Pharmacy Technician Specialist-Medication History, Full-time Rotating

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Pharmacy Technician Specialist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the direction of a licensed pharmacist, performs all technical duties associated with the operations of the dispensing areas.  Additionally, maintains stock levels of medications, intravenous solutions, and supplies; monitors expiration dates of medications; and prepares appropriate reports on areas of responsibility.

Responsibilities:

• Acts as a member of the clinical team to obtain the most complete and accurate medication history possible for patients throughout the hospital and emergency department.
• Obtains medication histories in a timely manner to ensure efficient transitions in the continuum of care.
• Interviews patients, utilizing all resources to obtain complete and accurate medication history, along with obtaining and clarifying allergy information.
• Demonstrates exceptional communication skills with all members of the care team and the public, including patients and patients’ representatives.
• Reviews secondary sources of information to obtain medication histories if unable to obtain directly from patient, or to verify the accuracy of a patient-provided history.
• Ensures that all medication histories are of the highest quality, and communicates any potential concerns with the covering clinical pharmacist to prevent medication errors.
• Documents medication histories, and other pertinent information, in a clear and concise manner.
• Maintains a dedication to improving patient safety and reducing medication errors at transitions in the continuum of care.
• Attention to detail, confidentiality, and complete documentation are core responsibilities within this role.
• Demonstrates competency with electronic health record (EHR) documentation and medication knowledge necessary to complete the role.
• Performs all Pharmacy Technician III responsibilities.
• Maintains appropriate inventory par levels, processes expired medications and removes them from the area.
• Anticipates medication needs of satellite and orders appropriately.  Communicates any inventory problems to pharmacist staff, practice coordinator, and to manager.
• Evaluates monthly cost transfer reports for correctness.
• Resolves ordering discrepancies and maintains excellent communication with the storeroom.
• Performs pharmacy satellite inspections monthly and documents expired medications or any problems.
• Responds to recall notices in a timely and efficient way; communicates key information to the staff.
• Identifies areas of improvement in the work flow or inventory control and communicates to the practice coordinator or manager.
• Maintains emergency boxes and cart medication supplies.
• Ensures compliance with pharmaceutical waste collection and disposal requirements.
• Maintains documentation of completion for media fill and fingertip testing.
• Assists in the development and training of new technicians.
• Assists in the controlled substance audits to ensure accurate record keeping.
• Returns outdated or unused controlled substances to the pharmacy storeroom.
• Ensures on-time deliveries within department standards.
• Maintains adequate inventory and accurate records for all drug studies.
• Removes expired products promptly from the active inventory, places it in a separate area, and makes the appropriate record adjustments. Documents removal of expired product for accurate inventory management.
• Ensures that all products are stored under appropriate storage conditions.
• Assists in maintaining accurate inventory and inventory records to meet regulations for controlled substances and tax-free alcohol.
• Verifies that recalled or outdated drugs are isolated and that the proper records and reports are prepared.
• Assures that formulas are compounded correctly and made available for checking by a pharmacist.
• Performs other tasks as assigned.