Pharmacy Technician-Inpatient

The In-patient Pharmacy Technician works in the inpatient section of Pharmacy Service, processing and filling inpatient medication orders (unit dose, IV admixture, ward stock, etc.) at the Syracuse VA Medical Center. Incumbent will ensure productivity is maintained at the established level for the program for which they are responsible.

• For more details or to apply: https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/773348900

Unit Dose
1. Prepares individual unit dose medications to be dispensed to inpatient areas (unit dose carts), and/or fills unit dose carts for patient care.
2. The incumbent follows departmental policy & procedures when preparing & handling medications identified as hazardous per NIOSH regulations (i.e. Chemotherapy).
3. A pharmacist reviews all orders for therapeutic propriety, the technician reviews all orders for technical accuracy and convenes the order, if necessary, so that the item dispensed corresponds to the drug and dose ordered.
4. Ensures all medication is labeled appropriately to include Veteran-specific information, bar code, drug, dose, expiration, and lot number and where necessary auxiliary labels as required.
5. Maintains replenishment of pharmacy medication repackaging automation as required and follows established procedures.
6. Performs final review of medication when prepared by another technician, to be dispensed to inpatient areas (first dose medication and unit dose carts) and fills unit-dose carts independently without secondary review.
7. Performs final technical review of pharmacy label application to manufacturer prepared intravenous solution prior to dispensing to inpatient areas.

Sterile Product Compounding/Extraneous Compounding
1. Responsible for preparation of complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe etc., and for the manufacturing of parenteral nutrition admixtures under a sterile environment. Responsible for preparation of sterile pharmaceuticals which are associated with a high degree of toxicity (i.e. antineoplastic agents).
2. Interprets the medication order request, selecting and measuring appropriate ingredients, mixing ingredients in a safe and effective manner, inspecting the final product for accuracy, suitability and elegance, labeling the product, maintaining records of the manufacturing process and supplying the product for delivery only after a final check has been performed by a pharmacist.
3. Uses standard protocols to determine an accurate expiration date for each batch prepared.
4. Displays competence with good manufacturing practices and sterile technique through demonstration and actual work performance. Competency must be demonstrated with regard to both information about pharmaceuticals and chemicals, techniques used to handle and prepare these agents, appropriate handling and disposal of toxic materials, and technical information such as stability, incompatibilities, etc. 5. When compounding complex admixtures (parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy) manufacturing steps with ingredients are set up for clarification and approval by the pharmacist prior to completing each step in the manufacturing process.
6. Compounds and/or reconstitutes oral or external medications (non-sterile), following established compounding records. Ensures final check by pharmacist prior to product being released from the pharmacy.

Ward Stock/Inventory Management
1. Fills automatic replenishment requests for ward or clinic stock.
2. Inventories and replenishes emergency code carts.
3. Replenishes and maintains pharmaceutical drug items stored in automated dispensing cabinets (ADC) (i.e. Pyxis or equivalent). Ensures par levels are maintained and drugs due to expire ware pulled in advance of the expiration date.
4. Performs ward inspections for all drug storage areas in the Medical Center. Accurately documents findings of inspection and notifies area manager and pharmacy supervisor of deficiencies. Ensures drugs due to expire are pulled from storage areas in advance of the expiration date.
5. Assists with inventory management and the ordering of medicines.

Work Schedule: 730-1600, 0800-1630, 1000-1830, or 1230-2100 (day shift and night shift positions available) rotating weekends and holidays
Telework: Not available.
Virtual: This is not a virtual position.
Functional Statement #:21N36-A
Recruitment Incentives: 10% Recruitment Incentive - May be authorized for highly qualified candidates

Requirements:

• You must be a U.S.
• Citizen to apply for this job.
• All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
• You may be required to serve a probationary period.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Must pass pre-employment physical examination.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Education:
• Certification: Certification by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) is required for the grade GS-6.
• English Language Proficiency.

Grade Determinations:
--GS05 Determination--
Education or Experience:
(a) Successful completion of four years post-secondary education with courses related to pharmacy (e.g., 48 semester hours of science, mathematics, pharmacy) or a bachelor's degree.
OR
(b) An associate's degree in pharmacy technician or technology (48 semester hours of concentrated pharmacy technician training).
OR
(c) One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.

In addition to the education or experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
(a) Knowledge of basic pharmacy operations.
(b) Knowledge of pharmaceuticals to perform duties in pharmacy functional areas.
(c) Knowledge of pharmaceutical nomenclature (including generic, chemical and proprietary names of drug).
(d) Ability to fill prescriptions.
(e) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or basic pharmacy dispensing equipment with oversight.

Assignments. Pharmacy technicians at this developmental level perform all duties expected of employees at lower grade levels; however, they are expected to exercise greater judgement, require less supervision and operate in accordance with all established policies and procedures. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level will fill orders and dispense/ deliver medications using automated systems. These technicians require oversight of assigned duties by full performance level technicians and or pharmacists.

--GS06 Determination--
Experience-One year experience at the next lower level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level.
(a) Knowledge of Federal and state laws related to pharmacy practice.
(b) Knowledge of preparation, storage and distribution of medication products including those requiring special handling and documentation.
(c) Ability to use pharmacy information systems or operate pharmacy dispensing equipment.
(d) Knowledge of basic inventory procedures.
(e) Ability to communicate with patients and staff and direct questions to appropriate personnel.

Assignments. Pharmacy technicians at the full performance level may fill orders, dispense/deliver medications using automated systems or provide technical customer service to Veterans related to prescription needs. Duties will include delivery of medications to floors/patients, filling medications for the pharmacist to review, checking for expired medications, answering phones with appropriate disposition, preparing sterile products (when applicable) and assisting with basic inventory management such as putting up stock and identifying when medications need to be ordered.

References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/159, PART II, APPENDIX G28, November 07, 2023

Physical Requirements: The In-patient Pharmacy Technicianmay be required to sustain extended periods of stretching, standing, sitting and reaching during his/her employment. This occasionally involves lifting moderately heavy items. The Inpatient Pharmacy Technician must possess average agility and dexterity and must be able to work adjusted schedules and rotating shifts as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $46,198.00 - $60,059.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Opportunities for advancement
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Parental leave
• Prescription drug insurance
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Physical setting:

• Clinic
• Inpatient

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Rotating weekends

Experience:

• Pharmacy technician experience: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)
• Overnight Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person