Pharmacy Services

Pharmacy Technician

Responsible for the filling and dispensing of medication orders including the proper handling, usage, and storage of drugs in the pharmacy. Maintains standards set by the department and translates policies and procedures into the daily operation of the pharmacy. Responsible for acting as an information resource to patients, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding medication therapy and drug-related information and literature. Oversees activities of technicians and intern pharmacists in procurement, preparation and distribution of medication. Plans and organizes work schedule of supportive personnel and pharmacists, as required.

Responsibilities

Displays positive and professional attitude and work habits.

• Reports to work according to dress code 100% of the time.
• Reports to work on time consistently.
• Never absent without cause.
• Returns from breaks/meals according to policy.
• Maintains cleanliness of work area and equipment at all times.
• Initiates and follows through with suggestions to improve department function.
• Displays Flexibility - willing to adjust personal schedule to meet department needs when able.
• Gives and accepts constructive criticism in a professional manner.

Professional/Clinical responsible for routine and legally required professional activities as relates to patient medication therapy.

• Reviews all physician orders for appropriateness of drug strength and dosage.
• Accurately selects compounds and dispenses medication.
• Checks for accuracy of sterile products and other medication containers prepared by technicians.
• Monitors for contraindications, incompatibilities, allergies and dosing errors and drug interaction.
• Maintains appropriate records.
• Inservice nurses on proper documentation of the narcotic control sheet and ordering of replacement stock.
• Maintains appropriate security of controlled substances.
• Insures that controlled substances are store and distributed in accordance with federal, state and hospital regulation.
• Maintains drug knowledge base of all drugs in the hospital formulary and knows how to use the drug information sources.

Communicates with MD's, Nursing staff and Pharmacists pertaining to patient care.

• Documents communications with physician.
• Checks patient's chart to obtain appropriate patient information to make informed consultation with physician.
• Transcribes onto the medical record chart verbal/telephone orders from the physician.

Participates in intershift communication 100% of the time.

• Informs oncoming shift pharmacist of the following:
• Problem patients
• Any monitored patients
• Pending responses from physician
• Stock problems
• New policies/procedures
• Other pertinent information

Participates in Quality Assurance audits per JCAHO requirements.

• Quality Assurance: Preforms monthly nursing unit inspection 100% of time. Documents all data needed in assigned other audits.

Detection and reporting of adverse drug reactions and medication errors.

• Completes Event Notification form regarding any medication errors and other incidence.
• Complete ADR form and submit it to the Clinical Coordinator.

Participates in clinical pharmacy program.

• Utilizes basic pharmacokinetic principles and monitoring parameters for established rug protocols.

Knowledge of Company and Pharmacy Policy and Procedures.

• Read and understand Pharmacy P&P manual.
• Read and understand Coded Red, Grey & Blue Procedures.
• Attends annual inservice and knows pharmacy procedure for Safety and Infection Control.

Provides drug information to physicians nurses and patients pertinent to drug selection, adverse effects, drug interaction, dose, etc.

• Provides basic poison information, referring complex questions to UCIMC Poison Information Center when needed.
• Utilizes all current drug information resources available in the pharmacy when needed.
• Answers all pharmaceuticals related questions timely and accurately.
• Provides physicians with information about the hospital's I.V. antibiotic formulary including appropriate indications, dosage, dosage frequency and side effects.

Conduction of drug use reviews (target drug reviews) and participation in patient care audits.

• Reviews patient charts and abstracts information regarding diagnosis, general condition, allergies, lab results and med orders to evaluate drug therapy prescribed.

Professional Conduct

• Employee has the willingness and ability to perform additional duties and responsibilities in different areas of the department or on an as-needed basis or as determined by management.
• Follows attendance and all other established hospital and department policies.
• Demonstrates the philosophy of the team concept.
• Participates in staff meetings with suggestions that enhance the work environment and increase productivity.
• Communicates well with supervisor, reporting problems with equipment, supplies or procedures.
• Requests assistance as appropriate.
• Complies with all safety and infection control standards.
• Maintains confidentiality as related to job responsibilities. Exhibits willingness to resolve problems as they arise.
• Consistently project positive professional image through appearance and behavior.
• Attends 75% of staff meetings or reads and initials minutes.
• Completes assigned work within shift.

Guest/Interdepartmental Relations

• As observed by representatives of management, all interactions are conducted in a professional manner.
• Verbal and written feedback from patients, family members/significant others, medical staff, visitors and co-workers indicates behavior conducive to positive guest relations.
• Consistently exhibits appropriate phone protocol (e.g., answers phones promptly, is courteous and helpful).
• Consistently contributes to the team effort (e.g., assists co-workers when need is observed or upon request, offers constructive suggestions rather than complaints).
• Consistently displays cheerful and positive attitude.

Professional Growth and Development

• Completes annual safety updates within established time frames.
• Completes general and departmental orientation within established time frames.
• Attends 80% of in-service programs.
• Maintains licensure/certification as appropriate.

Performance Improvement

• Consistently strives to understand, anticipate and meet the needs, expectations and satisfaction levels of patients and other "customers". Errors, inefficiencies and inaccuracies are brought to management's attention with suggestions for improvement. Develops innovative solutions to departmental problems. Identifies and implements methods of controlling costs or generating revenue while providing maximum value to both the patient/customer and the hospital. Maximizes efficiency in all departmental operations. Measures progress against quality goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: BS Degree in Pharmacy
• Minimum Experience: 2 yrs acute care setting
• Required Certification/Registration: Registered in CA as Pharmacist. ACLS, PALS and BCLS required.