Department/Program: Pharmacy Distribution, Pharmacy
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100% FTE) for one year x 1 position(s)
Req ID: 133754
Union Status: NSGEU Hlthcare, Healthcare Bargaining Unit
Compensation: $22.3998 - $26.263 /hour
Posting Date: May 26, 2022
Closing Date: June 2, 2022
Start Date: ASAP
IWK Health is an internationally recognized and respected academic health sciences centre located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, providing tertiary and primary care for two million women, children, youth and families across the Atlantic region. IWK Health is committed to employment equity and the reduction of barriers to employment and career growth. We encourage all who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotians, Persons of Colour, Immigrants/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.
Position Summary
Reporting directly to the Pharmacy Operations Manager, and with professional accountability to the Pharmacy Practice Leader, the Pharmacy Practice Assistant (PPA) will provide technical support in the handling and distribution of medications including the dispensing of inpatient and outpatient prescriptions, medication order entry, ward stock maintenance including automated dispensing cabinets, manufacturing of sterile and non-sterile pharmaceuticals, including TPN, chemotherapy, hazardous drugs, unit dose packaging, on-call services, materials management activities, reporting of statistics and costs, and quality assurance. The PPA will provide clinical support by meeting with patients and gathering medication-related information to create best possible medication history, assist Pharmacists in the implementation and monitoring of the patient medication care plan, provide instruction to patients on medication-related tools and devices, precept learners and provide orientation to new staff, and other duties as assigned.
Hours of Work
75 hours bi-weekly; days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and on-call on rotation.
Qualifications
- Grade XII, plus completion of a recognized Pharmacy Technician/Technology Program (accredited program preferred) or equivalent experience (one-year full-time experience as a hospital pharmacy technician OR two (2) years' experience as a community pharmacy technician.
- Licensure in Nova Scotia as a Pharmacy Technician (NSCP) is an asset.
- Two (2) years' experience as a hospital pharmacy technician/pharmacy practice assistant experience, is an asset.
- Current successful completion of a Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Basic Life Support Level (BLS) Program within the last 12 months, or successful completion of a BLS Renewal Challenge Certificate.
- Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations related to medications.
- Knowledge of the law and regulations pertaining to the receipt, storage and distribution of medications, including Controlled Substances.
- Basic computer/keyboard experience; skills in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Skype, WebEx.
- Experience in unit dose drug distribution systems, specifically pharmacy automation technology, decentralized medication dispensing cabinets, an asset.
- Meditech experience, an asset.
- Knowledge of sterile technique and special precautions used with hazardous drugs.
- Knowledge of NAPRA Standards, Accreditation Canada Standards and CSHP Compounding Guidelines for Pharmacies.
- Competencies identified by the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) 2014:
- Ethical, Legal and Professional Responsibilities
- Patient Care
- Product Distribution
- Practice Setting
- Health Promotion
- Knowledge and Research Application
- Communication and Education
- Intra and Inter-Professional Collaboration
- Quality and Safety
- Competencies identified Horizon Health Network:
- Attention to Detail
- Communication
- Planning and Prioritizing Work
- Interpersonal Skills
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Competencies in other languages are an asset; French preferred.
Thank you for your interest in IWK Health. We will only contact those applicants selected for interview/testing. Applicants we invite to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) have the right to request accommodation. Please discuss your needs when invited to the assessment process.
Please note: our offer of employment is conditional upon the completion and satisfactory results of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials.
Additionally, as per Nova Scotia's COVID-19 Vaccine mandate, any offer of employment will be conditional upon submitting proof of full vaccination status. Medical exceptions or any other kind of requested exception based upon the Health Centre's obligations pursuant to the Nova Scotia Human Rights Code will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM on the Closing Date.
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If you are an employee of IWK Health, please apply through the internal careers page to ensure you are flagged as an internal applicant. Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM on the Closing Date.