Pharmacy Technician - Medication History

Overview

The medication history pharmacy technician assists pharmacists in providing care to inpatients and outpatients of all ages by collecting information to compile an accurate and complete list of medications a patient was taking prior to admission and helps the pharmacist in any routine duties not requiring professional judgment.

Responsibilities

Interviews patients and their families for the purpose of compiling an accurate and complete list of medications the patient was taking before admission.

Accesses pharmacy claims data and contacts the patient’s community pharmacy, physician’s office, or other healthcare facility for clarifications if needed.

Works closely with the supervising pharmacist and nursing staff to coordinate medication history assessment

Verifies patient allergy information and ensure complete documentation

Documents the medication history and allergy information in the electronic medical record accurately and in a timely manner.

Reports suspected medication errors or adverse drug reactions to the supervising pharmacist

Is able to perform duties of a pharmacy technician

Systematically checks any assigned pharmacy stock areas for removal of outdated medication and cleanliness.

Functions as a preceptor when assigned to train newly-hired Pharmacy Technicians in their new work areas.

Answers and screens all incoming phone calls.

Is able to perform mathematical processes of: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division.

Has a basic understanding of the metric system.

Has working knowledge of all State and Federal laws and regulations affecting the practice of pharmacy.

Maintains annual continuing education requirements as required by the Alabama State Board of Pharmacy.

Must successfully demonstrate competency, proficiency and safety on annual competency assessments as developed by the Pharmacy Leadership.

Participates in performance improvement activities.

Maintains skills required as a pharmacy technician.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Must be a high school graduate or have the equivalent. Must be currently registered or eligible for registration as a Pharmacy Technician in the State of Alabama. Pharmacy technician certification and/or pharmacy experience preferred. Must be able to operate a computer, calculator, and a telephone. transfer carts and other related pharmacy equipment.  Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental - Possible exposure to disease, infection and hazardous materials.

Physical - Able to stand, walk, reach, sit, crouch and stoop for extended periods of time. Must be able to carry objects weighing 35 pounds.  Must be able to transfer carts, push a cart or any other pharmacy equipment. Requires good motor coordination with good manual and finger dexterity. Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. Physical presence onsite is essential as is the ability to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Psychological - Must have the ability to communicate and interact with staff and patients of all ages according to the DCH Behavioral Standards.