Covenant Health

Hospital Medication History Pharmacy Technician

Full Time, 80 Hours per pay period, Day Shifts

Parkwest Overview:

Headquartered in Knoxville, Covenant Health is a community-owned integrated healthcare delivery system and the area’s largest employer.

Parkwest is Covenant Health’s and West Knoxville’s premier medical facility and a top-performing heart hospital, offering our patients world-class treatment with all the convenience and warmth of home.

In addition to providing the area’s leading cardiac services, Parkwest has been nationally recognized for award-winning care throughout our facility. For 2020-21, Parkwest received recognition from U.S. News & World Report as one of the “Top 10” hospitals in Tennessee.

Knoxville located in East Tennessee is the third largest in the state, well-known for its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is the home of the University of Tennessee. Go Vols!  Living in Knoxville means experiencing all four seasons.  Best of all, each of them is pretty mild!

Combine all that with the abundant natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, and you have a city that truly offers something for everyone. Knoxville has a vibrant arts culture, seasonal festivals, top-notch foodie and incredible outdoor recreation. It’s a perfect blend of big-city amenities and Southern charm.

Pharmacy Department Overview:

The Pharmacy Department at Parkwest operates 24/7, providing comprehensive medication services throughout the hospital, including procedural and patient care areas. Our team consists of Pharmacists and Registered Pharmacy Technicians, maintaining a balanced ratio to ensure efficient patient care. We take pride in our modern facilities, state-of-the-art Omnicell Carousels, medication dispensing cabinets, and anesthesia workstations. Our commitment to patient and staff safety extends to our IV Room suites, compliant with Chapter 797 and 800 standards. Our team provides comprehensive medication services.

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.

Recruiter: Kathleen Rice || apply@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.
• 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.
• Reports errors or concerns about the medication history to a supervising pharmacist.
• Reviews and completes applicable reports.
• Precepts pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, pharmacists, pharmacist residents and nurses regarding home medication interviews and documentation.
• Clearly and effectively communicates with patients and co-workers
• 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.

Minimum Experience:         

Three (3) years' experience as a Pharmacy Tech or two (2) years as a Pharmacy Tech with nationally recognized pharmacy board certification. Acceptable certifications include: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or BPTS ( Board of Pharmacy Technician Specialists) Certification. State approved PTCB Med History Certificate must be obtained within one (1) year. Previous outpatient pharmacy experience including prescription transcription duties preferred. Proficiency in using computer systems for data retrieval and data entry.

Licensure Requirement:      

Must be licensed by the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy. Additionally, PTCB Med History Certificate must be obtained within one (1) year.