Job Description

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

To safely and aseptically prepare chemotherapy and other medications for patients, manage the Nucleus system; maintain an accurate and organized record of all transactions occurring in the mixing room.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• The technician will be responsible for all duties of preparing and dispensing of medication.
• Mixes chemotherapy and biologics only within the biological safety cabinet (BSC) using proper aseptic technique.
• Follows clean room guidelines and accurately prepares IV solutions and other sterile products.
• Maintains accuracy in processing orders to ensure that all orders are processed and dispensed in a timely manner.
• Checks all orders for completeness of information. Verifies patient information and proper physician authorization.
• Interprets the appropriateness of a medication order before preparing the medication.
• Evaluates critical patient information prior to beginning admixture according to policy and procedure.
  • Checks all orders for insurance approval before admixing.
  • Calculates cycle and day to ensure patient receiving on correct treatment day.
  • Reviews and checks CBC results prior to pulling medications from Nucleus. Notifies RN if technician has questions regarding CBC values.
  • Recalculates drug dose as a verifier.
  • Calculates correct dosage volumes.
  • Selects appropriate diluents.
• Mixes chemotherapy and other drugs accurately as ordered by physician using appropriate aseptic technique and following policies and procedures. All chemotherapy orders must be verified with a nurse.
  • Prepares chemotherapy in a syringe. Places label on syringe. Places syringe beside of appropriate bag for RN to validate accuracy.
  • RN will verify the medication order, medication, dose, and amount of drug in syringe prior to adding to diluent and before distribution of any medication.
  • After validation by RN has occurred, the medication will be placed in the diluent bag.
  • The completed label will be appropriately affixed to the bag or syringe as appropriate.
  • The technician will then initial the bag and distribute according to clinic guidelines.
• Dispense medications following the organization's policies and procedures. Places all medications in a transport bag for dispensing to the nursing staff.
• Prepares continuous infusion pumps setting the pumps according to physician orders.
  • The RN will verify the settings prior to the pump being distributed.
• Maintains CADD pump log, cleaning of pump and cleaning of the pump pack for next use.
• Performs all daily and monthly Nucleus duties as outlined in the Nucleus policy and procedure manual.
• Inventories all medications at the end of each work day.
• Utilizes the Pharmacy Report to assist with maintaining appropriate 2 day level of target drugs for your clinic.
• Maintains indigent patient drug program for assigned clinic.
• Properly documents patient information in EMR.
• Generates and reviews daily clinical reports and channels to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains all clinical logs.
• Assists the nursing staff, as necessary, with the stocking of supplies, clinic organization, clean-up, etc.
• Assists to provide orientation and training to newly hired pharmacy technicians.
• Keeps work area and equipment clean and neat.
• Aseptically cleans the BSC at the beginning and end of each shift, and in the event of a drug spill, according to policy and procedure.
• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as outlined in the policy and procedure manual.
• Properly disposes all waste materials used when mixing chemo or non-chemo.
• Cleans BSC daily or as stated in policy and procedures.
• Knowledgeable about the appropriate use of PPE and chemotherapy spill kits in the event of a cytotoxic spill.
• Follows all safety standards for handling chemotherapy and hazardous drugs.
• Maintains current technician certification.
• Provides documentation of attendance of at least one seminar on aseptic preparation of parenteral products and on safe handling of cytotoxic drugs annually.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to take direction.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to patients and other employees.
• Ability to build rapport with patients to deliver exceptional direct patient care
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure
• Must be patient service oriented

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A professionally certified pharmacy technician.
• Chemotherapy admixture experience preferred but not required.