Under the supervision of the Director of Inpatient Pharmacy, this certified pharmacy technician is responsible for conducting daily, monthly, and ad hoc audits as part of a comprehensive controlled substance diversion prevention program. This technician will monitor diversion analytics software reports and generate supplemental reports from BMC information systems to identify trends and detect unusual patterns of controlled substance use by nursing, pharmacy and anesthesia. The technician will communicate frequently with nursing, anesthesia, and other essential hospital personnel, keeping them informed of policies and procedures regarding narcotic drug control and distribution. A thorough knowledge of automated dispensing system processes, electronic medication administration records, and the ability to work independently and methodically, with close attention to detail is critical to success. The technician must have the ability to remain courteous under pressure and be able to work in a team environment with other departments in the organization, particularly with manager-level individuals.
In addition to their controlled substance role, this technician will also work in the central pharmacy in one of several inpatient technician distribution roles, thereby maintaining expertise in controlled substance handling policies & procedures of the hospital.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:
- The core responsibilities of this position involve the conduct of our controlled substance drug diversion prevention program. Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Reviews open discrepancies and unreconciled controlled substance dispenses daily using reports from the automated dispensing system (ADS) and/or electronic health record (EHR). Informs appropriate manager of issues and provides transaction reports to assist with investigation.
- Reviews discrepancy resolution documentation to ensure that the reasons for resolution account for all losses or overages of medication. Reports inconsistencies to the appropriate managers for follow-up.
- Collaborates with the Pharmacy Automation Specialist, pharmacy managers, or pharmacy technicians to investigate and resolve ADS discrepancies involving pharmacy.
- Reviews monthly diversion analytics reports. Conducts monthly audits targeting users that are identified through diversion analytics software tools. Generates additional reports as needed to reconcile controlled substance transactions. Navigates the electronic medical record system to verify documentation of administration, waste, or other transactions as needed.
- Conducts in-depth audits upon request or when there is cause to initiate a more focused investigation. Reports results to nursing, pharmacy, and/or anesthesia managers.
- Enters data and maintains an audit documentation database. Monitors trends and prepares reports at least semi-annually to identify potential areas for improvement.
- Prepares monthly summary reports of audit findings, trends or notable issues with recommendations for follow-up audits or observations.
- Documents all lost, tampered, stolen, or undocumented discrepancy events in the hospital’s electronic incident reporting system. Completes Drug Incident Reports for submission to regulatory agencies, as required.
- Educates and trains pharmacy technicians about handling, transportation and security of narcotic and controlled drugs.
- Performs the essential functions of a certified pharmacy technician I or II when not schedule for audit shifts, which may include drug distribution, sterile compounding and delivery.
- Sustains professional competency in the area of controlled substance diversion prevention through participation in services, webinars, workshops, professional meetings, and other continuing education opportunities.
- Participates in quality improvement efforts by sharing ideas and engaging in initiatives to improve pharmacy services.
- Attends and participates in department staff meetings.
- Remains informed by regularly reading all department communications/email.
- Maintains a working knowledge of updated pharmacy protocols, policies and procedures, including:
- Maintains all designated medical information as confidential as per established protocols.
- Maintains work environment in a clean and orderly fashion.
- Conforms to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided.
- Utilizes hospital’s behavioral standards as the basis for decision making and to support the department and the hospital’s mission and goals.
- Follows established hospital infection control and safety procedures.
- Holds self and others to the highest ethical standards, acts with integrity, demonstrates truthfulness and discretion
- Participates in the creation and maintenance of a healthy work environment. A healthy work environment is one where people feel supported, held accountable, where standards are applied and expectations are clear. A healthy work environment is one where leadership supports and leads, models behavioral standards and sets the example for how to do all things right.
Critical responsibilities related to this:
- Adapts positively to change, including but not limited to: frequent interruptions, changes in workload, and/or work schedule, re-prioritizing work for urgent patient care needs, offering assistance to other team members, etc.
- Being engaged in the department, including owning team decisions, and supporting department and/or organizational initiatives.
- Supports and maintains controls, cost savings initiatives, systems and clinical programs to lower costs while maintaining the highest level of care.
- Interacts courteously and professionally with patients, visitors, and other healthcare practitioners.
- Establishes productive, collaborative relationships with staff members and within the community
- Demonstrates sound professional judgment consistent with clinical/academic background
- Performs work completely, accurately, and within specified time frames
- Responds to stressful situations in a calm, rational manner
- Complies with all Federal, State and Local laws, regulations and rules, and all accreditation standards
- Adheres to all policies and procedures of the organization and the department
- Reports real or potential problems with malfunctioning equipment, safety concerns, medication errors, or personnel issues in a timely manner. Initiates calls to technical support (BMC Help Desk, vendor support), BMC Control Center/Facilities, or BMC Risk & Patient Safety Dept as needed.
Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.
(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).
EDUCATION:
- College degree is preferred (or equivalent combination of education and hospital experience working with automation technology). Requires completion of a nine-month Pharmacy Technician program or high school diploma
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:
- Must be registered as a technician with the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy and maintain national Certification as a Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum of 4 years of Pharmacy Tech experience.
- Knowledge and experience with automated dispensing systems (e.g. Pyxis) used in hospital pharmacy is required.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- The technician must have a comprehensive understanding of the inpatient medication use process from ordering through administration.
- Experience with automated dispensing systems (e.g. Pyxis or Omnicell) is required.
- The successful candidate must have excellent attention to detail, ability to methodically organize and compile data from multiple hospital information systems, and be able to work independently to prioritize and complete work on weekly deadlines.
- The technician must have strong written and verbal communication skills to interact with manager-level colleagues.
- The technician must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software, including ability to use Excel to analyze data and produce reports and graphs.
- A background in auditing or accounting is helpful, but not required.
- Strong analytical skills in gathering information, detecting patterns or trends, and the ability to explain findings with precision, accuracy and dependability.
- Must communicate effectively in English (both orally and in writing).
Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans