Pharmacy Technician I

Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Department: Pharmacy - General

Position is located: Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Schedule: No Hours Assigned

Summary:

Assist pharmacists in medication preparation and distribution while ensuring a high degree of quality and accuracy during daily tasks. Pharmacy Technicians coordinate with co-workers and other staff members, including RNs, CNAs, Pharmacists, etc. to ensure correct and timely filling and distribution of patient medication orders. Pharmacy Technicians are responsible for preparing and manufacturing medications, as prescribed following established protocols and procedures. Technicians also participate in the creation and management of medication histories in the electronic health records.

Responsibilities:

• Provides excellent customer service and answers the phone in a timely manner (within 3 rings)
• Requires supervision by pharmacist and relies on Pharmacy Technicians II and III for questions
• Position intended for learning and potential advancement to Technician II the approval/recommendation of the immediate supervisor
• Prepare for and participate in inventory count preparation and processed as required (cycle counts)
• Remove outdated or recalled products in a timely fashion for return to the appropriate vendor
• Alert manager to any problems or situations as they occur and enlist his/her help if necessary
• Maintain clean and adequate inventory levels of supplies
• A pharmacy technician may engage in the practice of pharmacy at a pharmacy only under the direct supervision of a pharmacist as defined in Chapter 1, Section 14 of the board's rules.
• Oversees pharmaceutical inventory using PYXIS system and assists with processing patient charges and preparation of medications for dispensing.
• Selects correct medications and quantities.
• Accurately restocks medications to the correct pocket.
• Outdates medications as necessary.
• Documents charges when necessary.
• Performs Pyxis functions accurately and timely.
• Delivers stock in a timely manner.
• Troubleshoots issues with machines.
• Performs monthly unit inspections using appropriate documentation form.
• Prepares compounds and dispenses medications, and sterile compounds upon physician's orders.
• Selects correct solutions and medications and performs accurate dosage calculations.
• Follows appropriate hand hygiene and garbing procedures.
• Appropriately compounds sterile preparations Low and Medium Risk sterile preparations.
• Adheres to inspection control procedures for IV room and maintains logs.
• Documents appropriately including charges/credits.
• Restocks returned medications when appropriate.
• Delivers medications in a timely manner.
• Completed and Passed Semi-Annual Sterile Compounding competency.
• Maintains accurate control substance inventory.
• Selects correct medications and quantities.
• Documents discrepancies when necessary.
• Reviews the CII safe to Pyxis Report at close of shift.
• Assists nursing in review of discrepancies
• Assists in maintaining appropriate stock levels.
• Supplies reorder information to Pharmacy Buyer.
• Orders IV solutions and other supplies utilizing the Online Ordering System.
• Restocks work areas as necessary.
• Receives wholesale and direct orders in the absence of the Pharmacy Buyer.
• Cleans and dusts medications storage areas as necessary.
• Documents borrow/loan transactions.
• Removes outdates from shelves
• Performs additional duties as required or assigned

Other Information:

• A pharmacy technician may not perform any of the following tasks: o Clinically evaluate a patient profile relative to drugs that have or will be dispensed; o Make decisions that require the education and professional training of a pharmacist; or o Sign any federally-required controlled substance or inventory form.
• A pharmacy technician shall carry the wallet-sized license card issued by the board at all times the technician is on duty and shall produce the card upon request of the pharmacist in charge, a pharmacist on duty or an agent of the board. Active Maine pharmacist technician license in good standing.
• Must be familiar/proficient with computer use.
• Prior experience/proficiency with i.e. Microsoft Office.
• Must have ability to adapt to work situations such as independent work and/or team environments.
• Demonstrate system values and integrates them into daily organizational practice.
• Actively support patient-centered care with sensitivity and respect for the diversity of human experience.
• Ability to work independently and in a team atmosphere.
• Basic computer related skills to send and receive emails, type general correspondence, and enter data into spreadsheets or other software applications.
• Knowledge of drug names, medical terminology, the metric system and ability to perform math calculations.
• Ability to prioritize workflow.
• Demonstrate successful use of critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
• Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• No previous experience required.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
• Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.

Credentials

• Required Pharmacy Technician

Education

• Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Extend body and limbs to reach items.
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.
• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.