Pharmacy Technician - Chemotherapy

at  Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

$2,500 sign on bonus (two-year commitment) for full time positions-The Pharmacy Technician - Chemotherapy, under direct supervision of a Registered Pharmacist, assists with compounds and dispensing medical prescriptions and may be expected to perform some clerical duties relating to the department. The position is expected to receive and store incoming supplies, verify stock and enter data into the computer to maintain inventory records, and is expected to meet state certifications. The position has mastered all Pharmacy Tech requirements and has additional specialization requirements such as IV, Automation, Narcotics, etc., and requires familiarity with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures, and relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish g oals. The position is expected to perform a variety of complicated tasks and may lead and direct the work of others.

Workflow and Operations

• Efficient preparation and transfers of sterile IV medications under the direction of a pharmacist and in compliance with current regulations and standards. Accurately collects and enters data into the computer, assists the Pharmacist with filling, compounding, and dispensing patient specific doses. Processes patient charges and credits in a timely and efficient manner according to established procedures. Accurately fills or stocks carousels, automated dispensing devices, procedure carts, kits, and shelves; accurately delivers medication to the appropriate patient care areas.; accurately reviews inventory for facility needs and places orders as needed.
• Accurately prepares sterile admixture products, such as intravenous snap-ons, large volume parenteral, syringes, chemotherapy, and bulk manufactured products utilizing aseptic techniques and proper pharmaceutical procedures (>400/shift OR 100% of shift dedicated to preparation of sterile products and chemotherapy). Competent in using mathematical calculations.
• Screens patient medication orders for accuracy, resolves questions in consultation with licensed Pharmacist. Ensures workflow follows established departmental standard operating procedures, and all relevant regulatory compliance guidelines (Joint Commission, DEA, Board of Pharmacy).
• Performs cleaning and disinfecting of the pharmacy’s IV room and equipment in accordance with the established policy. Performs monitoring checks to ensure environmental conditions are within normal limits prior to beginning daily compounding; includes but is not limited to room temperature, pressure monitoring, humidity and refrigerator checks. Ensures adequate PAR levels of medications are available to complete compounding activities.
• Perform nursing unit or medication storage area inspections using Veriform to ensure regulatory compliance. This includes but is not limited to removal of all expired or inappropriately stored medications. Expectation of Reporting Medication Safety events related to IV compounds that have left the department and are returned due to error in process or error in mixing.
• Completes controlled substance transactions according to established policies and procedures. Complete documentation as evidenced by Compounding Sheets, participation to resolve discrepancy and lack of creating discrepancies.
• Maintain competencies and perform core technician’s duties as needed. Other duties as assigned.

Training and Education

• Obtain and maintain up to date knowledge and competencies in IV functions based on USP 797. Demonstrate an understanding of USP 797/800 standards and proper aseptic technique.
• Demonstrate expertise in the assigned area by assisting with the development of training materials for initial and ongoing training for pharmacy personnel in designated areas. Provides needed guidance and leadership to team members to ensure operational excellence in designated areas. Serves as a trainer for new and existing pharmacy technician personnel students in job specific functions. This includes but is not limited to, timely completion of competencies, required CE, and training documentation.
• Perform post-training quality assurance audits to ensure personnel compliance to appropriate technique and workflow.

Automation Maintenance

• Utilization IV Workflow system to perform activities to ensure patient safety and accuracy of documentation. Operates pharmacy automation systems in accordance with department SOPs including, but not limited to Baxa ExactaMix 2400 Compounder and Baxa Repeater Pump. Ability to use Microsoft Office products, fax and copy machines and other office equipment as necessary.
• Complete routine review of assigned optimization reports from area specific pharmacy technology, and reports findings to designated department leaders. Perform routine quality assurance audits and record keeping ensuring that automation operations are in compliance with relevant regulations including but not limited to DEA, USP 797, Joint Commission, and department standard operating procedures.
• Provides routine reports to department leaders. Management or triage of routine hardware or software malfunctions to facilitate prompt issue resolution.

Special Skills Must have at least 1 hour of Continuing Education in IV sterile preparation annually, certification in Critical Point and Simplifi, completion of media fill, and glove fingertip sampling. Must complete hazardous compounding certification course. Working knowledge of USP 797/800 regulations and aseptic technique practices
Licensure Must have Louisiana Board of Pharmacy Technician license.
Experience: one year hospital experience - preferred
Education High School diploma or equivalent
The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is a leading health care innovator in Louisiana and Mississippi. We bring together outstanding clinicians, the most advanced technology and leading research to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality and safest care possible.
This commitment is grounded in a history that is more than 100 years old, but reflected today by our strategic vision of transforming healthcare through superior performance and excellent patient care.

In the last fiscal year, Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System had:

• 1,747 Licensed Beds
• 65,322 Discharges
• 44,592 OR Procedures
• 10,827 Full Time Employees
• 331,360 Inpatient Days

• 1,915 Active Medical Staff229,296 Emergency Visits

• As a nonprofit, mission-focused Catholic healthcare ministry, we give special attention to our citizens who are most in need. During the most recent fiscal year, we provided more than $39 million in unreimbursed care and community support to the underprivileged.
  Our health system is one of the largest in Louisiana, with hospitals, clinics and physicians located throughout Louisiana and in Mississippi. In fact, we provide care to almost half of Louisiana’s citizens, and serve in Mississippi’s largest metropolitan area. Because of our size and the partnerships we have with other local organizations, we are able to pool our resources and share cost and service efficiencies and learn from each other, thereby accelerating our ability to improve care and solve challenges.
  Since our founding in Monroe, Louisiana in 1911, we have been blessed by the guidance of the Franciscan Sisters. Through their guidance and steadfast example, we have committed to assure that we perpetuate their healing ministry for another hundred years. It is a noble purpose we strive to fulfill every day.
  Headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, we serve patients across Louisiana and Mississippi through a network of hospitals, clinics, physicians, elderly housing and integrated information system. Our health system has partnered with the State of Louisiana as it transforms its healthcare delivery system. The partnership includes inpatient acute care and primary care delivery in Baton Rouge and Bogalusa.
  Following in the footsteps of our founders, the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady, our team members and physicians are called to provide high quality care and compassion to all people, especially those most in need.
  As we look to the future of our healthcare ministry, we chart our course by “going where we are called.”

Please refer the Job description for details