GENERAL SUMMARY AND PURPOSE:

Under the immediate supervision of a pharmacist and Pharmacy Department leadership, provides daily

pharmaceutical supportive services for the Department of Pharmacy according to established procedures and in compliance with pharmacy laws, other regulatory agencies and other members of the multi-disciplinary team.  Responds to routine and emergency requests in a prompt and efficient manner, requiring a relatively high degree of independent judgement. Participates in departmental education activities and competency assessment. Actively supports and participates in the department's continuous quality improvement initiatives; promotes the organizational commitment to customer service.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Education:

Requires high school diploma or equivalent. Completion of a formal Pharmacy Technician educational program and/or completion of an Associate's Degree preferred.

Experience:

Previous pharmacy experience, hospital-based pharmacy experience preferred.  Formal Pharmacy Technician program experiential education may be considered in lieu of work experience.

Licensure:

Licensure in the State of Michigan is required. 

Certification as a Pharmacy Technician is preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Essential mathematics skills to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure.

Possesses effective computer and keyboarding skills; ability to work with Pharmacy Information Systems and automation used in the medication use process. Able to use email to communicate with other members of the department including pharmacy management.

Excellent critical thinking skills and ability to make decisions in a fast-paced work environment

A team oriented colleague that is detail oriented and passionate about medication and patient safety as well as quality initiatives. Excellent customer service orientation skills necessary in order to deal effectively with various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers and community groups.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reads and interprets physician's medication orders, assists with filling, processing and dispensing of medications, re-packages and labels medication, including bulk supplies, with final check performed by a pharmacist.

Maintains cleanliness and aseptic technique while following established departmental compounding practices and procedures when mixing intravenous admixtures including IVPBs, large volume parenterals, and total parenteral nutrition, if necessary. Prior to performing drug preparation proven competency while working aseptically in a horizontal or   vertical laminar (biological safety cabinet) flow hood using aseptic technique is required. Adheres to USP 797/USP 800 Guidelines.

Delivers controlled substances and other medications to nursing units' automated medication dispensing cabinets (ADC).  Delivers other medication, IV solutions and all necessary forms throughout the hospital on a regularly scheduled basis to patient care areas.

Prepares medications and subsequently loads and unloads medication into ADC with appropriate bar code scanning. Fills inventory needs for nursing unit ADCs, non-cabinet stock, and fills unit dose drawers by placing the proper drugs in the bins according to the computerized patient profile.

Supports the drug inventory process including rotation and restocking of drug dispensing areas with drugs and supplies needed to process patient medication orders. Ensures the maintenance of a clean and orderly work area.

Answers phones according to established phone etiquette and directs calls to the proper personnel. Determines when phone calls or emergency situations need to be referred to a pharmacist.

Completes nursing unit inspections, as assigned. Restocks crash cart trays and OCMCA boxes etc., as required in a timely manner. Alerts the pharmacists or pharmacy management of any discrepancies.

Fills controlled substance orders and reconciles all discrepancies on a daily basis. Reports any discrepancies to the pharmacist or pharmacy management as appropriate. Monitors any unusual activity for potential drug diversion.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.