The Long Beach VA Health Care System is recruiting for (1) Inpatient Pharmacy Technician within the Pharmacy Service. Although the inpatient pharmacy technician is working under the supervision of a pharmacist, the incumbent must successfully demonstrate the ability to exercise independent technical judgment (without the need for readily available supervision) except when dealing with high complexity patients, processes, and procedures. Welcome to VA Long Beach Tibor Rubin - History

Duties

The incumbent will be proficient in covering all shifts of an inpatient pharmacy operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with minimal oversight. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: Sterile parenteral medications/solutions compounding Performs a variety of complex technical functions following USP 797 guidelines for the compounding of all sterile preparations, including uncomplicated and/or complicated parenteral admixtures to be delivered in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or other as requested, ophthalmic, cardioplegic, TPN, large & small volume IV solutions, and PCAs. Demonstrates competencies in compounding procedures and sterile technique through work performance and completes all required sterile compounding competencies and certifications about sterile compounding, appropriate gowning, and cleaning procedures. Delivers medications and sterile preparations to wards/clinics promptly and ensures those products are received and stored appropriately (e.g., refrigeration, Patient-Specific Bins (PSB), and medication room). Upon delivery, the technician must also remove discontinued or expired medications and sterile preparations from the wards/clinics, which are to be returned to the pharmacy for proper disposition (redistribution, returns, or disposal). Replenishes/dispenses/delivers medications utilizing the Automated Medication Storage and Distribution Devices (AMSDDs) and delivering medications to various medication room locations and patients throughout the healthcare system Accurately utilizes AMSDDs and participates in quality assurance audits (e.g., recalls, expiration dates, quantity corrections, and bin assignment/un-assignment). The process will include pulling medications from the main pharmacy area, maintaining accurate inventory, completing, and filing reports, loading medications into individual dispensing units in patient care areas and clinics, and troubleshooting automation problems. Fills medication orders accurately by selecting the appropriate drug product and assembling completed orders for pharmacist review and check. If the item is not immediately available in the requested amount or strength, take appropriate action to notify the pharmacist, procurement staff, pharmacy supervisors, and other necessary providers. Repackages medication if unit dose formulation is not available. Collaborates with both inpatient and outpatient pharmacists to promptly delivers discharge medications to the bedside or designated area (e.g., as part of the Meds-to-Beds program) according to departmental policies. Communicates clearly and timely with the discharging pharmacists to facilitate timely medication counseling (performed by the pharmacists) and discharge of patients. Assisting with medication inventory Ensures that all drug items, and chemicals are stored correctly, neatly, and are well organized. Ensures an appropriate storage area is always maintained for pharmacy stock. Follows Healthcare System / Service policy for storing and stocking pharmacy products and ensures cardboard boxes are not stored on floors or in aisles. Ensures all products are labeled accurately. Rotates stock to ensure that first-to-expire medications are used first (first-in, first-out principle). Conducts monthly ward inspections as assigned accurately, completely, and promptly according to the VA Directives and guidelines. Checks expiration dates, removes all outdated products from inventory and processes them for return/exchange. Takes initiative and action and provides recommendations to supervisor to ensure appropriate stock levels of medications for each area assigned. Records monthly ward inspection in respective documentation in a timely manner. Answering telephones/communication devices Regularly acts as the first-line communication between the pharmacy service, medical staff, and Veterans to serve patients' needs either in-person or over a communication device. Actively participates in the Daily Management System (DMS). Reports on performance improvement activities' progress, monitor metrics and participates in departmental meetings. Follows and encourages the intent of all performance improvement measures. Assists with developing and collecting performance improvement data (e.g., cost-effectiveness studies, drug utilization reviews, and other performance improvement programs). Demonstrates knowledge of hospital computer systems and specific programs for processing and tracking unit dose and IV compounds (e.g., Vista, CPRS, BCMA, automated compounding gravimetric system, automated medication dispensing devices, unit dose/repack equipment, and inventory management system). Work Schedule: Variable shifts Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:PD000000 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Citizenship: Citizen of the United States. Education or Experience: Applicants must have a high school diploma ore equivalent; or at least 3 months of experience. Certification: Applicants must be certified by the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements above, applicants must possess the following grade requirements. GS-7 Pharmacy Technician: Applicants must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level and must fully meet the KSAs at the next lower level. In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following technical KSAs and the potential to acquire the assignment specific KSAs designated by an asterisk (*): *Ability to evaluate, analyze workflow, and coordinate work activities. Ability to independently gather, evaluate, and analyze data to generate reports and/or for other projects/statistical purposes. Knowledge of pharmacy policies and procedures sufficient to train and orient new employees and other staff. Comprehensive knowledge of the operation and care of specialized pharmaceutical equipment. Comprehensive knowledge of the procurement and formulary process. Comprehensive knowledge of investigational drug policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of controlled substance policies and procedures, and the ability to identify and investigate discrepancies in these policies and procedures. Comprehensive knowledge of, and ability to, analyze data in VA information systems. Assignment: For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety, and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. Pharmacy technicians at this grade level may be assigned as a supervisor; lead technician in a particular area of the pharmacy; a controlled substance technician; an investigational drug technician; a procurement/inventory management technician; a clinical pharmacy technician; or similar assignment with this level of complexity. The GS-7 level is for select, complex pharmacy technician positions, as established by the health care facility. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28 - Pharmacy Technician Qualification Standards. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing/sitting for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 40 lbs., and bending/stooping. The work may entail repetitive wrist movement while using various size syringes, vial cap removal, and typing.?

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Long Beach VA Medical Center 5901 East Seventh Street Long Beach, CA 90822 US
• Name: Ross Rucks
• Phone: 562-540-4595
• Email: [email protected]