Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technician POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Clinical Transformation Manager, in collaboration with North West Telepharmacy and the multi-disciplinary team, the Pharmacy Technician supports the operation of the Pharmacy Department with the goal of achieving optimal drug therapy outcomes for patients.

The Pharmacy Technician ensures that Ontario College of Pharmacists standards and best/evidence-based practices are followed within the Pharmacy Department. The Pharmacy Technician performs a variety of technical and clerical pharmaceutical duties, including prepackaging and distribution, narcotic issue, receiving supplies, and dispensing prescriptions.

• Starting wage of $/hour, depending on experience
• Enrolment in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• Employer-paid Long-Term Disability coverage (HOODIP)
• Up to 7 weeks of vacation with service
• 12 paid holidays annually, including two floating holidays
• Education support and employer-funded required training and certification upgrades

• Refer questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters outside of scope to a Pharmacist (North West Telepharmacy).
• Check with the nursing units daily to ensure that patients’ medication needs are met.
• Ensure regular audits are performed, assisting when necessary.
• Refer audit deficiencies to the Pharmacy Manager for follow-up.

• Receive and process prescriptions/orders.
• Prepare products for dispensing by selecting appropriate products, considering brand and generic names, dosages, and dosage forms.
• Apply drug interchangeability principles in accordance with the MHC formulary and policies.

• Follow all facility policies and procedures in relation to access to controlled sterile compounding areas.
• Prepare sterile compounded medications according to prescriber orders, formulas, and regulatory standards.
• Perform accurate calculations and measurements for compounding pharmaceutical preparations.
• Label, package, and document compounded products according to internal procedures and quality assurance protocols.
• Conduct visual inspections of compounded medications for signs of contamination, discoloration, or particulate matter.
• Follow aseptic techniques to maintain sterility and prevent contamination in a cleanroom setting.
• Operate and maintain biological safety cabinets and other sterile compounding equipment.
• Ensure compliance with USP and NAPRA guidelines.
• Maintain a clean and organized sterile compounding area, including routine cleaning and environmental monitoring, and report any out-of-range parameters to the Sterile Compounding Supervisor and Clinical Transformation Manager.
• Maintain accurate records of compounding activities, including batch records, compounding logs, etc.
• Work with the pharmacists on duty to resolve discrepancies and clarify orders.
• Ensure applicable disinfection procedures are followed for the introduction of any materials and supplies into controlled areas.
• Monitor inventory in the pharmacy/chemo area and request materials as required.
• Receive and process orders.
• Prepare products for dispensing by selecting appropriate products, considering brand and generic names, dosages, and dosage forms.
• Apply drug interchangeability principles in accordance with the MHC formulary and policies.
• Coordinate with NECC to support seamless care for outpatient chemotherapy patients, following all policies, procedures, and safe handling requirements for hazardous drugs.

• Check the product and the Meditech order using a systematic approach.
• Verify the integrity of a product by considering stability and, where applicable, sterility, including checking expiry dates, physical appearance, and odour.
• Label products according to legislative requirements, best safety practices, established protocols, and patient-specific needs.
• Follow policy and procedure for double-checking medications prior to release from the Pharmacy Department; the second check may be completed by registered nursing staff.
• Package medication in cold packaging, unit dosing, and bottles as per policy.
• Follow guidelines for dispensing High Alert and Hazardous Drugs.

• Follow Meditech Material Management procedures for inventory management.
• Identify issues within the drug supply chain, including drug shortages and recalls, and maintain an accurate inventory of back-ordered/unavailable…