Description
Overview
The Pharmacy Technician is responsible for carrying out functions of a technical and clerical nature complemented by their therapeutic knowledge in Hospital Pharmacy Practice. These functions include, but not limited to: drug distribution, inventory control, intravenous admixture preparation, nonsterile compounding and other components of pharmacy technician practice. The practice standards are outlined by National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and that of the College (Ontario College of Pharmacists) by-laws, standards, and regulations, including the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct. The Pharmacy technician will use their knowledge to collaborate with the pharmacists and other health care professionals to provide and support patient care. They will demonstrate commitment to the quality and safety of the health care system, maintain competence in drug distribution systems, and demonstrate professional & ethical conduct. The Pharmacy Technician will adhere to all relevant legislated and regulatory requirements. The Pharmacy Technician may have to work at different sites, as assigned.
General
Primary Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with the Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in the practice of pharmacy and defined by the standards of practice for Canadian pharmacy technicians as outlined by NAPRA and / or the Ontario College of Pharmacists
- Adhere to all Pharmacy Technician requirements and best practices by the Ontario College of Pharmacists including the Codes of Ethics and Conduct
- Comply with departmental policies and procedures
- Maintain a clean and orderly workplace
- Observe departmental and hospital policies and requirements including occupation health and safety
Drug Operations And Distribution
In general, independently perform all technical aspects of the drug distribution system including repackaging, interim dose fill and deliver, Unit Dose cart fill/exchange, Sterile compounding including TPN and chemotherapy, Wardstock replenishment, Narcotic distribution/destruction, purchasing and inventory rotation, non-sterile compounding, inventory maintenance, independent double checks of technical work performed. Receive, review, process, prepare, verify, and release drugs and product orders/prescriptions following written protocol and college standards. Respond to telephone inquiries, requests for missing doses / refills etc.
Inventory Management
Narcotics and Control
- Account for routine inventory of narcotic and controlled drugs per assignment
- Work in conjunction and oversight to account for assigned activities for ordering, receiving, repackaging to unit dose, distribution in central operations, to/from the nursing units, and disposal
- Perform quality assurance audits on completed narcotic and controlled drug inventory and administration sheets
Admixture Preparation
Prepare I.V. Admixtures, TPN solutions, I.V. chemotherapy drugs (with specialized training) and other sterile products. Deliver and allocate I.V admixtures to designated nursing units. Retrieve discontinued I.V. medications.
Others
- Maintain records of workload measurement and statistics (as outlined)
- Perform and comply with quality assurance audits for product preparation and distribution processes
- As assigned various unique rotations / skills, not limited to:
- Purchaser: maintain knowledge and competency to address inventory management, such as but not limited to: ordering, sourcing of available product, support identifying back-orders, work with external vendors and stakeholders (hospital and retail pharmacy) to buy/sell/borrow under the oversight of the manager or designate
Education
Completion of a recognized CCAPP-accredited Canadian pharmacy technician education program or equivalent. Current and actively maintained licensure and registration as a PART A Registered Pharmacy Technician (RPhT) in good standing with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP). Proof of continuing education participation, or demonstrate professional development. Proof of active malpractice insurance.
Qualifications
- 2 or more years of Hospital Pharmacy or relevant experience an asset
- Sterile or Non-sterile compounding experience and unit dose dispensing an asset
- Familiarity with using computers and common software applications (i.e. email, Microsoft 365, MS Office etc.)
- Work experience in electronic health record environments and/or automated dispensing cabinets an asset (i.e. Cerner Oracle, Omnicell)
Other Qualifications
- Ability to maintain professionalism and composure under stress
- Ability to lift light to moderate loads
- Must be bondable
- Superior interpersonal, communication and organizational skills that can be applied to interacting with patients, providers, and other members of the healthcare team
- Excellent work and attendance record required