Retail Pharmacy Technician I

Retail Pharmacy Technician I

Job Overview

Under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, this role performs pharmacy-related functions in compliance with the department’s policies and procedures in order to provide optimal pharmaceutical care.  The Pharmacy Technician Trainee performs minimal, routine tasks in preparation of becoming a Pharmacy Technician.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Assists in the preparation and dispensing of medications and mixtures according to Policies and Procedures.

2. Picks medications for automated dispensing cabinet replenishment accurately and with reasonable speed.

3. Accurately and aseptically prepares sterile products utilizing proper technique. Ensures that sterile preparation area is kept clean.

4. Fills floor stock remote orders (i.e., Operating Room, Emergency Room, etc.) accurately (as determined by pharmacist check).

5. Maintains storeroom areas assuring that supplies in short supply are ordered and that outdated medication is removed from stock immediately.  Replenishes active stock from back-up stock as needed.

6. Restocks medications into automated dispensing cabinets in appropriate patient care areas accurately and in a timely manner.

7. Manages emergency medication inventory in carts/kits, including ordering and maintaining adequate supply, accurately restocking, organizing to ensure consistent placement and uniformity, documenting medications used for charge purposes, removal of expired/damage products, and performing regular checks on each unit.

8. Maintains medication rooms by ensuring all appropriate medications are stocked in patient specific bins in the automated dispensing cabinets and by removing expired and discontinued medications.

9. Empties return bins in the automated dispensing cabinets as part of the weekly schedule.

10. Utilizes the unit-dose machine to package bulk medications and appropriately compounds non-sterile medications following standard formulas and procedures.

11. Performs assigned cycle counts of the carousel on a regular basis, maintaining adequate records of completion.

12. Assists in keeping the Pharmacy neat and clean by caring for equipment and cleaning after compounding prescriptions, manufacturing bulk medications, unit dosing, etc.  

13. Conduct temperature inspections of the refrigerator in the automated dispensing machine.

14. Inspects assigned medication storage areas monthly maintaining adequate records of inspection.  All assigned areas must be inspected every month to meet standard.

15. Greets and assists customers upon arrival to the pharmacy.  Participates in point of sale cash transactions. Engages in customer services activities.

16. Provides customer or patient assistance over the phone.  Triage calls as appropriate.

17. All assigned work is completed accurately by the end of each shift and all necessary quality control paperwork is completed accurately and with reasonable speed.

18. Communicates effectively with nursing, physicians, and ancillary services to meet the needs of these departments and maintains a positive working relationship and image of the pharmacy department.

19. Maintains collaborative, team relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the working groups achievement of goals, and to help foster a positive work environment.

Physical Requirements: 

1. Ability to walk and stand 90% of the day and to occasionally lift up to 30 lbs.

2. Frequent reaching and grasping below, at, and above shoulder level.

3. Pushing and/or pushing non-motorized equipment (e.g. carts, IV rolling rack, and medication rolling racks, etc.) weighing 40 to 60 lbs.

4. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate prescription medications and computer keyboard.

5. Ability to see medications, computer screen, and reports.

6. Reading automated dispensing reports regularly.

7. Works in an area with some discomfort due to dust, dirt, and temperature changes. 

8. May be exposed to broken glass and some exposure to hazardous chemicals.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Ability to be organized and systematic.

2. Ability to communicate effectively.

3. Ability to perform work in a timely and efficient manner.

4. Possess excellent telephone etiquette skills.

5. Knowledge of hazardous substance handling, complex sterile compounding techniques, and mathematical calculations.

6. Extensive knowledge of medications including: Brand and generic names, dosing forms, indications, formulary status and strengths.