JOB SUMMARY
The Pharmacist Assistant prepares hazardous and nonhazardous medications for final pharmacist
check. Responsible for daily, weekly and monthly cleaning in the anteroom and cleanroom.
Responsible for proper disposal of all hazardous waste. Responsible for monthly environmental
testing. Refills blue bin stock, anteroom stock and the pyxis unit. Required to maintain proper
aseptic technique, follow all proper donning and doffing requirements, and all competency
requirements.
ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY
A. Reports to: Acute Care Operations Supervisor
B. Supervises: N/A
C. Key Working Relationships: Pharmacists, pharmacist assistants, inventory technician, cancer
center clinical pharmacist, physicians, and nursing personnel.
D. Primary Customer Groups: All patients served in the cancer center medical oncology
department and infusion center.
E. Age/Population of Patients Served:
Neonatal X Adolescent X Geriatric
Pediatric X Adult All Ages
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
A. Performs appropriate hand hygiene prior to sterile and nonsterile hazardous compounding.
B. Dons appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to entering cleanroom to
compound hazardous drugs.
C. Performs surface decontamination of products prior to placing in the biological safety cabinet
(BSC).
D. Prepares intravenous hazardous drugs following proper standard procedure for final verification
by the pharmacist.
E. Performs and understands proper aseptic technique.
F. Performs surface decontamination of final prepared product prior to labeling.
G. Utilizes appropriate safety devices and equipment when preparing sterile and nonsterile
hazardous drugs.
H. Performs double check of drugs, diluent, safety devices, tubing, IV bag or elastomeric infusion
device.
I. Disposes of outer wrappers, containers, used safety devices, empty vials, and other items used
in hazardous compounding in appropriate waste receptacles.
J. Performs restocking functions for supplies received from blue bin.
K. Picks and refills pyxis medications.
L. Utilizing appropriate PPE, performs restocking functions with received hazardous drugs.
M. Performs proper cleaning of BSC. (e.g. deactivation, disinfecting and decontamination)
N. Performs daily, weekly and monthly cleaning utilizing appropriate cleaning solutions.
O. Conducts monthly environmental surface sampling and maintains appropriate CFU levels for
the ISO room classifications.
P. Follows appropriate guidelines for sanitizing gloves prior to compounding, changing every 30
minutes during continued compounding or when damaged or contaminated.
Q. Follows guidelines to be able to perform containment, clean up and disposal procedures for
normal use, breakage and spills.
R. Trained and knowledgeable regarding contents, location and appropriate use of the chemo
drug spill kit.
S. Provides comprehensive orientation and training for pharmacist assistants and provides
feedback to assist in determining their ability to function in the cancer center pharmacy.
T. Prepares or assists in development of standard work.
U. Follows USP 800 regulations regarding receiving, handling, and transporting hazardous
medications.
V. Follows USP 797 regulations regarding activities in the IV room suite and product preparation.
W. Utilizes Simplifi797 for required documentation for IV room suite.
X. Seeks to identify process problems and utilizes problem-solving to produce a positive outcome.
Y. Maintains required department confidentiality and abides by HIPPA regulations.
Z. Provides competent patient care to the above indicated patient populations by obtaining and
appropriately interpreting data, making appropriate decisions based on demonstrated
knowledge of age-specific growth and development, and appropriately adapting procedures
and treatments.
AA.Takes an active role in enhancing ability to carry out job functions through personal and
professional/job-related growth, development, and participates in medical center and/or
departmental education programs.
BB.Communicates with and performs duties following the philosophy of Mercy Medical Center –
North Iowa and the Sisters of Mercy reflecting the organization’s Mission, Values, and Guiding
Behaviors.
CC. Supports and abides by all medical center, departmental, and safety policies and
procedures. Proactively identifies safety concerns surrounding the work environment.
DD. Performs other responsibilities as requested by supervisor, manager or department head.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
A. May perform Inventory control duties which include acquisition of IV solutions and office
supplies from Supply Chain Management. Monitors inventory for outdated items, assists in
conducting an annual departmental inventory.
B. May perform chemotherapy technician functions and staff in the cancer center pharmacy.
C. Performs functions necessary for pneumatic tube operations. This includes distribution of
medications to the proper nursing units via the pneumatic tube and, when required, utilizing the
secured transaction function
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
A. Education
1. A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
B. Registration and Certification
2. Must be registered pharmacy technician in the state of Iowa prior to beginning of
employment in the pharmacy department.
3. National Pharmacy Technician Certification required.
B. Experience:
1. Demonstrated competence 3 years of pharmacy (site-specific) experience, or at the
discretion of Manager or Supervisor based on employee's skill set, aptitude and leadership
abilities.
C. Special Skills and Competencies:
1. Tact, diplomacy, accuracy, dependability, and typing.
2. Be proficient in mathematical skills. Must have a passing math test score of 85%,
3. Knowledge of pharmaceutical names and dosages.
4. Must have acceptable accuracy in performing tasks of verbal and written communication,
keyboard operation and computer skills, as well as interpretation and use of numerical and
graphic materials.
5. Completes the mandatory courses (check all that apply)
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.