SUMMARY

Responsible for assisting the pharmacist, including preparing and distributing medications; maintaining the drug inventory, patient billing and maintaining patient records. Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, RN or medical provider. Responsibilities may require obtaining complete, accurate, up to date medication histories for patients that are admitted to acute, observation or swing bed status in order to increase patient safety by decreasing errors in admission and discharge medication lists. Contributes to the effective operation and quality improvement activities of the department including proper documentation, competencies and other duties as they arise and are assigned by the pharmacist on duty, the supervising pharmacist or the director of pharmacy.

STATUS: Per Diem

LOCATION: Gouverneur Hospital

DEPARTMENT: Pharmacy

SCHEDULE: 8hr shifts; regularly scheduled weekly shifts with additional hours available as needed

ATTRIBUTES

• Required: High school graduate or equivalent

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Refills medication in Automated Dispensing Machines, picking station, nursing units, ambulance services, crash carts, patient bins, and monitors for outdates. Fills stock and IV orders placed by other departments and completes monthly departmental charges.

• Prepares medications including suspensions, unit dosing, and sterile compounding and delivers them to appropriate areas.

• Receives and maintains adequate stock of medications and supplies; updates and maintains drug files/charges in computer; monitors medication inventory including expiration dates and places orders with central supply, wholesaler, manufacturers and other approved companies accordingly.

• Performs and documents monthly nursing station inspections and quarterly clinic inspections reporting any discrepancies to the Supervising Pharmacist or Director. Reviews Automated Dispensing Machine reports to assure all removed medications have been ordered by a provider and properly debited/credited, looks for patterns in controlled substance reports and notifies Supervising Pharmacist or Director. Ensures accurate patient charges.

• Cleans all medication storage areas in the facility including cleanroom, hoods, Automated Dispensing Machines, refrigerators, shelving and medication bins as necessary. Contributes to the effective operation and quality improvement activities of the department including proper documentation, competencies, and other duties as they arise and are assigned by a pharmacist or the Director.

• Responsible for obtaining complete, accurate, up to date medication histories for patients that are admitted to Gouverneur Hospital acute, observation or swing bed units. Will interview patients, family/caregivers, call pharmacies and provider offices. Have working knowledge of common outpatient medication doses and forms. Must possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills required in interacting with patients, families, coworkers and other health professionals. Works to compile an accurate and complete list of prescription medications, vitamins, supplements and over-the-counter medications the patient was taking before admission including dose, route, frequency, indication and last dose taken. Patient’s allergy and adverse drug reaction information should be validated with patient, family/caregivers and/or primary care provider when possible. Review any printed lists or medication bottles brought in and contact the patient’s pharmacies, providers, nursing home or assisted living facility. Notify the pharmacist on duty of any discrepancies found. This will be done under the supervision of a licensed, registered pharmacist.

• May be asked to precept/train staff regarding home medication interviews and documentation.

• Maintain and complete required medication history documentation including: number of lists collected, number of lists incomplete with explanation, number of patients interviewed per day, number of medications per patient, time to complete histories, number of discrepancies noted, method of collection and pharmacist notification. Document within a pharmacy medication note to provider that home medication list has been updated.