Unity Health Toronto, comprised of Providence Healthcare, St. Joseph¿s Health Centre and St. Michael¿s Hospital, works to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Our health network serves patients, residents and clients across the full spectrum of care, spanning primary care, secondary community care, tertiary and quaternary care services to post-acute through rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, while investing in world-class research and education. Join our team in our mission to continue to put patients and families at the centre of everything we do, in the role of Pharmacy Technician.
POSITION SUMMARY:
To provide technical support services relative to the needs of the clinical area; to provide medication distribution services in a unit dose distribution system with automation technology; to provide material management services (acquisition, storage, expiry date monitoring and accounts payable activities) consistent with the medication distribution system; to provide workload and quality data related to all functions; to support continuous quality improvement activities.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Dispense medication orders for patients in the hospital including Leave of Absence (LOA) medications consistent with established procedures, good practice standards and safety requirements;
- Check medications independently as registered Pharmacy Technician without pharmacist supervision as per departmental policies and procedures;
- Operate machinery used in the distribution process in a safe, effective, and efficient manner (e.g. Unit Dose Auto-Packager ATP(R), Unit Dose Table-top Packager, Narcotic Heat Seal Machine, Electronic Balance, Topical Ointment Mixer, Laminar Air Flow Cabinet);
- Issue narcotic and controlled drugs consistent with standards for security including Federal and Provincial legislations;
- Maintain a perpetual inventory record and deliver to the patient care units as needed;
- Conduct daily narcotic counts in teams of two and document actual count in the narcotic binder. Report any narcotic discrepancy immediately to Director, Pharmacy or delegate.
- Use appropriate aseptic technique, prepare intravenous antibiotics and subcutaneous narcotic medication device for standard hospital infusion pumps and other specialized products;
- Provide ward stock to patient care areas as per departmental policy. Ensure appropriate documentation for purposes of charging issues, crediting returns, and monitor expiry dates, stock levels, etc.;
- Monitor expiry dates and remove expired products for disposal, destruction or return to manufacturer consistent with facility policies and manufacturers¿ protocols;
- Process expired narcotics and controlled drug to obtain approval for proper disposal;
- Pre-package medication in unit dose or other formats;
- Assess acceptable suppliers based on the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary, HealthPRO contracts, departmental contracts and/or facility policies;
- Determine appropriate quantity to purchase consistent with good inventory control principles and physical space for storage;
- Using the Meditech Materials Management module (MM PHA), place orders maintaining appropriate documentation, e.g., packing slip, purchase order copy, receiving report, invoice copy and other relevant documentation;
- Order vaccines from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care for the Hospital as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS REQUIRED:
- Graduated from a recognized Community College;
- Registered with the Ontario College of Pharmacists as Registered Pharmacy Technician;
- A minimum 6 month working experience (including practicum training) in a pharmacy setting, experience in a hospital pharmacy is preferred;
- Good verbal and written communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office software;
- Familiarity with aseptic techniques; strong knowledge of basic pharmacology and proper handling techniques for Pharmaceuticals;
- Familiarity with Pharmacy computer software; strong skills in pharmaceutical calculations; knowledge of pharmacy automation technology, computerized materiel management and inventory control procedures an asset;
- Familiarity with basic medication safety principles;
- Familiarity with equipment including electronic balances, calculator, facsimile machine, photocopier, keyboard and computer terminal;
- Very good attendance record;
- Good performance record.
As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. Please note, if you are extended an offer of employment,you will be required to provide proof of vaccination in Ontario QR Code format.All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto¿s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
