PHARMACY TECH III - PRN

University of New Mexico Hospital - Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Albuquerque, NM

Hospitals

About the position

The Pharmacy Tech III position at the University of New Mexico Hospitals is a critical role within the pharmacy department, requiring a comprehensive understanding of pharmacy operations and the ability to perform a variety of tasks under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This position is part of the casual pool, meaning it operates on an as-needed basis with a flexible schedule, including rotating shifts. The Pharmacy Tech III will be responsible for performing the duties of Pharmacy Technician I, II, and III, which includes both inpatient and outpatient pharmacy tasks. In the inpatient setting, the technician will assist in training Pharmacy Technicians I and II, conduct audits, and manage medication distribution. This includes maintaining accurate records, managing medication shortages, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. The technician will also be involved in the preparation and dispensing of medications, including IV solutions and sterile products, while ensuring that all activities adhere to hospital policies and procedures. In the outpatient setting, the technician will handle various responsibilities such as answering the pharmacy phone line, entering patient information into the pharmacy management system, filling prescriptions, and coordinating medication-related issues with patients, providers, and clinic staff. The role requires a solid understanding of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, as well as the ability to manage patient assistance programs and ensure accurate billing and insurance claims processing. The technician will also participate in quality improvement initiatives and assist with special projects as needed.

Responsibilities

• Develop, oversee and conduct various routine and special audits, research and correct data to maintain integrity of programs
• 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
• Coordinate all medication related issues for patients, providers and clinic staff
• 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 manufactures 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
• Participate in the development and implementation of policies and procedures and/or guidelines within assigned area
• Maintain quality records; ensure compliance with Federal, State, JCAHO and other regulatory requirements
• Maintain logs to include narcotic inventory and other controlled substance records; maintain records on prescriptions dispensed
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of a variety of reports; analyze and interpret reports as required
• Assist with planning and coordinating of special projects, events and the area quality improvement program; provide and coordinate staff training
• Participate in training of new technician I and II's
• Maintain and perform 30/60/90 day audits on new pharmacy staff members
• Count, package and deliver controlled substances under the supervision of a pharmacist; maintain narcotic inventory; order narcotics under the supervision of the charge pharmacist
• Manage medication shortages, Unload/Load medications from automated dispensing machines
• Maintain efficient knowledge with automated pharmacy systems (i.e.) DoseEdge, Logistics, ORS, Pharmacy Keeper, Knowledge Portal, Pyxis Enterprise, CII safe, controlled substance discrepancies, Cerner, pharmacy Pyxis email, and other departmental systems
• Coordinate day to day issues with pharmacy staff members on all shifts
• Ensure compounding and dispensing of medications is accurate and timely to include IV solutions and other sterile products as required by practice site
• Attend and participate in Tech III meetings, scheduling, shortage, specialized assigned area, and Nursing new hire class
• Assist and perform monthly controlled substance inventory and inspections
• Maintain and assist with optimization of automated dispensing machines
• Perform orientation of new technicians and request access through IT
• Perform basic cashiering duties; collect money for prescription and related purchases; close and balance register
• Proactively coordinate patient refills for specialized medications
• Support patients in accessing appropriate site of care, including enrollment with the specialty pharmacy
• Procure and manage specialty medications in manners that increase efficiency and reduce cost for the pharmacy and organization
• Ensure all pharmacy billing is done correctly
• Send out monthly bills and collect payment when applicable
• Onboard and train new pharmacy staff members
• 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
• Conducts monthly audits of all 340B-eligible locations, including in-house and contract pharmacies, to verify adherence with the 340B Program guidelines and policies
• Evaluates patient eligibility for qualified and non-qualified patients in hospital-based mixed-use areas and clinics by reviewing patient medical records, insurance plans, and hospital status.
• Perform return to stock for prescription not picked up within 7 days.
• Ensure accurate compounding of high dollar infusion medications and hazardous agents such as chemotherapy agents
• Perform shipping and receiving of incoming medications including of specialty and hazardous medications
• Follow patient safety-related policies, procedures and protocols
• Demonstrate proactive approach to patient safety by seeking opportunities to improve patient safety through questioning of current policies and processes
• Identify and report/correct environmental conditions and/or situations that may put a patient at undue risk
• Report potential or actual patient safety concerns, medical errors and/or near misses in a timely manner
• Encourage patients to actively participate in their own care by asking questions and reporting treatment or situations that they don't understand or may 'not seem right'

Requirements

• High School or GED Equivalent
• Complete Hospital Pharm Tech Training or Equivalent
• Chemotherapy Drug prep training within 60 days
• 2 years directly related experience
• Certified Pharmacy Technician in NM within 60 days

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• Receive 17% weekday nights, 26% weekend nights, or 15% weekend day shift differentials