specified time frame. Fills physician’s orders, medication surgical kits, medication carts or medication requisitions and specialty items/bins accurately.
• Identifies and fills replacement medications on emergency crash carts, OR carts and floor stock accurately. Delivers medications and supplies to patient care and ancillary areas accurately.
• Maintains adequate stock of medications and supplies according to established policies, procedures and protocols and within specified time frame. Assists in ordering, receiving, unpacking and storing pharmaceuticals and supplies in appropriate locations. Rotates stock to ensure use before expiration date. Identifies and replaces outdated and unusable drugs. Restocks medication and IV dispensing areas. Prepackages medications in unit of use containers.
• Contributes to the effective operation of the department. Picks up orders, requisitions and medications for return from patient care areas when on delivery rounds. Enters medication orders into pharmacy computer system accurately. Generates reports, restock lists and labels as required.
• Answers the telephone, identifying self and department. Directs calls to appropriate personnel. Answers requests at the window and makes STAT deliveries to patient care areas when requested. Organizes and prioritizes work assignments.
• Maintains logs, records and other required documentation accurately. Files in appropriate locations.
• Precept Pharmacy Technicians, Pharmacy Students, Pharmacists, and Nurses regarding pharmacy-related activities.
• Participates in the quality improvement activities of the department. Completes all assigned medication storage area inspections in a timely manner. Conducts quality monitors, collects data and completes documentation, as assigned. Keeps pharmacy areas clean, neat, and well organized. Keeps pharmacy equipment and areas clean, neat and well-organized.
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.