Pharmacy Assistant

Those hired into Pharmacy Assistant roles may qualify for a $3,000 SOB and an additional $2,000 upon promotion to Pharmacy Technician.

Purpose:
The Pharmacy Assistant provides pharmaceutical care to patients within the UPMC Health System by primarily assisting with the organization, stocking, and distribution of medications while under the direct supervisor of a licensed pharmacist. The Pharmacy Assistant services are provided in compliance with Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and State Board of Pharmacy regulations.

Responsibilities:

• General: Provide and received information (via telephone, person-to-person, or written) to hospital personnel, patients and visitors. Refer all drug information questions to Staff Pharmacists.
• General: finalize sales using cash register, follow proper cash handling policies and procedures
• Distribution: Participate in the distribution of medication including medication cassettes, emergency medication carts and the delivery of controlled substances per department policy and state and federal requirements.
• Filling: Assist in the preparation of the proper oral medications for the correct patient for administration at the appropriate time. Use proper technique in the preparation of medications.
• General: Develop and maintain a clean, organized, and adequately stocked work environment.
• Filling: Assist in filling medication orders through correct labeling, counting and stocking practices. Initial and date products as required.
• General: Ensure that all medications in all areas have been safely and securely stored according to Department of Health, The Joint Commission, and State Board of Pharmacy regulations.
• General: Maintain all pertinent documentation as required. This includes eye wash logs, refrigerator logs, perpetual inventory logs etc.
• Distribution: Retrieve medications that have been discontinued and return (and credits if necessary) them to the appropriate pharmacy area
• General: comply with Federal and State laws such as HIPAA, regulations such as OSHA, and PBM contracting requirements such as FWA and CMS.
• General: Practice appropriate hand hygiene both in the pharmacy and in the units.
• Distribution: Develop and maintain positive and productive service relationship during medication distribution process.
• General: Use computer skills to process and maintain all patient information and records.