Pharmacy Technician III Hazardous Compounding-Inpatient Oncology, Full-time Rotating Shifts

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Pharmacy Technician III - Hazardous Compounding reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the direction of a registered pharmacist, the Pharmacy Technician III - Hazardous Compounding performs all technical duties associated with the daily operation of the dispensing areas; performs prescription related, unit dose related, and sterile product related functions; performs manufacturing procedures that have been documented in the Department records. Primarily responsible for the more advanced and complex work performed by pharmacy technicians. Performs all Pharmacy Technician III duties as needed.

Scheduling:

• This position is regularly scheduled to work full-time, 40 hours weekly. Shift times are subject to change based upon departmental/patient care needs. Currently this position is anticipated to work rotating shifts (AM and PM shifts).
  • Weekend Commitment: Every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
  • Holiday Commitment: 1 winter and 1 summer holiday
• The primary work location for this position is the Prentice 15th floor pharmacy. However, this position could rotate to other pharmacies, subject to the needs of the work group.

Responsibilities:

• Prepares medication orders for inpatients and outpatients.
• Prepares prescriptions for outpatients.
• Picks up orders and delivers medications to nursing units.
• Schedules intravenous admixture solutions according to the patient’s medical record. Reports any variance from the record to a pharmacist.
• Answers the telephone according to hospital policy. Screens the call to determine if the call should be handled by a pharmacist or a technician.
• Enter new drug orders and renewal/refill information into the computerized patient medication profile.
• Uses the computer system to assist in all dispensing and inquiry functions.
• Compare the patient medication bin with the pharmacy and nursing record. Returns unnecessary and/or outdated medication to the pharmacy. Reconciles use records and reports any discrepancies to a pharmacist.
• Receives, prepares, and distributes floor stock requisitions and requisitions for other clinical locations.
• Compounds dosage forms needed for dispensing to patients.
• Assists in maintaining adequate inventory levels in the dispensing areas.
• Packages extemporaneous and STAT single doses of medications under the supervision of a pharmacist.
• Prepares and maintains the emergency medication systems.
• Prepares sterile products for administration to patients.  Selects proper diluents and vehicles and determines the appropriate stability. 
• Prepares cytotoxic agents for administration employing hospital and department aseptic and protective procedures.
• Plans and performs the daily tasks required to provide department services under the direction of a pharmacist.
• Prepares and delivers narcotics and narcotic admixtures. Conducts narcotic perpetual inventories as directed.
• Meets quality and quantity requirements for new orders, unit doses, and IV admixtures.
• Ensures compliance with hazardous waste collection and disposal procedures.
• Spends greater than or equal to 50% of the time manipulating, and/or compounding hazardous medications.
• Responsible for chemotherapy and other high-risk compounds, including desensitization compounds.
• Completes hazardous medication training and competencies.

Quality Management Responsibilities

• This position assists in maintaining emergency carts, inventory, and controlled substances records.  Accurate completion of responsibilities is essential to an efficient, error-free drug distribution system.

Required:

• High School Diploma
• Illinois Pharmacy Technician License (IDFPR).
• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) through PTCB or ExCPT through NHA required for all those licensed after 2008.
• Completion of NM approved training program in compounded sterile preparations within 180 days of start date.

Preferred:

• Completion of a Technician Training Program
• Previous experience as a Pharmacy Technician
• Certified Compounded Sterile Preparation Technician (CSPT) certification through PTCB

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.