JOB SUMMARY

The one-year Pharmacy Technician Trainee program is designed to provide students with the basic skills and knowledge to begin a career as a Pharmacy Technician. At the end of one-year, the Pharmacy Technician Trainee will be required to obtain a current Washington State Pharmacy Technician license to be eligible to apply to an available Pharmacy Technician position.

The Pharmacy Technician Trainee is responsible for performing pharmaceutical duties including unit-dose preparation, and I.V. admixture preparation. Further responsibilities include assisting pharmacists, medication delivery, and record keeping. The pharmacy technician adheres to all department policies and procedures, and other applicable regulatory agencies (PQAC, DOH, DEA, DNV, and OSHA). All functions are to be performed under the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

PRINCIPLE FUNCTIONS includes the following, other duties may be assigned:

Performs unit-dose packaging activities which include repackaging and labeling medications utilizing appropriate equipment in accordance with established procedures. Prepares medications for delivery to nursing units. Reconstitutes certain medications requiring a specific diluent with specific quantity of diluent. In all cases, the accuracy of the technician is checked by a pharmacist. Delivers departmental requisitions as needed (includes high-cost central supplies items stored in PYXIS). Stock PYXIS machines using the barcode scanning method of medications from a computer-generated medication list that is verified by a registered pharmacist. Prepares and logs prepacked medications for “Take Home Packs” in the emergency department. Accuracy of fill is checked by a pharmacist. Performs charging and crediting processes for inpatient medications. Reviews patient profiles to retrieve specific information as directed. Performs IV admixture and other parenteral preparations under established procedures to allow verification of appropriate ingredients and quantities by a registered pharmacist. Every technician will be required to perform these specialized functions: a. Every technician will complete the hospital’s IV certification, to include passing written test, observational review, fingertip tests and growth media testing detailed below: i. Successful completion of the hospital’s IV certifications, to include hand hygiene and garbing competency, passing written test (at hire and annually), observational review (at hire and annually), fingertip testing (at hire and annually) and growth media testing (at hire and annually) prior to being allowed to perform compounding of sterile products. Failure of any element of competency requires retraining and retesting to ensure competency. Successful completion of videos detailing the correct cleaning, maintenance and use of both the Laminar Airflow (horizontal) hood and the Biological Safety Cabinet (vertical) hood. Complete and successfully pass all MySpark, Healthstream, or equivalent assignments related to compounding of sterile preparations including the laws and regulations related to parental admixtures. Complete ChemoPlus Pharmacy Training and Certification Kit under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist. Maintains accurate records of all work and IV procedures performed as needed. Promptly reports all defects or suspected failures in aseptic technique or IV accuracy to the supervising pharmacist. Periodic assessment of competency in IV admixture and other parenteral preparations will be assessed annually and as needed by written test, observational review, fingertip testing and growth media fill testing. Checks PYXIS console alerts for critical lows, stock outs and discrepancies. Performs medication and supply ordering, receiving, stocking, and returns. Performs pharmacy stock inspections for recalls and outdated stock. Performs floor stock inspections for accumulation of medications, replacement of depleted, about to outdate, or outdated stock. Retrieves, counts, refills and bills medications removed from crash carts and medication trays and kits (Surgical, Anesthesia and EMS kits) and then returns them to the appropriate unit. Accuracy of fill to be verified by a pharmacist. Keeps all supplies needed for operation of the pharmacy stocked. Participates in annual inventory of all drugs related to pharmacy. Handles phone calls consistent with nonprofessional inquiries: a. Screens phone call and responds to requests when within scope.  Includes calls dealing with the ordering of medications from wholesalers or medical clinics. Includes calls from the Medical Ambulatory Clinic (MAC) regarding patient’s arrival for treatment. Refers all questions regarding drug therapy to a registered pharmacist. Maintains assigned work areas and equipment in a clean and orderly fashion. Participates on quality improvement (QI) teams and performs QI data collection and posting. Participates in continuing education programs as necessary to maintain technician license and enhance professional knowledge pertinent to the department needs. Aids in the training of new pharmacist and technician staff. Administrative duties to include preparing various reports at the direction of the Director of Pharmacy. Assist in maintenance and update of 340B tasks and audits. Other duties as required and assigned within the constraints of Chapter 246-945 WAC.                                                                                  

JOB KNOWLEDGE & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Proof of high school diploma or G.E.D.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

BLS Required.

  Benefit Information and Wage Transparency: WhidbeyHealth Employees who work a 0.5 FTE or higher are categorized as, “benefit eligible”.

Click here for benefit information.

Wage Range: $19.635 - $20.126