Pharmacy Tech I

SUMMARY:

 Under the guidance of the Director of Pharmacy and/or staff pharmacist, the Pharmacy Technician I is responsible for accurately preparing and delivering medication orders, including all IV admixtures. The technician also replenishes floor stock supplies, assists in inventory management, maintains records, prepares patient charges, and adheres to department policies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.    Efficiently fills morning medications, including resolving Pyxis stockouts. Accurately refills the Pyxis and patient cassettes, ensuring appropriate labeling and reconciliation.

2.    Conducts daily visual audits of medication storage areas, including Pyxis machines, crash carts, refrigerators, and other areas maintained by the pharmacy department, to ensure compliance.

3.    Timely unit dosing of medications, checking and resolving refrigerator temperatures as required. Refills crash cart trays when notified by Central Supply and documents in the appropriate log.

4.    Maintains cleanliness of the IV hood and performs quality assessments, including cultures. Prepares IV admixtures using automated systems to ensure batch preparations and prioritizes STAT orders. Assists with ordering IV inventory and cleaning supplies as needed.

5.    Actively participates in pharmacy department staff meetings, regularly checks hospital email for updates on pharmacy and hospital notices, and communicates effectively with pharmacy and hospital staff.

6.    Represents the pharmacy department at nursing department meetings to ensure quality service and improve interdepartmental communication.

7.    Demonstrates the ability to meet timelines to ensure medication safety and patient care throughout the hospital. Utilizes organizational, group dynamic, and interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with pharmacy and hospital staff.

8.    Adheres to all regulations set forth by the California State Board of Pharmacy, DNV, DHS, and other patient safety quality cultures.

9.    Reports to the department as scheduled, provides requests for time off in a reasonable time frame, and maintains availability to assist the department when required.

10.    Ensures competencies, state licensure, and certifications are maintained as required for employment.

11.    Works directly with patients to obtain medication histories and reconciliation.

12.    Uses technology to help maintain accurate patient records, medication inventory, and orders, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.    Attends and participates in other programs, committees, and functions as required by the Director of Pharmacy.

2.    Collaborates with other pharmacy personnel and works as a team when needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE:

1.    Pharmacy tech experience preferred.

2.    Preference for a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) with national certification earned by passing a nationally recognized exam i.e. PTCB, ExCPT etc.

3.    Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

1.    Pharmacy Technician License 

a.    Current license in good standing.

b.    Must be licensed in the state of California.

2.    CPR certification.

AGE OF POPULATION SERVED:

1.    Newborn, Infant/Pediatric, Adolescent, Adult, Geriatric, All, No Patient Care

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

1.    Occasional prolonged standing or walking. Frequent lifting of supplies and equipment is necessary.