Pharmacy Technician III-Central Operations, Part-time Rotating

As a Pharmacy Technician III at Northwestern Medicine, you will prepare medication orders for inpatients and outpatients, deliver medications to nursing units, and manage IV admixture scheduling. You'll also be responsible for accurately entering and processing new drug orders, helping maintain inventory levels, and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and accreditation standards. This role is vital to providing excellent patient care as you assist pharmacists with all technical duties in the dispensing areas.

To be eligible for the Pharmacy Technician III position at Northwestern Medicine, you must hold a High School Diploma and possess an Illinois Pharmacy Technician License. Additionally, certification as a Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through PTCB or ExCPT is required for all who were licensed after 2008. Preferably, candidates should also have completed a Technician Training Program and have previous pharmacy technician experience.

The Pharmacy Technician III position at Northwestern Medicine is part-time with a commitment of 24 hours weekly on a rotating schedule. Scheduling can include various shifts throughout the day, such as early mornings, swings, and evenings. Moreover, there is a requirement to work every other weekend and one holiday during winter and summer, allowing for flexible scheduling to accommodate both patient needs and employee availability.

As a Pharmacy Technician III at Northwestern Medicine, you can expect a robust benefits package designed to support your professional and personal life. Benefits include tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness programs, and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions. These offerings reflect our commitment to supporting our employees in their career growth and financial well-being.

The Pharmacy Technician III role is crucial in enhancing patient care at Northwestern Medicine. By accurately preparing and dispensing medication under the guidance of pharmacists, you ensure that patients receive the right medications timely and safely. Your work in maintaining inventory, compounding dosages, and assisting with sterile product preparation helps streamline operations, directly impacting the quality of care provided to patients.

When asked about your experience with compounding medications, it's essential to highlight any specific training or certifications you possess. Discuss the types of medications you've compounded, the equipment you're familiar with, and any relevant protocols you've followed to ensure safety and accuracy.

In addressing medication inventory management, emphasize your attention to detail and adherence to protocols. Discuss strategies you've used to maintain adequate stock levels, manage expirations, and ensure compliance with safety regulations, ultimately assuring that patient care is never compromised.

When handling distractions in a busy pharmacy, focus on your ability to stay organized and prioritize tasks. Share specific methods you use to maintain concentration, such as creating checklists or effective communication with your team members to ensure patient care continues uninterrupted.

Provide a concrete example where you identified a discrepancy in medication orders. Discuss how you approached the situation, the steps you took to resolve it, and how you communicated with the pharmacist and healthcare team, showcasing your problem-solving and analytical skills.

Explain some techniques you implement to ensure accuracy while dispensing medications. Talk about your familiarity with computerized systems, double-checking your work, and how you ensure clinical and safety standards are met throughout the dispensing process.

Compliance with safety regulations is paramount. Discuss specific protocols you follow, such as wearing appropriate protective gear when handling hazardous medications, following sterile compounding guidelines, and understanding waste disposal regulations, revealing your commitment to patient and staff safety.

To stay updated, mention that you regularly pursue continuing education opportunities, attend pharmacy conferences, or participate in industry webinars. Highlight your commitment to maintaining your certification and understanding any changes in state or federal regulations.

When discussing patient interactions, share examples that illustrate your ability to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare staff. Talk about how you handle questions, provide medication advice as permitted, and ensure a compassionate, patient-centered approach.

Collaboration is vital in pharmacy operations. Discuss how you contribute to the team by maintaining open communication, offering assistance to colleagues, and sharing your knowledge while working cohesively with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.

Express your genuine interest in the mission and values of Northwestern Medicine. Highlight their commitment to patient care, the supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional development that resonate with your own career aspirations and values.