Pharmacy Technician

Organization:

PAMF-Palo Alto Medical Foundation CAD

Position Overview:

Provides timely and accurate pharmaceutical care. Prepares, compounds, packages, labels, and dispenses medication, nutritional products, IV admixture and solutions (e.g., chemotherapy, biotherapy, etc.), and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) according to Sutter Health policies, state/ federal regulations, and The Joint Commission standards. Assists with medicine and supplies inventory management and control, including maintaining adequate stock levels, checking accuracy of pricing, and completing required regulatory documentation. Adheres to all standards, procedures, cleaning protocols, and infection control polices to maintain a safe and sterile medication area, clean rooms, and laminar flow hoods.

Job Description :

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

PHARMACY SERVICES

• Provides quality pharmaceutical services including drug packaging and labeling, distribution, inventory control, quality control, and proper documentation according to policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Assists pharmacists in preparing, administering, and documenting medications and treatments in accordance with state and federal regulations.

• Prepares and delivers timely admixture services of chemotherapeutic and biotherapeutic agents, other intravenous medications, and IV solutions to Sutter Health outpatients.

• Performs pharmaceutical calculations for common dosage determination.

• Completes clerical/computer entry work regarding patient medical records, doctors’ orders, lab results, billing, and documentation to meet regulatory standards/requirements.

• Obtains a working knowledge of drug identification, medication dosages, administration routes, dosage forms, and storage requirement.

INVENTORY MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

• Manages pharmaceutical inventory, including the procurement, storage, preparation, and distribution of medications, equipment, and materials to maintain adequate supply levels and achieve cost-saving inventory control.

• Determines and regularly evaluates Periodic Automatic Replenishment (PAR) levels to ensure drug availability and on-shelf volume.

• Monitors expiration dates of drugs in the pharmacy and department.

• Performs monthly physical inventory of all pharmacy items on the shelves and in Pyxis med stations.

• Handles all medication recalls, including removing outdated and damaged drugs from the pharmacy inventory.

COMPLIANCE

• Complies with state and federal drug laws as regulated by the state board of pharmacy, the Drug Enforcement administration (DEA), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by assisting pharmacists in monitoring and inspecting nursing unit; maintaining records for controlled substances; checking pharmacy inventory for expired or damaged drugs; and keeping current on existing, new, and anticipated legislation.

• Follows the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy Safety Standards and Chemotherapy Biotherapy preparation policies, procedures, and guidelines for sterile compounding of IV solutions and medications.

• Implements United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Standards, such as 795 (nonsterile compounding), 797 (sterile compounding), and 800 (handling of hazardous drugs)/

• Ensures compliance with protocol or drug storage, accountability, handling, preparation and delivery of investigational agents, including maintaining an accurate record of all controlled substances.

• Adheres to USP, Occupational Safety and health Administration (OSHA), infection control, and regulatory guidelines for the preparation of mixing and ante room, including cleaning (IV hood, flat surfaces, shelves, bins), hood recertification, and monitoring refrigeration temperatures to protect patients and technicians.

• Maintains strictest confidence of all patients protected health information (PHI) and protects all PHI from accidental, intentional, or inappropriate disclosure.

• Retains certification and completes mandated continuing education requirements to meet facility and regulatory agencies accreditation and licensure requirements.

EDUCATION:

Other: Graduation from an accredited Pharmacy Technician program.

CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

PHRMTECHR-Registered Pharmacy Technician

OR PHARMC-Certified Pharmacy Technician

TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

1 year recent relevant experience

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

General understanding of contemporary pharmacy practices, including pharmaceutical compounding (drugs and nutritional solutions), generic and trade names of common drugs, and a familiarity with pharmacy data systems.

Working knowledge of medical terminology, drug nomenclature, abbreviations, and symbols, including a proficiency in math and pharmacy calculations for common dosage determination, admixture doses, and additive volumes.

Basic working knowledge of legal requirements and accreditation standards including The Joint Commission (TJC), Title XXII, Department of Human Services (DHS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) organization.

Possess solid written and verbal communications skills to explain medical information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including patients, care givers, and families.

Attention to detail when verifying medication identification and dosages, patient information, and doctors’ orders/procedures.

General computer skills and a basic understanding of computer applications with the ability to enter/update patient information in electronic health records (EHRs) and complete regulatory documentation for controlled substances.

Work within standardized policies, procedures, and practices to complete assignments within the allotted time while maintaining standard workflow processes.

Recognize, evaluate and resolve standard problems by selecting solutions from established options.

Ensure the privacy of each patient’s protected health information (PHI).

Perform independently as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.

Build collaborative relationships with peers and other healthcare providers to provide the highest level of quality patient care.

Job Shift:

Days

Schedule:

Per Diem/Casual

Shift Hours:

8

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

As Needed

Benefits:

No

Unions:

No

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

0

Employee Status:

Per Diem/Casual

Number of Openings:

1

This position may regularly work, store, prepare, receive, unpack, transport, dispose of, or administer drug(s) identified as hazardous, or potentially hazardous, by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for purposes of USP 800.

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $36.02 to $45.02 / hour

The salary range for this role may vary above or below the posted range as determined by location. This range has not been adjusted for any specific geographic differential applicable by area where the position may be filled. Compensation takes into account several factors including but not limited to a candidate’s experience, education, skills, licensure and certifications, department equity, training and organizational needs. Base pay is just one piece of the total rewards program offered by Sutter Health. Eligible roles also qualify for a comprehensive benefits package.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin (including possession of a driver's license issued to individuals who did not present proof of authorized presence in the U.S.), age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, political affiliation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition, genetic information or any other characteristic made unlawful by local, state, or federal law, ordinance or regulation. External hires must pass a background check/drug screening. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.