This position is performed in the sterile product preparation suite and accompanying storage areas of the inpatient pharmacy section at the Clement J. Zablocki VAMC in Milwaukee, WI in the Department of Pharmacy service.

Duties

The Compound Sterile Products pharmacy technician will perform sterile compounding functions to ensure timely and accurate patient care is provided. In addition, will comply with all regulatory requirements associated with sterile compounding. Duties are performed in the intravenous (IV) cleanroom suite, setting up sterile products for dispensing, making appropriate record entries, reviewing IV administration records, and assisting inspectors, review teams, and other staff during routine inquires and inspections. Expected to maintain a high degree of accurate productivity and performance while being extremely sensitive to specific contribution to total patient care. Knowledgeable with VA policy and regulatory requirements for handling and checking in shipments of drugs and supplies, as well as verifying accuracy of shipments, rotating stock and assures the proper storage of all items. Monitors physical inventory of stocked items, notifying procurement of quantities on hand and advises as to ordering trends, shortages, outdated medications etc. Must be fully competent in all inpatient technician duties including processing, preparing, and filling of unit dose, sterile parental medications and solutions, maintenance of IV cleanroom and pharmacy satellites, operation of automated medication dispensing systems and general workflow of the inpatient pharmacy. Uses aseptic technique, compounds both complicated and uncomplicated parenteral admixtures in the form of large volume, small volume, infusion syringe or another modality as required. Prepares sterile ophthalmic preparations and other complex sterile pharmaceuticals such as total parenteral nutrition and cardioplegia solutions. Correctly interprets orders, selects, and measures appropriate ingredients, mixes ingredients in an aseptic and effective manner, inspects the final product for accuracy, suitability, and elegance, labels the product, maintains records of the manufacturing process, and supplies the product for delivery. Understands specific handling considerations for storage, distribution, and disposal of medications. Consistently displays competence with good aseptic technique manufacturing practices through demonstration and/or actual work performance. Technical working knowledge of equipment and supplies used in compounding sterile products including but not limited to admixing pumps, needles, syringes, and various compounding supplies, etc. Operates and maintains complicated pharmacy equipment including but not limited to Omnicell™/Pyxis™, laminar flow hoods, total parental nutrition (TPN) compounder, repeater pumps. Ensures that the IV cleanrooms are cleaned daily, and appropriate logs are completed for daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning. Uses knowledge, skills, and abilities to resolve questionable orders or situations to ensure quality of care. Contacts pharmacists to obtain clarification for prescriptions/orders or any situation that presents a possible hazard to patient care. Performs accurate product selection, dosage calculations and compounding of agents utilizing package literature, written procedural guidelines and application of specialized knowledge. Generating of proper product identification labeling and assigning accurate stability and handling information. Upon completion of the order, contacts the assigned pharmacist for a final check and then delivers prepared products to the wards, clinics, or other designated areas. Stocks and maintains the Pharmacy Service preparation area(s), reviewing anticipated inventory needs and notifying the procurement technician in a timely manner of products required. Working knowledge of position specific equipment including vertical and horizontal laminar flow hoods and all disposable supplies needed to compound sterile products. Participates in glove fingertip and media fill testing, maintain competences passing didactic practical skill assessment initially and annually thereafter. Assists in airborne particulate and microbial testing and surface testing to ensure cleaning schedules are met. Responsibility for keeping abreast of changes in the Pharmacy Service policies and procedures. Participates in glove fingertip and media fill testing, maintain competences passing didactic practical skill assessment initially and annually thereafter. Assists in airborne particulate and microbial testing and surface testing to ensure cleaning schedules are met. Responsibility for keeping abreast of changes in the Pharmacy Service policies and procedures. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 3:30 pm - Midnight, weekends and holidays, as needed Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: Certification: must hold an active national certification through either: Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) OR National Health career Association (NHA), Certified Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT). Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations Pharmacy Technician GS-8 Experience. Must possess one year of experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service; working autonomously using independent judgement to perform a full range of duties; mentoring and training lower graded pharmacy technicians in the practice setting; assisting advanced/ specialized pharmacy technicians and participating in performance improvement initiatives; using independent judgement to perform the full range of duties in the pharmacy; functioning as staff pharmacy technicians in various locations of the pharmacy. In addition to the experience, you must demonstrate the following KSAs: Comprehensive knowledge of concepts, principles, methodology and policies in a specialized area or section of pharmacy such as sterile compounding. Skill in training and orienting new and existing pharmacy facility employees and students on proper policies and procedures. Ability to evaluate, analyze and coordinate workflow and work activities within a specialized area or section of the pharmacy. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G28 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 8. Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving standing for prolonged periods of time, lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies weighing up to 50 lb., and bending/stooping. Work is typically performed in a clinical setting that exposes incumbent to communicable diseases, biohazards, hazardous chemicals, and hazardous medications common in a health care environment. Such exposure will be mitigated in accordance with local policies and operating procedures as per USP 800 standards, OSHA guidance and local risk assessment practices. Standard safety precautions and PPE are required and specified per local policies. Some work is performed in a setting away from the pharmacy where the environment cannot be controlled.

Education

There is no education requirement for this position.


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 Clement J Zablocki Veterans Administration Medical Center 5000 West National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295 US
• Name: Alicia Prindle
• Phone: 414-384-2000 X42030
• Email: [email protected]