Pharmacy Assistant

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist, the Cleanroom Pharmacy Assistant performs assigned duties necessary to provide for the efficient daily operation of the pharmacy, providing quality products to home and community care patients. The Pharmacy Assistant will assist in the preparation of prescriptions, perform sterile compounding, maintain sterility and decontamination of controlled areas, and assist with tasks within scope to ensure smooth workflow in the pharmacy.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Performs calculations to confirm prepared compounding instructions are accurately completed prior to initiating the sterile compounding process.
• Checks ingredients for container integrity, particulate matter, and discoloration prior to initiating the sterile compounding process.
• Compounds sterile non-hazardous and hazardous products including but not limited to: chemotherapy, Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN), narcotics and controlled drugs and other medications, following appropriate aseptic technique and visual verification requirements according to Bayshore Policies and Procedures (P&P) and the model standards for pharmacy compounding outlined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and adopted by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).
• Cleans work area(s) as required by established procedures. Affixes the correct prescription label and appropriate auxiliary labels (for example, refrigerate, light sensitive, multi dose, room temperature, etc.) on manufactured medication or final sterile compounded product for final check by regulated professional.
• Performs daily, weekly, and monthly housekeeping duties according to established procedures to maintain compliance with the model standards for pharmacy compounding outlined by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and adopted by the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) in the controlled areas.
• Ensures compliance with federal, provincial, and local laws and regulations, Bayshore Policies and Procedures (P&P) and accrediting body standards (Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP), Bureau Veritas (ISO)). Adheres to quality control procedures as indicated in Bayshore Policies to meet ISO standards.
• Accurately maintains all legally required records as outlined by Bayshore Policy and Procedure (P&P) and accreditation standards (Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP), Bureau Veritas (ISO)).
• Maintains pharmacy records including filing and documenting required information on dispensing records and prescription hardcopy.
• Follow established procedures for obtaining medication, and supplies ensuring adequate inventory levels of medications, infusion solutions, and supplies. Works cohesively with other Bayshore team members including Customer Service Representatives, Pharmacy Assistants, Registered Pharmacy Technicians, Registered Pharmacists, Warehouse Technicians, Logistics Coordinators, Medical Device Reprocessing Technicians, Medical Device Management Coordinators, Nurse Clinical Consultants, and Contracts Coordinators.
• Monitors selected measures of individual performance as it relates to departmental performance standards and reports results as requested.
• Participates in Performance Improvement activities and continuous professional development as required.
• Attends and participates in departmental and business meetings as scheduled.
• Assists in orientation and training of new employees.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education And/or Experience

Pharmacy Assistant Certificate/Diploma from an accredited institution is an asset. Experience in sterile compounding or equivalent work experience is an asset. Experience in a busy community pharmacy setting or hospital pharmacy setting is preferred.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, interpret technical procedures and government regulations. Ability to write correspondence to members of individual patient care team and documentation for patient chart. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers/supervisors, patients/caregivers, nurses, prescribers, and other members of the patient care team.

Mathematical Skills

Must be able to perform accurate pharmaceutical calculations as related to sterile compounding. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent, and to interpret graphs. Ability to solve word problems and algebraic equations.

Reasoning Ability

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Interpret instructions provided in written, oral, or visual form.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Current CPR certification is an asset.

Other Skills And Abilities

Proficient with basic computer programs (Microsoft Office). Experience with Kroll is an asset.

Primary Location

ON-Kitchener