Specialty Infusion Pharmacy Technician

Summary

Reports to Director, Specialty Infusion Services. Under the supervision of the Clinical Pharmacist, Specialty Infusion, performs sterile compounding of medications within the scope of Brown University Health Specialty Infusion Services in compliance with United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter <800> Hazardous Drugs, USP Chapter <797> Pharmaceutical Compounding - Sterile Preparations, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations. Performs non-sterile compounding in compliance with United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter <795> and other applicable standards. Maintains regulatory compliance with relevant state and federal guidelines including but not limited to, Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH), and the Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy (RIBoP) Rules and Regulations and applicable accreditation standards. Performs complex pharmacy-directed technical functions to assist with coordinating operations and processes relating to compounding and dispensing of and infusion medications.

Responsibilities

Collaborates with and serves as a liaison and resource for members of the interdisciplinary team who manage care for Brown University Health Specialty Infusion patients.

Adheres to the policies and procedures of the Specialty Infusion Patient Management Program (HIPMP) and encourages patient participation in the Program.

Assists in patient intake and ensures relevant patient specific parameters are included on the patient’s medication profile (e.g., diagnosis, insurance, known allergies, weight, age, etc.).

Maintains working knowledge of current compounding and sterile preparation principles, stability, and compatibility (i.e., USP <797> and USP <800>).

Maintains compliance with regulatory boards and regulations related to compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals [i.e., RIDOH, RIBoP Rules and Regulations, USP <797>, and USP <800>].

Maintains knowledge of current requisites for safe handling, administration, and disposal of hazardous drugs. Accesses safety data sheets (SDS) and reacts appropriately to hazardous medication exposures or spills.

Performs computer activities necessary for compounding. Understands and appropriately follows requirements for product documentation and check processes. Completes accurate documentation of finished compounded medications per policy.

Manages inventory including receiving, sorting, stocking, rotation of stock, expiration date checking, and disposal per policy.

Sets up, calibrates, and operates ancillary compounding equipment (e.g., compounding pumps) appropriately.

Ensures the sterile compounding environment and all equipment are cleaned and maintained under aseptic conditions and in accordance with departmental standard operating procedures.

Provides input on safety events related to specialty infusion services to minimize risk of reoccurrence.

Provides oversight to daily operations and processes relating to specialty infusion pharmacy services including maintaining the aseptic processing environment, hand hygiene, garbing, aseptic work practices, and cleaning/disinfection procedures.

Maintains appropriate documentation and retains records regarding drug purchasing, storage, preparation, and distribution in accordance with established policies and procedures and existing federal and state rules and regulations.

Utilizes reporting and inventory management systems effectively in applicable pharmacy systems. Collaborates with pharmacy purchasing teams to procure medications and related supplies in a timely manner.

Participates in continuous quality improvement initiatives related to specialty infusion services.

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Other Information

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

High school graduate or equivalent degree required. Completion of one to two years of college preferred.

 

Maintains current unrestricted Rhode Island Pharmacy Technician II licensure and National Pharmacy Technician Certification (CPhT).

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum 3 years of experience as a pharmacy technician, including 2 years investigational, home infusion and/or sterile compounding experience preferably gained in a similarly diverse and operationally complex health care environment.

 

Knowledge of pharmacy information systems, automated dispensing technology, and personal computers.

Demonstrates excellent written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills.

Must have the ability to multi-task and reprioritize as needed while maintaining accuracy and service standards.

 

Must obtain, within 2 months of hire, and maintain no less than semi-annually thereafter, internal specialty infusion credentialing as demonstrated by successful completion of current competency assessments.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

None.

 

Pay Range:

$19.58-$32.31

EEO Statement:

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location:

The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906

Work Type:

Rotating 8 hour shifts M-F (7am-6pm)

Work Shift:

Day

Daily Hours: 

8 hours

Driving Required:

No