Covenant Health

Advanced Chemotherapy Pharmacy Technician, Infusion Services at Oak Ridge  

Part Time, 60 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Position will float to other Thompson locations as needed to support based on volumes and staffing needs

Thompson Oncology Group (TOG) is a leader in medical oncology services and provides patients access to all proven, drug-based treatments and the latest clinical trial medicines. Our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained medical oncologists and certified advanced practice providers deliver on-site care and treatment, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormone therapy, at affiliated infusion centers throughout our region.

Thompson Oncology Group has an impressive Oncology Pharmacy team with extensive education and experience, These trained professionals maintain a presence at each site of infusion therapy services. Additionally, the Oncology Pharmacy team supports our physician-led cancer care teams, including the team of infusion nurses, in the administration of the personally prescribed treatment plan.

The Oncology Pharmacy team monitors patients’ health status and exact vital statistics on the day of treatment, modifying dosages and going through multiple safety checks to ensure patients get the prescribed treatment at the customized levels each time. In addition to being a resource for our providers and clinical teams, the Oncology Pharmacists can be a resource to patients, answering questions and lending advice about side effects or safety instructions.

Position Summary: Under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, performs functions pertaining to the dispensing of chemotherapy medications. Technical functions are expanded to include IV process proficiency, problem solving skills, admixture of hazardous medications and quality improvement involvement. Leadership skills are required to include demonstrated written and verbal communication that supports the overall objectives of the department. Ability to travel to multiple Thompson facilities as needed.

Recruiter: Sarah Grey || sgrey1@covhlth.com || 865-374-5271

• Performs all position accountabilities and performance criteria for level I and level II technicians.
• Assists the pharmacist in the training of technicians in levels I and II.
• Initiates and/or coordinates improvement activities as appropriate.
• Assists in the implementation of new projects including the development of policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in providing for age-specific needs of the oncology population served.
• Accurately performs calculations to prepare, compound and dispense chemotherapy medications. 
• Assists pharmacists in preparing compounds, chemotherapy, and intravenous medications upon physician's orders.
• Responsible for pharmaceutical inventory stocking, restocking and management of chemotherapy medications and supplies; reconciles invoices.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of biological safety cabinets by performing daily hood cleaning/decontamination.
• Maintains clean and safe operation of the facility’s clean rooms by performing monthly air and surface testing for microbial surveillance. Exhibits understanding of the gauges used to read the air pressure of the negative pressure room, positive pressure room, and ante room and the proper action needed if readings are outside acceptable levels.
• Responsible for appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the preparation of chemotherapy agents.
• Adheres to the guidelines for safe handling of hazardous waste (Chemotherapy Hazardous Waste Spill Policy).
•  Maintains Investigational Drug supply with strict adherence to regulatory requirements.
•  Enhances professional growth and development through reviews of current literature and participation in educational programs, in-services, meetings, and workshops. Participates in training sessions for each new oncology medication that enters the market and/or study drugs as applicable.
•  Attends meetings as required and participates on committees as directed. 
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

Minimum Education:

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.

Minimum Experience:

Three (3) years experience in the storage, handling, and disposal of chemotherapy drugs or two (2) years experience with State approved certification. Preferred Pharmacy experience and computer data entry skills are desirable. IV Room experience preferred. 

Licensure Requirement: 

The Tennessee Board of Pharmacy requires newly hired probationary employees to be licensed by the end of their first 90 days of hire and to maintain their Technician License in active status thereafter.