GENERAL SUMMARY AND PURPOSE:
Under the immediate supervision of a pharmacist and Pharmacy Department leadership, provides daily pharmaceutical supportive services for the Department of Pharmacy according to established procedures and in compliance with pharmacy laws, other regulatory agencies and other members of the multi-disciplinary team. Responds to routine and emergency requests in a prompt and efficient manner, requiring a relatively high degree of independent judgement. Participates in departmental education activities and competency assessment. Actively supports and participates in the department's continuous quality improvement initiatives; promotes the organizational commitment to customer service.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Education: Requires high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a formal Pharmacy Technician educational program and/or completion of an Associate's Degree preferred.
Experience: Previous pharmacy experience, hospital-based pharmacy experience preferred. Formal Pharmacy Technician program experiential education may be considered in lieu of work experience.
Licensure: Licensure in the State of Michigan is required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Reads and interprets physician's medication orders, assists with filling, processing and dispensing of medications, re-packages and labels medication, including bulk supplies, with final check performed by a pharmacist.
Maintains cleanliness and aseptic technique while following established departmental compounding practices and procedures when mixing intravenous admixtures including IVPBs, large volume parenterals, and total parenteral nutrition, if necessary. Prior to performing drug preparation proven competency while working aseptically in a horizontal or vertical laminar (biological safety cabinet) flow hood using aseptic technique is required. Adheres to USP 797/USP 800 Guidelines.
Delivers controlled substances and other medications to nursing units' automated medication dispensing cabinets (ADC). Delivers other medication, IV solutions and all necessary forms throughout the hospital on a regularly scheduled basis to patient care areas.
Prepares medications and subsequently loads and unloads medication into ADC with appropriate bar code scanning. Fills inventory needs for nursing unit ADCs, non-cabinet stock, and fills unit dose drawers by placing the proper drugs in the bins according to the computerized patient profile.
Supports the drug inventory process including rotation and restocking of drug dispensing areas with drugs and supplies needed to process patient medication orders. Ensures the maintenance of a clean and orderly work area.
Answers phones according to established phone etiquette and directs calls to the proper personnel. Determines when phone calls or emergency situations need to be referred to a pharmacist.
Completes nursing unit inspections, as assigned. Restocks crash cart trays and OCMCA boxes etc., as required in a timely manner. Alerts the pharmacists or pharmacy management of any discrepancies.
Fills controlled substance orders and reconciles all discrepancies on a daily basis. Reports any discrepancies to the pharmacist or pharmacy management as appropriate. Monitors any unusual activity for potential drug diversion.
Only when/if trained in oncology may an inpatient technician prepares and packages chemotherapy medications and other medications requiring special handling for subsequent administration to patients under the supervision of the pharmacist. This includes verifying drug doses and preparing preliminary drug profiles for patients on established chemotherapy protocols. Safely handles and manipulates cytotoxic and other special drugs and incidental equipment used in drug preparation while working aseptically in a vertical flow hood or biological safety cabinet. Adheres to all safety measures for handling chemotherapy/hazardous materials. Maintains all necessary paperwork, legal documents, and records for all medications, including chemotherapy prepared for administration. Utilizing the pharmacy computer system, bills and/or credits patients for medication used. Maintains investigational drug research records and validates doses ordered using investigational drug protocols.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.