Pharmacy Technician

**Overview**

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.

**Primary Responsibilities**

General:

- Work collaboratively with the Pharmacists and other healthcare professionals in the practice of

pharmacy and defined by the standards of practice for Canadian pharmacy technicians as outlined by NAPRA and / or the Ontario College of Pharmacists
- Adhere to all Pharmacy Technician requirements and best practices by the Ontario College of Pharmacists including the Codes of Ethics and Conduct
- Comply with departmental policies and procedures
- Maintain a clean and orderly workplace
- Observe departmental and hospital policies and requirements including occupation health and safety. Participate in occupational health and safety inspection
- Participate and meet minimum standards in hospital quality assurance and risk management programs
- Assist in the orientation of new staff and community college pharmacy technician or pharmacist students
- Participate on departmental committees, and continuing education programs
- Available to work days, evenings, overnight and weekend shifts according to the hours of operation of the pharmacy department
- Carry out other cross functional duties as assigned by pharmacy manager or designate
- Actively participate in supporting staff and patient safety initiatives and alert or work with the pharmacists on adverse events or incidents. For example, Corrective and Preventative Action (CAPA)

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:

- Narcotics and Control
- Account for routine inventory of narcotic and controlled drugs per assignment
- 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.
- 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:

- Maintain adequate drug and supply inventory in the dispensary
- Assist in inventory control by reporting stock shortages to purchasing personnel
- Receive purchased stock into inventory, including barcoding acti