Pharmacy Technician Specialist in Waterbury, Connecticut at Waterbury Hospital

SCOPE OF POSITION:

Under the supervision of the supervising Pharmacist, the Medication History Technician (MHT) will perform medication histories through patient/family/significant other interviews for patients arriving via the Emergency Department to be admitted to the inpatient units. The technician will utilize External Rx History and Cerner PowerChart Medication by History documentation to enter the patient's current medication list into the electronic medical record.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Disclaimer: Job descriptions are not intended, nor should they be construed to be, exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of the principal duties and responsibilities of this position. These responsibilities and competencies listed below may change from time to time.

1. Obtains and clarifies patients' home/chronic medication list by contacting community pharmacies and extended care facilities, interviewing patient and family members to ensure proper identification of doses and drugs including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and complementary & alternative medications in an efficient and timely manner. Reviews and updates patients' allergies. Accurately documents the home medication list in the electronic health record using the standardized documentation format. Consistently meets the minimum number of medication histories obtained per shift, while maintaining high accuracy and quality.
2. Communicates discrepancies identified via the medication history process with the pharmacist and makes clarifications with the patient and prescribers as needed. Hands off effectively any medication history-related issues and ensures proper follow-up and closure. Appropriately directs, triages or communicates to the appropriate caregivers or staff all questions or inquiries from patients or families that are outside the scope of taking the medication history.
3. Serves as a resource to the pharmacist regarding home medication histories and other follow up as deemed appropriate by the pharmacist. Responds to nurses, physicians or other requestors and appropriately manages, triages, or ensures follow-up in a timely manner regarding medication history information and/or medication history requests.
4. Identifies opportunities for improvement related to safety, regulatory or financial outcomes.
5. Identifies and reports actual and potential medication errors or adverse events and to seek resolution of these safety risks.
6. Identifies and participates in ongoing quality assurance (QA) to ensure efficiency for all aspects of medication history taking. Trains pharmacy technicians, pharmacy technician students and pharmacy interns if deemed appropriate by the supervisor/manager.
7. Troubleshoots electronic hardware and software applications as needed and appropriately notifies IT of any malfunction needing higher attention to minimize down times, delays in medication reconciliation information input, and disruption in electronic communications/processes.
8. Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.
9. Work independently with minimal supervision. Organize and prioritize work assignments. Ensure pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner
10. Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Entity as well as the proper release of information.
11. Obtains and maintains appropriate knowledge and understanding of the Greater Waterbury Health Network and the Department of Pharmacy. This knowledge will include an overview of the department, the content of the department's training program, and other topics as determined by their supervisor.
12. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position to which he/she is assigned.
13. As needed: Accurately and timely fills medications, medication carts/trays, and stock requisitions accurately and IV orders from computer generated labels, fills and updates. Delivers medications to and picks up medications from patient care areas and automated dispensing cabinets or uses the pneumatic tube to deliver medications when appropriate.
14. Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION

• BS or Associates Degree preferred with concentration in Biology or Chemistry.
• High School Diploma with either completion of formalized pharmacy technician training program or equivalent work experience.
• National Pharmacy Technician Certification required.
• Medication history certificate within 6 months of hire
• Must have or be eligible for pharmacy technician registration in the State of Connecticut.

EXPERIENCE

• 3-5 years hospital pharmacy experience preferred.

COMPETENCIES

• Ability to work well as a member of an interdisciplinary team with tact and confidentiality.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have basic computer skills and ability to access internet and other programs applicable to Waterbury Hospital procedures.
• Perform automated functions that fall within job responsibility.
• Ability to prepare and complete records as required.
• General knowledge of chemistry and mathematics.
• Ability to learn new techniques; use of equipment, etc.
• Standing/walking and lifting is required
• Rotating schedule as needed.