GENERAL SUMMARY
The Oncology Pharmacy Technician will work alongside our Oncology Pharmacists and nursing staff to deliver optimal care to the patients at one of our four Kettering Health Network oncology locations (Kettering, Soin, Troy, Fort Hamilton). The pharmacy technician is responsible for assisting in the coordination and delivery of pharmacy services in compliance with all applicable policies, regulatory agency requirements, state and federal laws and participating in the quality improvement process to ensure safe, effective, and efficient delivery of quality care.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE ONCOLOGY PHARMACY TECHNICIAN:
- Performs job responsibilities in accordance with organizational and departmental policies and procedures, performance improvement objectives and environmental/infection control standards. Develops and implements processes to comply with the HFAP (Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program) and regulatory requirements.
- Identifies opportunities for process improvements with the goal to provide prompt, safe and efficient patient care.
- Actively enhances personal growth and development by participating in educational programs, in-services, and meetings. Assists with new employee orientation, training, and evaluations.
- Duties performed may include one or more of the following core functions:
- Accurately prepares IV products in an efficient and sterile manner in accordance with all USP, ASHP and NIOSH guidelines;
- Maintains order and cleanliness in the IV compounding area;
- Ordering and stocking of medications; or
- Maintaining adequate supplies and medications needed for the infusion center.
- Maintains a positive attitude, respects diversity, and works well with others.
- Completes > 600 hours of sterile compounding yearly.
- Adheres to safety requirements in the handling and preparation of chemotherapy and other hazardous agents. Pharmacy Technician also must maintain competencies to compound any intravenous medications (i.e. immunotherapy, chemotherapy).
- Assist and collaborate with pharmacy leadership and clinic team on developing and implementing new processes or improvements.
- Understands 340B operations and practices medication distribution in compliance with standards.
- Adheres to investigational medication procedures such as documentation, dispensing, and drug inventory.
- Inventory of high dollar/high risk medications:
- Minimizes drug waste through dose rounding
- Minimizes expired drug by keeping updated inventory and sending back nearly expired products
- Utilizing beacon reports to assist with inventory
- Drug shortage management
- Coordination of REMs compliance on selected medications with assistance from pharmacist
SKILLS / ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED
- Computer literacy
- English proficiency
- Ability to work independently and supervise others
- Effective communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills
- Organizational ability with attention to detail
- Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Ability to work in high-pressure situations
- Ability to work well on a team
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to pass area-specific competencies
- Knowledge of Epic Electronic Health Record System
- Knowledge of daily infusion center operations pertaining to compounding and dispensing medications
- Knowledge of common safety hazards and precautions to maintain a safe work environment
- Skill in interpreting and calculating medication doses
- Skill/competency in preparing and compounding IV products accurately.
- Proficiency in:
- OSHA, and ASHP guidelines for handling hazardous drugs
- USP 800
- Handling hazardous drugs throughout transport, receiving, and dispensing
- Controls for hazardous compounding, including engineering functions, proper use of personal protective equipment, and proper cleaning and maintenance of equipment
- Sterile compounding (obtain 600 hours within 1 year of hire)
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
Current pharmacy technician certification with the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy
Maintenance of continuing education as required by law
Hazardous Drug Compounding Certification (obtain within 1 year of hire)
EDUCATION
EXPERIENCE
- Minimum of two years of experience in an inpatient or infusion pharmacy setting
- Prior experience in an oncology practice setting preferred
- Experience in Epic/Beacon
- Drug inventory management preferred
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
- Minimizes drug waste
- Assists with patient assistance program applications and drug management
- Prepares medications according to accepted standards of practice and evidence
- Demonstrates competency and compliance with 340B regulations