Pharmacy Tech, Advanced Chemotherapy

Covenant Health - Oak Ridge, TN

Part-time - Mid Level

Oak Ridge, TN

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Pharmacy Tech, Advanced Chemotherapy position at Covenant Health in Oak Ridge, TN, is a part-time role requiring 60 hours per pay period, primarily during the day shift. This position is essential in supporting the Thompson Oncology Group (TOG), a leader in medical oncology services that provides patients with access to proven drug-based treatments and the latest clinical trial medicines. The role involves floating to other Thompson locations as needed based on volumes and staffing requirements. As part of the Oncology Pharmacy team, the pharmacy technician will work under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, performing functions related to the dispensing of chemotherapy medications. The technician will be involved in various technical functions, including IV process proficiency, problem-solving skills, and the admixture of hazardous medications. The position also emphasizes quality improvement and requires leadership skills, including effective written and verbal communication to support departmental objectives. The technician will be responsible for accurately preparing, compounding, and dispensing chemotherapy medications, assisting pharmacists with the preparation of compounds and intravenous medications based on physician orders. Additionally, the role includes managing pharmaceutical inventory, maintaining clean and safe operations of biological safety cabinets and clean rooms, and adhering to safety guidelines for handling hazardous waste. The technician will also participate in professional development activities and training sessions for new oncology medications and study drugs as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Performs all position accountabilities and performance criteria for level I and level II technicians.
• Assists the pharmacist in the training of technicians in levels I and II.
• Initiates and/or coordinates improvement activities as appropriate.
• Assists in the implementation of new projects including the development of policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in providing for age-specific needs of the oncology population served.
• Accurately performs calculations to prepare, compound and dispense chemotherapy medications.
• Assists pharmacists in preparing compounds, chemotherapy, and intravenous medications upon physician's orders.
• Responsible for pharmaceutical inventory stocking, restocking and management of chemotherapy medications and supplies; reconciles invoices.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of biological safety cabinets by performing daily hood cleaning/decontamination.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of the facility's clean rooms by performing monthly air and surface testing for microbial surveillance.
• Exhibits understanding of the gauges used to read the air pressure of the negative pressure room, positive pressure room, and ante room and the proper action needed if readings are outside acceptable levels.
• Responsible for appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the preparation of chemotherapy agents.
• Adheres to the guidelines for safe handling of hazardous waste (Chemotherapy Hazardous Waste Spill Policy).
• Maintains Investigational Drug supply with strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Enhances professional growth and development through reviews of current literature and participation in educational programs, in-services, meetings, and workshops.
• Participates in training sessions for each new oncology medication that enters the market and/or study drugs as applicable.
• Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Requirements

• Mid-level Pharmacy technician experience (3 years).
• Quality improvement experience.
• Data entry skills.
• Experience with clinical trials.
• Strong computer skills.
• Oncology knowledge.
• Leadership skills.
• Effective communication skills.
• Experience with chemotherapy.

Nice-to-haves

• Pharmacy experience and computer data entry skills are desirable.
• IV Room experience preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Referral program