Pharmacy Medication History Technician

Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Pharmacy, the Pharmacy Medication History Technician is responsible for collecting an accurate medication and allergy history for admitted patients in the Emergency Department. Information will be obtained by interviewing the patient, family members, retail pharmacy, provider or nursing home documentations/staff and utilizing available online resources.

The accurate home medication list will be documented in the electronic medical record to be used by physicians and other healthcare providers to determine medication orders during admission and at discharge.

The technician will perform other duties as required by the Director of Pharmacy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

• Maintains open communication and ensures timely follow-up with nurses, practitioners, pharmacists, technicians and other personnel.

• Follows established Red Rules by utilizing two patient identifiers when interviewing a patient.

• Works primarily in the Emergency Department but will also assist on the inpatient nursing units to obtain accurate home medication histories by chart review, patient interview, online resources and phone calls to retail pharmacies and physician offices.

• Ensures proper identification of doses and drugs including prescription medications, over the counter drugs and herbals/supplements.

• Documents complete and accurate medication history into the electronic medical record utilizing medication reconciliation tab functions, progress notes, and i-vents.

• Reviews and updates patient allergies and reaction to each allergen. Discusses discrepancies with the patient's nurse and/or pharmacist.

• Reviews and updates patient's pharmacy preference.

• Appropriately directs, triages or communicates to the appropriate caregivers or staff all questions or inquiries from patients or families that are outside the scope of taking the medication history.

• Communicates with pharmacists regarding medications that require clarification with physician and/or other healthcare providers.

• Provides a handoff of any pertinent issues to oncoming shift.

• Demonstrates knowledge of high-alert medications.

• Demonstrates ability to use pharmacy references, including Micromedex and Lexicomp.

• Identifies and participates in ongoing quality improvement processes to ensure medication reconciliation practices are met. Ensures applicable documentation is correct and accurate.

• Attends pharmacy meetings and reads departmental communications daily (huddle minutes/email).

• Completes all competencies/skills assessment requirements.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists nursing with pharmacy-related issues including, but not limited to, obtaining medications from Pharmacy and handling automated dispensing device related issues.

• Completes ED unit inspections according to departmental policy.

• Resolves controlled substance discrepancies by the end of shift, if applicable.

• Identifies and reports potential errors or adverse drug events to the pharmacist and collaborates to proactively prevent medication errors.

• Assists with delivery of medications to patient care areas.

• Exchanges and restocks EMS drug and IV boxes as needed.

• Prepares medications for distribution under pharmacist supervision.

• Follows appropriate procedures for packaging, labeling and storing medications.

• Understands and follows procedures for the preparation and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous medications.

• Understands the use of the automated dispensing devices and can effectively assign, load, unload, destock, refill and outdate medications.

• Understands the use of the carousels and can effectively remove, restock and complete replenishment.

• Follows procedures for receiving, storing, and dispensing of controlled substances. Understands the process to remove a controlled substance from inventory.

• Follows established procedures for removing from inventory all expired, recalled or discontinued pharmaceuticals.

• Assists with the monitoring of medication refrigerator temperatures and documents in software.

• Communicates inventory needs to the pharmacy buyer.

• Serves as a mentor and assists in the training new employees.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports to: Pharmacy Manager with direction from Director of PharmacySupervises: NoneResponsibilities: N/A

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred Education

Graduation from a two-year college or technical/vocational school

Experience

Greater than 2 years as a Pharmacy Technician with retail pharmacy experience and/or hospital experience. Retail experience with patient interaction is preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Applicants must be licensed with the Virginia Board of Pharmacy as a Pharmacy Technician or Pharmacy Intern.
• Applicants must acquire and maintain National Pharmacy Technician certification within 1 year of hire.