Pharmacy Quality Assurance

This position is primarily responsible for conducting quality assurance (QA) testing in accordance with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) standards. This includes training of personnel on safe handling and compounding practices for nonsterile compounding, sterile compounding, and hazardous compounding (including NIOSH medications). In conjunction with established USP guidelines, training and competencies must comply with policies and procedures, federal and statutory requirements, and maintain key equipment utilized for inpatient pharmacy operations.

In alignment with the USP designated person, the incumbent is expected to assist in coordinating and performing quality assurance training of personnel in sterile and non-sterile compounding areas. This technician shall be proficient in sterile and nonsterile product preparation, proficient and able to perform practices dictated by USP 795, 797, and 800 guidelines. Additionally, incumbent must perform QA testing of sterile compounding clean room spaces, be familiar with and maintain pharmacy compounding equipment and associated repackaging, labeling, and kit preparation.

The incumbent is expected to assist and provide optimal patient care by recognizing differences in drug therapy (i.e., drug, dose, & frequency) in pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Incumbent shall assist as needed to maintain intra-departmental activities such as inventory ordering and billing responsibilities. Under the direction of pharmacy operational management and the pharmacist, this position will maintain adequate supply and utilize cost-containment practices. Questions involving medication use or therapeutics must be referred to the pharmacist and good judgement is required. Incumbent will appropriately operate and maintain specialized pharmacy equipment and will document all scheduled maintenance to ensure safe operations. Incumbent may be asked to perform daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning of pharmacy clean room spaces and cover specialized pharmacy work shifts.

The incumbent will serve as the primary trainer for new sterile and nonsterile compounding technicians and will aide to clarify questions related to compounding operations. Key competencies for this role include performing appropriate aseptic technique, product reconstitution practices, pharmaceutical calculations, handling of products, and accurately complete compounding records. Incumbent must demonstrate interpersonal skills to maintain effective communication and professionalism with colleagues, coworkers, visitors, and patients.

The incumbent is expected to work 80 hours per pay period and pending training, or department needs, may be asked to work evenings, weekends, or be asked to pick up overtime. This position must maintain general pharmacy knowledge of medication names (generic and brand), dosage forms, and demonstrate ability to fulfill inpatient medication orders. The incumbent is expected to attend necessary staff meetings as well as maintain competence to work in the compounding (sterile and non-sterile) environment. Additionally, the incumbent may be asked to staff in acute care pharmacy areas they are trained and demonstrate competence.

The incumbent may perform additional duties as assigned.

This position does not provide direct patient care.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Name

Description

Education:

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing, and speaking. High School diploma or equivalent required. Intermediate competency and understanding of computer software systems (Microsoft Office, web-based ordering systems). Proficient math skills and ability to perform necessary algebraic calculations.

Experience:

-Two (2) years of sterile compounding is required, and sterile chemotherapy preparation experience is preferred.

-Knowledge of pharmacy terminology and calculations.

-Knowledge of proper handling of NIOSH classified hazardous drugs.

-Further specialized training is encouraged and can be enhanced by completion of an ASHP accredited pharmacy technician training certificate or two (2) years of prior experience in a hospital pharmacy.

License(s):

Licensed by the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy.

Certification(s):

Requires completion of an ASHP Accredited Pharmacy Technician training program or Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)from Pharmacy Technician Certification Board or the National Healthcare Association required at time of hire.

Requires advanced sterile compounding certification (e.g., CSPT) or completion of an ASHP specialized sterile compounding training course or able to obtain within 18 months of hire.

Computer / Typing:

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word and have the ability to use the computer to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, etc. Typing: 30 wpm.