Cert Pharm Tech I

Baystate Health; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Baystate Health in Massachusetts seeks a Certified Pharmacy Technician II to support dispensing and restocking from the central pharmacy to patient care areas. The role utilizes automated dispensing machines, Pyxis systems, and participates in sterile and nonsterile compounding as required.

The position emphasizes patient safety, medication history programs, and quality improvement. Strong teamwork, attendance, and customer service are essential in this hospital setting.

Qualifications

• 2 years acute care experience and/or USP 795 or 797 pharmacy experience.
• Certified Pharmacy Technician with regulatory knowledge.
• Familiarity with central pharmacy operations and automated dispensing systems.

Responsibilities

• Support central pharmacy distribution, Pyxis, carts and trays.
• Prepare medication trays and inventory for dispensing.
• Maintain knowledge of drug properties and storage requirements.
• Operate Pyxis, dose edge, computers, and IV workflow technology as applicable.
• Assist purchasing with drug inventory and ordering functions.
• Understand high-alert medications and LASA handling.
• Train new pharmacy employees as needed.
• Communicate effectively with health care team and protect patient confidentiality.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

MS Word

MS Excel

MS PowerPoint

Independence

Math skills

Education

GED or HiSET

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Summary

Pharmacy technicians, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in various activities of the pharmacy department. Through the leadership of the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor(s) and the operations leadership team, the pharmacy technician is responsible for the essential functions and responsibilities outlined in this document, noting every employee is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned. Leadership has the right to change or add to the job responsibilities based on changes in workflows or processes as necessary.

The employee is expected to: Obtain and maintain appropriate knowledge and understanding of Baystate Medical Center/Baystate Health (BH) Pharmacy Services. This knowledge includes the values, policies, and procedures of BMC/BH and BH Pharmacy Services. The certified pharmacy technician II is responsible for supporting dispensing and restocking functions from the central pharmacy to patient care areas utilizing automated inventory dispensing machines (e.g. carousel) and cabinets (e.g. Pyxis machines) as well as various medication trays and carts. Additionally, these team members support specialty roles in the department, including nonsterile (USP 795), sterile (USP 797) compounding, or the medication history program, and are qualified to serve as dedicated trainers in these specialty areas.

The certified pharmacy technician II team members are expected to understand major job responsibilities and performance factors that help meet the mission and vision of the department and organization. These include a strong dedication to customer service, teamwork, and attendance which impact the patient experience; a thorough understanding of drug distribution workflows focusing on medication safety, quality, and value; and exhibiting dedication and commitment to understanding, identifying, and participating in quality improvement initiatives.

Demonstrate commitment and dedication to patient-centered delivery of care

Job Responsibilities:

1) Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the various roles, duties, and responsibilities of pharmacy technicians as well as pharmacy operations in the organization in order to perform these functions associated with their roles to support the drug preparation and distribution system in accordance with regulatory and compliance standards. The Certified Pharmacy Technician II is expected to support the functions of the Certified Pharmacy Technician I duties and responsibilities, including central pharmacy drug distribution (e.g. carousel); automated dispensing cabinets (e.g. Pyxis), and OR area management (carts/kits/trays/anesthesia machines) in addition to participation in sterile (USP 797) and non-sterile (USP 795) compounding, or the technician-led medication history program.

2) Accurately prepares medication trays and kits and medication inventory for dispensing to the patient care unit, including new doses, Pyxis refills, and controlled substances in accordance with departmental and organizational policies and procedures.

3) Maintains a working knowledge of the general chemical and physical properties of drugs handled in the pharmacy department. This includes identifying medications that are light sensitive, require refrigeration, are hazardous, or are high-alert. The employee is also able to use reference books to locate stability information or material safety data sheets as needed.

4) Operates automated technology (Pyxis, compounders, computers, etc.) in accordance with policy, procedures, and manufacturing instructions. Appropriately utilizes automated dispensing machines to facilitate accurate and timely medication dispensing to patient care areas in accordance with BH policy and procedure.

5) Assists the purchasing staff with functions related to drug purchasing and inventory control as needed.

6) Maintains a working knowledge of medication error prevention methods and handling/preparation techniques for high-risk or high-alert medications, including LASA medications. Understands population-specific preparation procedures (geriatric, adult, pediatric, and neonatal dosage forms and products)

7) USP 795 Non-Sterile Compounding: Maintains a thorough base knowledge, understanding, and level of proficiency will all aspects of the USP 795 and associated regulatory requirements surrounding the compounding, repacking, and dispensing policies and procedures.

8) USP 797 Sterile Compounding: Maintains a thorough base knowledge, understanding, and level of proficiency with all aspects of USP797 to assure adherence to the policy and procedures surrounding sterile compounding. Maintains proficiency by completing all required training and/or practice including but not limited to Critical Point Education Competencies, Glove Fingertip/Media Fill Kit testing, and Wet Lab. Maintains proficiency and compliance in the utilization of IV workflow management technology (Dose Edge) and parenteral nutrition compounding technology as applicable per the department’s policies and procedures.

**9)

• Collects an accurate best possible medication list of the patient’s home medications in anticipation of hospital admission.
• Gathers information for the best possible medication list from various resources (patient interviews, physician offices, community pharmacies, historical encounters, extended care facilities, or other acute care facilities) to ensure a complete and accurate entry into the hospital’s electronic health record.
• Effectively communicates with other health care professionals to prioritize patient care and identify patient-specific needs.
• Accurately enters the home medication list into the information system for utilization by the provider responsible for admitting the patient.
• Updates the medication list in a timely manner so it can be used as the foundation for the patient’s admission medication orders.
• Directs any unresolved issues to the admitting provider

10) Participates in the training and/or orientation of new pharmacy employees as needed.

11) Interacts effectively with other members of the department and health care team on a regular basis. Maintains attentiveness to the rights of patients. Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Triages orders, determine priorities, processes orders, and notifies the pharmacist as appropriate. Receives and refers incoming calls for the department, and handles pharmacy window.

12) Employee is aware of and follows BH attendance policy

13) Participates in the BH staff development program - Performance Evaluation (PE) and works to meet departmental, professional, and personal goals.

Required Work Experience:

1)2 years acute care experience and/or USP 795 or 797 pharmacy experience

Preferred Work Experience:

1)None Listed

Skills and Competencies:

Possesses good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Understands the principles of staff engagement

Proficient in computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) preferred

Ability to work independently

Demonstrated math skill

Education:

GED or HiSET (Required)

Certifications:

Certified Pharmacy Technician - OtherOtherOther, Certified Pharmacy Technician - Pharmacy Technician Certification BoardPharmacy Technician Certification BoardPharmacy Technician Certification Board

Compensation

Note: The compensation range(s) in the table below represent the base salaries for all positions at a given grade across the health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate’s relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly for non-exempt employees and based on assumed full time commitment for exempt employees.

Minimum - Midpoint - Maximum

$23.46 - $26.97 - $31.91

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

Baystate 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, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.