Pharm Tech Specialist

Summary:

Reports to Pharmacy Manager Oncology and Sterile Compounding. Under the supervision of an Oncology Pharmacist and direction of a Pharmacy Technician Supervisor or Technician Group Leader the Technician Specialist Oncology and Sterile Compounding performs sterile compounding of medications predominately oncology in compliance with United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter Hazardous Drugs USP Chapter Pharmaceutical Compounding - Sterile Preparations and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations. Performs non-sterile compounding in compliance with United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter and other applicable standards. Maintains regulatory compliance with relevant state and federal guidelines including but not limited to Rhode Island Department of Health Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy Rules and Regulations and The Joint Commission (TJC) Medication Management chapter. Performs complex pharmacy-directed technical functions to assist with coordinating operations and processes relating to compounding and dispensing of oncology and infusion medications. Promotes patient safety by ensuring that oncology and other hazardous medications are segregated. Collaborates with pharmacy oncology team members to order receive inventory and store medications and ancillary supplies. 

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of an Oncology Pharmacist the Oncology Technician Specialist:

Ensures the sterile compounding environment and all equipment are cleaned and maintained under aseptic conditions and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.

Performs hand hygiene and garbing practices in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.

Performs sterile compounding of medications in compliance with USP USP National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations and Lifespan policies and procedures.

Performs non-sterile compounding in compliance with USP USP National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations and Lifespan policies and procedures.

Completes accurate documentation of compounded medications per Lifespan policies and procedures.

Performs sterile and non-sterile compounding of investigational medications in compliance with specific investigational medication protocol.

Performs computer activities necessary for compounding. Understands and appropriately follows requirements for product documentation and check processes. Completes accurate documentation of finished compounded medications per policy.

Sets up calibrates and operates ancillary compounding equipment (i.e. pumps) appropriately.

Delivers compounded medication ensuring proper storage location requirements are met based on stability needs of the product.

Collaborates with pharmacy oncology and purchasing teams to procure oncology and infusion medications and related supplies in a timely manner.

Collaborates with pharmacy oncology team ensure oncology and other hazardous medications are segregated.

Manages inventory including receiving sorting stocking rotation of stock expiration date checking and disposal per policy.

Tracks temperature monitoring and other environmental controls as applicable to oncology and infusion medication storage. Understands how to triage out of range controls.

Transfers oncology and infusion medications to off-site satellite locations as necessary.

Performs recordkeeping and filing tasks collates work volume statistics.

Shares expertise by participating in the orientation and training of pharmacy technicians student interns and student externs.

Exhibits proactive problem solving to help address issues impacting pharmacy oncology services.

Performs all duties of other Pharmacy Technician job categories as may be required.

Other information:

QUALIFICATIONS BASIC KNOWLEDGE :

High school graduate or equivalent degree required. Completion of one to two years of college preferred.

Maintains current unrestricted Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician II licensure.

Maintains current National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT).

QUALIFICATIONS EXPERIENCE :

Minimum 3 years' experience as a pharmacy technician including 2 years investigational oncology and/or sterile compounding experience preferably gained in a similarly diverse and operationally complex health care environment.

Knowledge of pharmacy information systems automated dispensing technology and personal computers.

Demonstrates excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.

Must have the ability to multi-task and reprioritize as needed while maintaining accuracy and service standards.

Must obtain within 2 months of hire and maintain no less than semi-annually thereafter internal IV and oncology credentialing as demonstrated by successful completion of current competency assessments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Work may require extended periods of time spent standing and walking.

Requires the visual and manual dexterity to operate a computer.

INDEPENDENT ACTION :

Performs independently within department policies and practices.

Refers specific complex problems to supervisor where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY :

None.