Pharmacy Technician (Outpatient)
WRMC Bethesda, MD
Position Duties and Responsibilities:
- Receives and reviews prescriptions for the full range of pharmaceuticals to include controlled drugs on the formulary; determines type of substance, strength, dosage, and quantity to be dispensed in accordance with accepted practice and pharmacy standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Enters prescriptions into outpatient computer system reviewing profile for allergies, drug/drug or drug/food interactions, and duplicate orders.
- Coordinates with prescriber or pharmacist to clarify issues or problems with dosing, interactions, or instructions; verifies appropriate medication, and checks the printed label affixed to the container against the original prescription for correctness.
- Performs all outpatient functions with minimal supervision by a register pharmacist.
- Enters and retrieves patient specific information and reports from pharmacy-oriented mainframe computer systems.
- Assists with drug utilization review studies as mandated by JCAH. Prepares sterile products for critically ill patients in intensive care units. Prepares specialized, "complex" parenteral medications for use in open heart surgery (cardioplegia and coronary artery bypass solutions), pancreas preservation solution, dialysis, transplant surgery, and neonatal dextrose and electrolyte solutions. Prepares medications for and maintains records on investigational drug protocols in support of the research mission at WRAMC.
- Assists in conducting medication storage areas inspections/liaison visits; assists in educating hospital staff or other facility staff on the proper storage, access, and security of pharmaceuticals to include controlled drugs; reviews stock levels to ensue appropriate amount of pharmaceuticals are on hand to include critical care items; provides technical guidance to other pharmacy technicians and helps to resolve problems; sets up, operates, maintains, and assists in training other staff members on common and specialized instruments.
- Receives and processes orders for controlled substances from prescriptions, wards, clinics, and pharmacy subsection; screens orders and prescriptions for accuracy, appropriateness and conformity to laws and regulations; performs final pharmacy check and issues controlled substances to authorized areas, completes issue, and controls documents ensuring chain of custody is maintained; safeguards controlled substances according to regulations and pharmacy policies, reports all problems to the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC)/Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Section.
- Interpret physicians’ order and perform necessary steps to input, fill and dispense prescriptions within the parameters established by the Pharmacy Policy and Procedures Manual.
- Review and prepare orders for intravenous additive solutions, utilizing sterile technique and in accordance with infection control procedures.
- Assemble drugs and supplies for distribution to the Primary Care Center (PCC).
- Answer routine questions concerning proper administration and use of medications, drug interactions and incompatibilities, availability of drugs, and unit of use. Convey necessary information to the hospital staff and/or patients to ensure correct use.
- Maintain adequate levels of working stock, ensuring that all supplies are properly stored, and advise supply personnel of any shortages of medications or supplies.
- Check drug supplies to ensure that medications are in date and properly maintained.
- Maintain the required records and accountability documents reflecting the issuance and receipt of narcotic and controlled substances.
- Implement all departmental policies and procedures and participate in quality assurance activities.
- Assist pharmacists in providing guidance and training for pharmacy technician’s students and inexperienced technicians.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Minimum of two (2) years as a Pharmacy Technician post-graduation.
- Must be a graduate of a Pharmacy Technician program accredited by the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) such as the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or have successfully completed a formal (i.e. technical or hospital-based program) pharmacy technician training program.
- Valid, unrestricted, license, as Pharmacy Technician in at least one state, territory or commonwealth of the U.S.
- Must have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Must be a US Citizen.
Potomac Healthcare Solutions offers the following benefits:
- Medical Insurance with PPO and HSA Options (United Healthcare)
- Dental Insurance (Humana)*
- Vision Insurance (Humana)*
- 401(k) with Employer Match
- Health Savings Account with Employer Match
- Prescription Drug Program
- Employer Paid Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability (Mutual of Omaha)*
- Voluntary Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability (Mutual of Omaha)*
- Relocation Assistance
- 10 Days Paid Time Off
- 11 Federal Holidays
- Continuing Education Assistance/License Reimbursement
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellness Incentives and More
NOTE: *Effective the 1st day of the month following start date
About Potomac Healthcare Solutions:
Potomac Healthcare Solutions is an award-winning, dynamic, and rapidly growing healthcare services company with a proven background in providing world-class health services for both government and commercial organizations. We are actively recruiting skilled, caring practitioners to support our rapidly growing program base and supported healthcare facilities. If you would like to be a part of a quality-driven organization and make a difference, we would like to talk to you!
If you do not find interest in this opportunity but know of someone who may, we kindly ask that you refer the individual to Potomac Healthcare Solutions by forwarding this job posting.
Potomac Healthcare Solutions, LLC is 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, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
