Job Summary

Responsible for performing medication history assessments for new admissions to the hospital. Works under the direct supervision of a registered pharmacist.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Training: High school graduation or equivalent. Completion of an approved/accredited Pharmacy Technician training program preferred.

Experience: 6 months related Pharmacy Technician experience; hospital environment experience preferred. Working knowledge of common outpatient medication doses and forms preferred. Previous retail pharmacy experience including prescription transcription duties preferred.

License/Cert/Reg: Registered Pharmacy Technician through the Board of Pharmacy required. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) certification within 3 months of hire required OR has been granted, or is eligible for, a pharmacy student exemption from pharmacy technician registration by the State of MD; PharmD student actively in a program from an ACPE accredited school of pharmacy and holds Pharmacy Intern status as recognized by the Board of Pharmacy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Verbal and written communication skills; knowledge of drug nomenclature and medical terminology; proficiency in basic mathematics, including fractions and decimals. Basic computer skills preferred.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
2. Abides by recommendations from regulatory and advisory groups regarding safe medication principles, including look alike, sound alike and high alert drugs. Responds appropriately to medication occurrences. Understands and takes appropriate action when a medication occurrence is identified. Complies with internal reporting requirements for medication occurrences using the Patient Safety Event system. Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
3. Contributes to cover shortages within the Pharmacy department. Must be able to meet all requirements of a pharmacy technician, including medication preparation and delivery.
4. Maintains current knowledge, certification, and licensure. Identifies learning needs in self and initiates actions to address these education needs. Attends continuing education programs in order to maintain technician certification. Attends hospital sponsored training programs as required by the department. Completes all mandatory requirements, certifications, and licensure within allotted timeframe for completion (License, PPD, Competencies etc.).
5. Participates in multi-disciplinary quality and service improvement teams. Participates in the evaluation of the hospital’s medication management system for risk points and identifies areas to improve safety.
6. Performs medication history assessments for new admissions to the hospital: Interviews patients and their families for the purpose of compiling an accurate and complete list of medications.
7. Contacts the patient’s community pharmacy, physician’s office, or other healthcare facility for clarifications if needed. Provides complete information regarding each medication identified (i.e., drug, dose, route, frequency, indication for PRN, and last dose taken-date/time). Verifies patient allergy information and ensures complete documentation (i.e., substance, allergy category, reaction description). 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.