Pharmacy Tech II

University of New Mexico Hospital - Edgewood, NM

Full-time

Edgewood, NM

Hospitals

About the position

The Pharmacy Technician position at MDC involves performing a variety of tasks under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, ensuring the efficient operation of both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy services. The role requires the technician to handle medication requests, manage inventory, and assist in the preparation and distribution of medications. Technicians will be responsible for answering pharmacy phone lines, triaging medication requests, and delivering medications, including controlled substances, to patients. The position also involves entering patient information into the pharmacy management system, filling prescriptions, and maintaining accurate records of medications dispensed. In addition to these core responsibilities, the pharmacy technician will participate in the maintenance of pharmacy technology systems, such as Pyxis and RxRobot, and will be expected to stay updated on new trends and innovations in pharmacy practice. The technician will also assist with patient assistance programs, helping to procure medications for indigent patients and ensuring compliance with hospital policies and procedures. The role requires a solid understanding of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, as well as federal and state regulations governing pharmacy practice. The technician will work with various age groups, including neonates, pediatrics, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, and must be able to perform physical tasks associated with the role, including lifting and moving heavy objects. The position is full-time with rotating shifts, and the technician must adhere to strict policies regarding the use of personal devices during work hours. Overall, this role is critical in supporting the pharmacy's mission to provide safe and effective medication management for all patients.

Responsibilities

• Enter various data into computer and forms, verify data, make corrections and ensure accuracy
• Order medications from wholesaler and put order on pharmacy shelf when received
• Assist with the implementation and maintenance of software and hardware associated with Pyxis, RxRobot, Optifill and other departmental systems
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations
• Maintain and monitor patient assistance program to include procuring medication for UNM Hospitals indigent patients
• Research qualifications, drug availability for IDP; assist patients with form completion; submit requests to drug manufacturers for patient assistance programs
• Assist in various technical activities associated with the preparation and distribution of medications such as filling routine prescription orders, prepackaging pharmaceuticals and other related duties
• Have basic understanding of pharmacology and basic knowledge of appropriate pharmacy references
• Know medical and pharmaceutical terminology, symbols, and abbreviations used in the practice of pharmacy and components of a prescription
• Know trade and generic names for medications frequently dispensed by the pharmacy
• Understand federal and state laws and regulations that affect pharmacy practice; specific regulations which address the use of supportive personnel and technicians
• Understand pharmaceutical calculations necessary for the preparation and dispensing of drug products manufacturing, preparation, packaging, labeling and proper storage of drug products dosage forms and routes of administration
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures and/or guidelines within assigned area
• Maintain logs to include narcotic inventory and other controlled substance records; maintain records on prescriptions dispensed
• May assist with preparation and maintenance of a variety of reports; analyze and interpret reports as required
• Count, package and deliver controlled substances under the supervision of a pharmacist; maintain narcotic inventory; order narcotics under the supervision of the charge pharmacist
• Learn and become efficient with automated pharmacy systems (ie) DoseEdge, Logistics, Pharmacy Keeper, Cerner, and BD Pyxis Enterprise/Med station
• Perform unit and/or in-house inspections and medication safety audits
• Process refills with correct drug, dose, and dosage form. Review pharmacy label before placing on medication for pharmacist approval for new orders or when stock outs occur, delivery of patient specific medications to include intravenous medications
• Perform basic cashiering duties; collect money for prescription and related purchases; close and balance register
• Fill medication with correct drug, dose, and dosage form. Review pharmacy label before placing on medication for pharmacist approval
• Learn and become efficient with the pharmacy management system to enter patient information, allergies, medical conditions, and patient insurance plans
• Type prescription information to include drug name, dosage, and directions on how to take medication
• Adjudicate claims to patient's insurance plan/s, manufacturer coupons, and patient assistance programs
• Monitor paid claims and troubleshoot all rejected claims to ensure proper plan reimbursement is received and the appropriate copay is presented to the patient
• Weigh, measure and mix ingredients; compound and prepare medication, emulsions, suspensions, liquids, powders and ointments by using graduates, balance, mortar, pestle and funnels
• Obtain and document prior authorization from patient health plan before medication administration
• Send message to provider to request a new prescription for patient
• Receive patient prescription refill requests; fax or call in completed prescription refills; document prescription refill requests for provider approval
• Assist with planning and coordinating of special projects, events and the area quality improvement program; provide and coordinate staff training
• Perform return to stock for prescription not picked up within 7 days.

Requirements

• High School or GED Equivalent
• Complete Hospital Pharm Tech Training or Equivalent
• 1 year directly related experience
• Certified Pharmacy Technician in NM within 60 days
• National Board Pharmacy Technician Certification within 60 days

Nice-to-haves

• Bilingual English/Keres, Tewa, Tiwa, Towa, Zuni, or Navajo
• Bilingual English/Spanish