Overview
Applicants are invited to fill the following vacant positions at St. Jude Hospital: Pharmacy Technician
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants must have:
- Completion of tertiary level education or equivalent.
- Completion of an accredited pharmacy technician training program is preferred.
- Previous experience as a pharmacy technician, preferably in a hospital or clinical setting, is preferred but not required.
- Proficiency with pharmacy information systems, automated dispensing systems, and other relevant software applications.
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development, including participation in relevant courses, workshops, and conferences.
Job Summary: The Pharmacy Technician supports the Pharmacy Manager and Pharmacists in providing safe and effective medication therapy to patients. This role involves medication preparation, dispensing, inventory management, and maintaining pharmacy records. The Pharmacy Technician ensures compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards, contributing to the efficient operation of the pharmacy department.
Key Responsibilities:
Medication Preparation and Dispensing:
- Assist pharmacists in processing medication orders, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
- Prepare medications for dispensing, including compounding, packaging, and labeling.
- Ensure that prescriptions are filled in accordance with hospital protocols and legal requirements.
- Deliver medications to various hospital departments and patient care areas.
- Maintain accurate records of medication distribution and usage.
- Monitor and replenish automated dispensing systems and unit dose carts.
Inventory Management:
- Assist in maintaining inventory levels by ordering, receiving, and stocking medications and supplies.
- Conduct regular inventory audits and manage expiration dates to minimize waste and ensure medication availability.
- Report discrepancies and shortages to the Pharmacy Manager.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance:
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance pharmacy operations and patient safety.
- Assist in identifying and reporting medication errors and adverse drug reactions.
- Assist in preparing for regulatory inspections and audits by maintaining accurate records and documentation.
Customer Service and Communication:
- Provide excellent customer service to patients and their families, addressing inquiries and concerns regarding medications.
- Assist in educating patients on the proper use and storage of their medications under the supervision of a pharmacist.
- Work closely with pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare providers to ensure accurate and timely medication therapy.
- Communicate effectively with healthcare providers to clarify medication orders and resolve discrepancies.
Documentation:
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date pharmacy records, including medication orders, inventory logs, and patient profiles.
- Assist in the preparation of reports and documentation required for regulatory compliance and quality assurance.
- Support the Pharmacy Manager in administrative tasks, such as scheduling, training new staff, and participating in departmental meetings.
Key Competencies
- Attention to Detail: A high level of accuracy is essential in pharmacy practice to ensure the correct preparation and dispensing of medications. Pharmacy Technicians must meticulously verify medication orders, monitor for potential errors, and adhere to safety protocols to prevent mistakes and ensure patient safety.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication skills are crucial for interacting with healthcare providers, patients, and colleagues. Pharmacy Technicians must be able to explain medication instructions, address inquiries, and collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure seamless medication management.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Strong problem-solving skills are needed to identify and resolve medication-related issues, inventory discrepancies, and operational challenges. Pharmacy Technicians must be able to think critically and implement effective solutions to enhance pharmacy operations and patient care.
- Teamwork: The ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team is essential for providing comprehensive patient care. Pharmacy Technicians must be able to build positive relationships with pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare providers, fostering a cooperative and supportive work environment.
- Organizational Skills: Strong organizational skills are necessary for managing multiple tasks, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring the efficient operation of the pharmacy. Pharmacy Technicians must be able to prioritize responsibilities and handle a high volume of work in a fast-paced environment.
- Customer Service: Excellent customer service skills are important for addressing patient inquiries, providing medication information, and ensuring a positive patient experience. Pharmacy Technicians must be empathetic, patient, and responsive to the needs of patients and their families.
Salary will be paid in accordance with the terms stipulated by the Government of St. Lucia in the Estimates of Expenditure commensurate with experience and qualifications for the post.
Applications accompanied by resume and certified certificates should be submitted no later than November 30, 2024 and sent to:
Human Resources Department
St. Jude Hospital
P.O. Box 331
Vieux–Fort, St. Lucia
Or email job applications to humanresource@stjudehospitalslu.org