Pharmacy Technician 1 - Relief

As a Pharmacy Technician 1 - Relief at OHSU, you'll be responsible for supporting pharmacists by carrying out various technical tasks. These include entering patient medication orders into the system, filling unit dose medication orders, managing medication inventory, and ensuring accurate delivery and documentation of medication to patient areas. Your attention to detail is crucial as you will also handle medication repackaging and maintain sterile procedures, all under the supervision of qualified pharmacists.

To qualify for the Pharmacy Technician 1 - Relief position at OHSU, you must have a High School Diploma and a valid Oregon Pharmacy Technician License. Additionally, it is beneficial to have completed a formal pharmacy technician training program and possess basic computer skills, along with the ability to understand medical terminology and perform pharmaceutical math calculations.

While prior experience in a pharmacy setting is preferred, it is not strictly necessary for the Pharmacy Technician 1 - Relief position at OHSU. However, having experience in inpatient and outpatient pharmacy environments, as well as familiarity with medical nomenclature and pharmacy operations, can be valuable assets that enhance your application.

Successful Pharmacy Technicians at OHSU must demonstrate strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively. Additionally, good interpersonal communication abilities, manual dexterity for handling small objects, and a solid understanding of aseptic techniques are crucial for success in this role.

As a Pharmacy Technician 1 - Relief at OHSU, you'll work in a fast-paced healthcare environment surrounded by dedicated professionals. You may experience exposure to various operating procedures and occasionally hazardous materials, which means adhering to strict safety guidelines is essential. Flexibility in scheduling might also be required, given the nature of relief positions.

When responding to this question, highlight any previous positions where you supported pharmacists, including specific tasks you completed. Describe how working under supervision helped you develop your skills, take responsibility for medication safety, and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

To ensure accuracy when filling orders, I double-check each medication against the original prescription, confirm dosages, and verify that the medications are properly barcoded before distribution. Implementing systematic checks and balances is key to avoiding errors in medication dispensing.

I follow all safety protocols outlined in my training to handle hazardous medications. This includes wearing appropriate protective equipment, understanding the specific handling guidelines for such substances, and ensuring correct disposal procedures are followed, contributing to a safe environment.

Prioritizing tasks during busy shifts requires effective time management and communication. I focus on urgent medication orders first, communicate with colleagues about workload distribution, and ensure ongoing tasks are completed efficiently while maintaining high standards of accuracy.

Maintaining a sterile work environment is vital in pharmacy operations. I always practice aseptic techniques, keep workspaces clean, routinely sterilize equipment, and adhere to policies for handling sterile and non-sterile compounds to reduce contamination risks.

I once encountered a situation where a medication order was missing a critical component. I promptly notified my supervisor, researched the issue, and proposed a solution that involved contacting the prescriber directly to clarify the order, ensuring patient safety and continuity of care.

Data entry requires precision and attention to detail. I ensure I double-check each entry against the original prescription documentation, keep all references at hand, and use specialized software to streamline and minimize errors when inputting medication orders.

Handling customer queries requires strong communication skills and empathy. I actively listen to their concerns, provide clear and accurate information, and if necessary, refer them to the pharmacist for additional support, ensuring that they feel heard and valued.

I have experience managing medication inventories, including checking for expired products, restocking supplies, and maintaining accurate documentation for medications received and dispensed. This practice not only helps in efficiency but also ensures compliance with regulations.

To stay updated on pharmacy regulations and best practices, I regularly attend training sessions, participate in workshops, and read professional pharmacy journals. Continuous education is crucial in the healthcare field to ensure compliance and quality of care.