Position Summary
The Pharmacy Technician supports the inpatient pharmacy department and/or Oncology/Infusion Pharmacy to provide safe and prompt pharmaceutical care to patients. The Pharmacy Technician is a Nationally Certified Pharmacy Technician or Technician in Training licensed by the Montana Board of Pharmacy. The Pharmacy Technician – Inpatient role requires sterile IV room training and competencies, chemotherapy IV preparation training and competencies, medication reconciliation and/or Technician Checking Technician (“Tech check Tech or TCT”) training and routine quality assurance checks.
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma
- At least 18 years of age
- Acquire Montana License for Tech in Training within 30 days of hire
- Preferred National Certification as Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) upon hire or required to become certified within one year of obtaining Technician in Training license
- 1 year of Pharmacy Technician experience
- Proficiency and working knowledge of aseptic technique for preparing sterile products and subsequent completion of Chemotherapy IV preparation training
- Completion of didactic training and written examination requirements for TCT role
Essential Job Functions – Technician (Intravenous and Chemotherapy Trained)
- Compound and dispense medications, IV medications, chemotherapy and hazardous medications under supervision of a pharmacist.
- Perform aseptic technique and use of closed system transfer devices.
- Ensure clean and safe operation of rooms and IV hoods.
- Distribute medication to all areas of the hospital including accurately preparing restock bins to replenish automated dispensing cabinets (ADCs), controlled substances and hazardous medications.
- Supports workflow functions within the inpatient and/or oncology pharmacies.
- Perform audit and quality improvement tasks as assigned by pharmacy leadership.
Essential Job Functions – Technician (Medication Reconciliation)
- Obtain medication histories and confirm accuracy of initial home medication use on all patients within 24 hours of admission to the hospital.
- Utilize appropriate resources to complete medication history including interview of the patient and/or family/caregiver and primary care provider.
- Review pharmacy records, prescription bottles or medication administration records.
- Document all medication histories within the electronic health record and communicate completed medication histories with the Pharmacist.
Essential Job Functions – Technician (TCT)
- Check select oral and IV medications filled by another Pharmacy Technician.
- Perform second check for unit dose fills, automated dispensing cabinet picks, premixed or pre-checked IV piggybacks and floor stock supplies that were filled or stocked by another technician.
- Maintain competencies and quality assurance checks.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Demonstrates sound judgement, patience, and maintains a professional demeanor at all times.
- Ability to work varied shifts in a busy and stressful environment.
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Exercises tact, discretion, sensitivity and maintains confidentiality.
- Computer applications, MS Office, internet applications and standard office equipment.
- Maintain competency with electronic health record.
Schedule Requirements
This role requires regular and sustained attendance. The position may necessitate working beyond a standard 40-hour workweek, including weekends and after-hours shifts. On-call work may be required to respond promptly to organizational, patient, or employee needs.
Physical Requirements
- Lifting (Repeatedly – 50 pounds): Exerting force occasionally and/or using a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects or people.
- Sit (Occasionally): Maintaining a sitting posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
- Stand (Repeatedly): Maintaining a standing posture for extended periods may include adjusting body position to prevent discomfort or strain.
- Walk (Repeatedly): Walking and moving around within the work area requires good balance and coordination.
- Climb (Rarely): Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles, and the like using feet and legs; may also use hands and arms.
- Twist/Bend/Stoop/Kneel (Repeatedly): Twisting, bending, and stooping require flexibility and a wide range of motion in the spine and joints.
- Reach Above Shoulder Level (Repeatedly): Lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects as necessary above the shoulder, requiring strength and stability.
- Push/Pull (Repeatedly): Using the upper extremities to press or exert force against something with steady force to thrust forward, downward, or outward.
- Fine-Finger Movements (Continuously): Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working primarily with fingers rather than using the whole hand as in handling.
- Vision (Continuously): Close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures and to read computer screens, printed materials, and handwritten materials.
- Cognitive Skills (Continuously): Learn new tasks, remember processes, maintain focus, complete tasks independently, and make timely decisions in the context of a workflow.
- Exposures (Continuously): Bloodborne pathogens, such as blood, bodily fluids, or tissues; radiation in settings where medical imaging procedures are performed; various chemicals and medications are used in healthcare settings; job tasks may involve handling cleaning products, disinfectants, and other substances; infectious diseases are caused by contact with patients in areas that may have contagious illnesses; emotionally challenging situations.
*Frequency Key: Continuously (100% - 67% of the time), Repeatedly (66% - 33% of the time), Occasionally (32% - 4% of the time), Rarely (3% - 1% of the time), Never (0%).
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the job classification. They are not to be construed as a contract of any type nor an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by individuals so classified.