Description
JOB SUMMARY: Perform drug distribution, drug storage, inventory control, billing and clerical functions associated with the provision of pharmacy services under the supervision of a pharmacist.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Prepare medications for a pharmacist to check prior to dispensing/distribution/delivery to the hospital and its partners according to safe medication practices and pharmacy policies and procedures.
- Inpatient unit dose drug distribution system including, but not limited to, fill automated dispensing machine, packaging medications into unit dose packaging, and extemporaneous (non-sterile) compounding.
- Perform functions related to inventory management.
- Serve as a contact person with drug wholesalers and other suppliers with regard to drug returns, discrepancies, and questions about invoices.
- Review drug recall notices, check inventory for recalled drugs, and return recalled drugs per instructions provided.
- Prepare shipments of outdated and inappropriately stored mediations to the reverse pharmaceutical distributor and track credits for drugs returned.
- Track 340B drug utilization from 340B-eligible areas of the hospital and assist with procurement of 340B-eligible drug inventory.
- Arrange for courier services as needed for drug transportation; use hospital transportation to obtain medications purchased or borrowed from other pharmacies when the courier service is unavailable.
- Ensure drugs are stored and secured appropriately and that drug storage areas are clean and organized.
- Check and document temperatures of all refrigerators and freezers within the hospital designated for drug storage.
- Perform drug storage area inspections monthly in the hospital, each GCH clinic every other month, and EMS squads every six months; complete and submit inspection reports to the Director of Pharmacy.
- Keep pharmacy clean and organized, including cleaning dispensing and other work surfaces, computers and Pyxis surfaces and keyboards, and shelves.
- File all pharmacy records, including controlled substance records, per legal requirements and pharmacy policy and procedures.
- Assist Accounts Payable and Director of Pharmacy with invoices as needed.
- Enter drug charges electronically.
- Track and submit interdepartmental and EMS charges and submit to accounting monthly.
- Assist patients with Medicare Part D out-of-pharmacy network applications as requested.
- Performs and maintains documentation related to quality assurance of sterile compounding operations.
- Clean sterile compounding rooms per policy and document.
- Monitor and document pressure differential.
- Maintain drug database information in the pharmacy information system and automated dispensing system as assigned and instructed by the Pharmacy Director.
- Submit PMP Aware Info for controlled substances sent as take homes form the ER.
- Promote and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.
- Remains current with medication safety alerts, suggests changes to processes to improve medication safety, and assists with implementation of medication safety initiatives.
- Adhere to infection control policies as appropriate including isolation precautions, hand washing, and use of PPE.
- Follow hospital policies and procedures for disposal of sharps, biohazardous waste, and hazardous drugs.
- Follow HIPAA regulations and ensure that the confidentiality of patients’ medical, personal, and financial records; employee records; and organizational records is maintained.
- Comply with federal and state regulatory requirements related to the performance of GCH operations and requirements of the GCH compliance program.
- Present self in a professional manner. Enhance professional growth and development through educational opportunities relevant to the job, as well as reading and/or contributing to current literature.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- National pharmacy technician certification (PTCB or ExCPT) upon hire or achieved no longer than one year after hire
- Eligibility for registration as a pharmacy technician with the Iowa Board of Pharmacy
- Hospital pharmacy experience and training in medical/pharmacy terminology preferred