Covenant Health

Shared Services Advanced Pharmacy Technician, Medication History - Pharmacy

Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Variable shifts

(weekend and on call shifts).

Pharmacy technicians at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center have many exciting opportunities to provide excellent service. They work with state-of-the-art automated technology such as pharmacy carousels and automated dispensing machines. Some technicians work in the IV room compounding IVs and chemotherapy for patients. Other positions include pharmacy buyers, automation specialists, narcotic surveillance, surgery satellite pharmacy, and medication reconciliation.

Position Summary: 

Under the direct supervision of the pharmacist, obtains admission medication histories for new patients. Medication history information will be obtained from the patient directly or the patient’s family, outpatient pharmacy, or physician office. The technician enters the medication history into the electronic patient database or updates the database if information already exists.

Under the supervision of a pharmacist, the Medication Reconciliation Technician will obtain admission medication histories. Interviews will be conducted with patients to obtain or verify medication histories. Phone calls to the patient's retail pharmacies and physician offices may be done to verify medications. The successful candidate should be proficient in using computer systems for data retrieval and data entry, plus, display good decision-making skills. Effective communication with other healthcare professionals and patients is vital.

If you have any questions please contact Recruiter: Kimberlin Woods || 865-374-5403 || kwoods8@COVHLTH.COM  

• Performs medication history assessments for new admissions to the hospital, providing complete information regarding each medication identified (i.e., drug, dose, route, frequency, indication for PRN and last dose taken date/time). Other sources of information should be solicited to verify accuracy.
• Obtains allergy history and ensures complete documentation (i.e., substance, reaction description).
• Determines compliance of medication consumption prior to admission.
• Prompts patients for additional medications by specifically suggesting over-the-counter medications including herbals, vitamins, pain relievers, cold products, patches, lotions/creams, eye drops, sprays and inhalers.
• Enters the patient’s preferred outpatient pharmacy or pharmacies into the electronic health record.
• Navigates the electronic health record database and enters new medication histories (or updates existing database if information already exists) in a timely manner.
• Performs accurate work while paying careful attention to detail and persistence to follow-up if information cannot be initially obtained.
• Has excellent knowledge of brand and generic medication names, common dosages, dosage forms and frequency of administration of each medication.
• Communicates with patients of all education levels. Must be able to speak and read English proficiently.
• Possesses interpersonal communication skills for effective interaction with coworkers and other health professionals.
• Works in consultation, cooperation, and coordination with nurses, pharmacists, and prescribers in completing timely and accurate medication history assessments.
• Uses good clinical judgment skills to determine accuracy of medication history list as obtained (i.e., determine if the information is from a reliable historian).
• Navigates the hospital tracking boards and determines patient selection.
• Prioritizes work in a high volume work environment.
• Works independently, but also must be a team player and assist co-workers in completing daily responsibilities where needed.
• Takes initiative in performing miscellaneous functions within the department.
• Reports errors or concerns about the medication history to a supervising pharmacist.
• Reviews and completes applicable reports.
• Participates in performance improvement activities and volunteers for projects.
• Precepts pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, pharmacists, pharmacist residents and nurses regarding home medication interviews and documentation.
• Maintains continuing education needed for certification and licensure.
• Contributes to the safe and efficient operation of the Pharmacy Department.
• Acts in a manner that is consistent with, and shows commitment to, the Covenant Pledge of Excellence.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education: High School diploma or GED. Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certification required.

Minimum Experience: Five (5) years pharmacy technician experience or two (2) years pharmacy technician experience and a Pharmacy Technician Certification Board Medication History Certificate. Previous outpatient pharmacy experience including prescription transcription duties preferred. Proficiency in using computer systems for data retrieval and data entry. Two years pharmacy experience with PTCB certification

Licensure Requirement: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board certification required. Must be licensed by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, PTCB Med History Certificate must be obtained within one (1) year.