Pharmacy Tech III PRN

University of New Mexico Hospital - Edgewood, NM

Full-time - Entry Level

Edgewood, NM

Hospitals

About the position

The Pharmacy Technician position at MDC involves performing a variety of pharmacy technician duties under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. This role encompasses both inpatient and outpatient responsibilities, requiring the technician to assist with training, audits, and project assignments. In the inpatient setting, the technician will manage medication shortages, assist with the compounding and dispensing of medications, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. In the outpatient setting, the technician will handle patient interactions, manage prescription refills, and ensure accurate billing and insurance claims processing. The technician must possess a solid understanding of medical and pharmaceutical terminology, as well as federal and state laws governing pharmacy practice. The position requires adherence to hospital policies and procedures, with a focus on patient safety and quality assurance. The technician will also participate in training new staff and may assist in various technical activities associated with medication preparation and distribution. This role is critical in ensuring the efficient operation of the pharmacy and the delivery of safe and effective patient care.

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 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
• 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
• 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
• Ensure compounding and dispensing of medications is accurate and timely to include IV solutions and other sterile products as required by practice site
• 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
• Fill medication with correct drug, dose, and dosage form. Review pharmacy label before placing on medication for pharmacist approval
• 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
• Conduct monthly audits of all 340B-eligible locations, including in-house and contract pharmacies, to verify adherence with the 340B Program guidelines and policies
• Evaluate 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 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

• Flexible scheduling
• Casual pool position
• Opportunity for training and development
• Participation in professional group meetings