Ambulatory Oncology Pharmacy Technician

Description:
Under direction of a licensed pharmacist, transcribes abbreviated and symbolized information from physicians orders onto patient medication profile through manual and computer entry; selects and prepares medications, pharmaceutical products, including intravenous admixtures and chemotherapeutic medications and other medications which because of the nature of the agents may have irritating and sensitizing properties; assists in dispensing and distribution of unit dose medications; maintains pharmacy merchandise; maintains pharmacy equipment; types unit dose and intravenous admixture labels; transports pharmacy merchandise; responsible for the organization and maintenance of proper inventory levels in assigned locations. Performs other duties as required.

• Reviews physician orders for completeness; transcribes appropriate information through computer order entry to generate patient medication profile by using pharmaceutical/medical terminology, symbols and abbreviations.


• Selects and prepares medications and pharmaceutical products by name and dosage listed on physicians order, places merchandise in proper container with correct label, makes required notations and initials physicians order. 


• Reviews physicians orders and patient medical record in order to determine whether allergies, sensitivities and/or interactions have been documented.  Assures allergy/sensitivity information is recorded on patient medication profile.  Alerts pharmacist and/or nursing personnel when computer indicates that prescribed medication may be contraindicated due to drug allergies, sensitivities, or interactions.


• Prioritizes work flow to meet the operational needs of the pharmacy.


• Maintains pharmacy inventory in designated areas:  Reviews pharmacy inventory for medications to be returned (i.e., expired/outdated products, deteriorated products, illegible labels, etc.). Procures, orders, receives, stocks and returns merchandise following established procedures.


• Prepares required pharmacy products; uses mathematical calculations and conversion from apothecary and avoirdupois to metric system.  Prepares pharmacy products through an understanding of physical characteristics of medications which require special packaging or handling.


• Prepares sterile admixture products, such as intravenous piggybacks, large volume parenterals, syringes, CADD cassettes, intrathecal and ophthomologic solutions using techniques governed by aseptic parenteral admixture policies and procedures.


• Prepares chemotherapeutic agents and caustic chemical substances such as acids, phenols, alcohols, etc., following established guidelines to ensure safety.  Prepares antibiotics (such as penicillins)  and other medications which because of the nature of the agents may have irritating and sensitizing properties using techniques governed by cytotoxic handling policies and procedures.


• Prepares pharmacy products by demonstrating a knowledge of quality control.  Participates in quality assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes.


• Operates and maintains specialized pharmacy equipment by assembling, disassembling, cleaning, preparing for sterilization, changing filters, making minor repairs as needed and performing and documenting periodic checks and adjustments.  Charts all scheduled maintenance designed to insure sterility according to protocol. 


• Participates in the preparation, documentation, and scheduling of drug therapy for patients in a variety of settings including but not limited to clinic, infusion center, operating room, hospital, and ambulatory settings.


• Exhibits a working knowledge of, and adheres to, federal and state laws, standards, rules, regulations, regional, hospital, and departmental policies and procedures that govern the practice and operation of the pharmacy. 


• Participates in assigned education, training programs and departmental meetings as required.


• Keeps assigned work area and equipment in an organized and clean condition and maintains supporting documentation.  Maintains a safe, secure, and efficient work environment.


• Answers, makes telephone calls and retrieves voice mail messages consistent with assigned duties in accordance with telephone access standards.


• Performs the inventory control duties in the Oncology Pharmacy including procurement, ordering, receiving, stocking, and returning of pharmaceutical merchandise following established procedures.


• Assists the pharmacist in the preparation and distribution of controlled substances, i.e., narcotics, hypnotics, barbiturates, etc. (Class II, III, IV, V), governed by federal and state law.  Demonstrates the ability to distinguish controlled substances on physicians orders.


• Assists in clinic stocking-to-standards by organizing, replenishing stock, and preparing monthly recharges and credits.


• Exemplifies Pharmacys mission and the organizations vision by contributing to the health and satisfaction of members by providing appropriate medications, information, and professional services in a helpful, caring, courteous, and efficient manner. 


• Performs other duties as required.


• Promotes, ensures, and improves customer service to internal/external customers by demonstrating skills which are consistent with the organizations philosophy of providing extraordinary customer relations and quality service.