The Pharmacy Technician is responsible for carrying out functions of a technical and clerical nature complemented by their therapeutic knowledge in Hospital Pharmacy Practice. These functions include, but not limited to: drug distribution, inventory control, intravenous admixture preparation, nonsterile compounding and other components of pharmacy technician practice. The practice standards are outlined by National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and that of the College (Ontario College of Pharmacists) by-laws, standards, and regulations, including the Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct. The Pharmacy technician will use their knowledge to collaborate with the pharmacists and other health care professionals to provide and support patient care. They will demonstrate commitment to the quality and safety of the health care system, maintain competence in drug distribution systems, and demonstrate professional & ethical conduct. The Pharmacy Technician will adhere to all relevant legislated and regulatory requirements. The Pharmacy Technician may have to work at different sites, as assigned.
Drug operations and distribution:
- In general, independently perform all technical aspects of the drug distribution system including repackaging, interim dose fill and deliver, Unit Dose cart fill/exchange, Sterile compounding including TPN and chemotherapy, Wardstock replenishment, Narcotic distribution/destruction, purchasing and inventory rotation, non-sterile compounding, inventory maintenance, independent double checks of technical work performed
- Receive, review, process, prepare, verify, and release drugs and product orders/prescriptions following written protocol and college standards
- Respond to telephone inquiries, requests for missing doses / refills etc.
- Compound extemporaneous and stock products under supervision following written protocol
- Prepare sterile products by aseptic technique under supervision following written protocol
- Fill narcotic /controlled drug wardstock and maintain perpetual inventory records as required by federal and provincial statutes
- Deliver and address returns of narcotics and controlled drugs to / from nursing units, respectively
- Competently operate all equipment in Pharmacy operations as per policies and procedures
Inventory Management:
o Account for routine inventory of narcotic and controlled drugs per assignment
o Work in conjunction and oversight to account for assigned activities for ordering, receiving, repackaging to unit dose, distribution in central operations, to/from the nursing units, and disposal.
o Perform quality assurance audits on completed narcotic and controlled drug inventory and administration sheets
- Kits: check and restock emergency drug trays, crash carts, code kits, and other specialty kits
- Wardstock: manage and replenish Units on established lists and quotas
- Dispensing cabinet (ADC): manage and replenish inventory according to set par levels
- Update quota replenishment sheets on the advice of the supervisor or Pharmacist
- Operate and maintain competency in the operation of unit dose dispensing equipment, automated dispensing cabinets and/or other applicable technology that support pharmacy practice
- Participate in routine inspection visits of nursing units for expired stock
- Inventory Control Main Dispensary:
o Maintain adequate drug and supply inventory in the dispensary
o Assist in inventory control by reporting stock shortages to purchasing personnel
o Receive purchased stock into inventory, including barcoding activities. Alert the purchaser if thereare discrepancies at the point of receiving
o Process drug returns for credit from patient care areas
o Identify expired items and remove outdated stock from inventory
Admixture Preparation:
- Prepare I.V. Admixtures, TPN solutions, I.V. chemotherapy drugs (with specialized training) and other sterile products
- Deliver and allocate I.V admixtures to designated nursing units.
- Retrieve discontinued I.V. medications.
Others:
- Maintain records of workload measurement and statistics (as outlined)
- Perform and comply with quality assurance audits for product preparation and distribution processes
- As assigned various unique rotations / skills, not limited to:
o Purchaser: maintain knowledge and competency to address inventory management, such as but not limited to: ordering, sourcing of available product, support identifying back-orders, work with external vendors and stakeholders (hospital and retail pharmacy) to buy/sell/borrow under the oversight of the manager or designate
o Oncology: maintain knowledge and competency in aseptic preparation of hazardous drugs
o Skills for handling, administrative, and trouble-shooting specific pharmacy equipment
o IV trainer: Able to train others in aseptic technique and activities
o Obtain and document best possible medication histories in support of medication reconciliation
- Sterile or Non-sterile compounding experience and unit dose dispensing an asset- Familiarity with using computers and common software applications (i.e. email, Microsoft 365, MS Office etc.)
