Chemo Prep Tech

Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation's largest, community-based cancer care specialists, is home to one of the leading clinical trial networks in the country. Established 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology's mission remains unchanged: To provide access to high-quality cancer care and the expertise of clinical research for all patients, at convenient locations within their community and close to their home. Our growing network of physicians and locations is based on this mission. Tennessee Oncology is committed to advancing both the science of detection and targeted treatments, and to making these advances available to every patient. We believe caring for cancer patients is a privilege.

Why Join Us? We are looking for talented and highly-motivated individuals who demonstrate a natural desire to support the meaningful work of community oncologists and the patients we serve.

Job Description:

To safely and aseptically prepare chemotherapy and other medications for patients, manage the Nucleus system; maintain an accurate and organized record of all transactions occurring in the mixing room.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• The technician will be responsible for all duties of preparing and dispensing of medication.

• Mixes chemotherapy and biologics only within the biological safety cabinet (BSC) using proper aseptic technique.

• Follows clean room guidelines and accurately prepares IV solutions and other sterile products.

• Maintains accuracy in processing orders to ensure that all orders are processed and dispensed in a timely manner.

• Checks all orders for completeness of information. Verifies patient information and proper physician authorization.

• Interprets the appropriateness of a medication order before preparing the medication.

• Evaluates critical patient information prior to beginning admixture according to policy and procedure.

• Checks all orders for insurance approval before admixing.

• Calculates cycle and day to ensure patient receiving on correct treatment day.

• Reviews and checks CBC results prior to pulling medications from Nucleus. Notifies RN if technician has questions regarding CBC values.

• Recalculates drug dose as a verifier.

• Calculates correct dosage volumes.

• Selects appropriate diluents.

• Mixes chemotherapy and other drugs accurately as ordered by physician using appropriate aseptic technique and following policies and procedures. All chemotherapy orders must be verified with a nurse.

• Prepares chemotherapy in a syringe. Places label on syringe. Places syringe beside of appropriate bag for RN to validate accuracy.

• RN will verify the medication order, medication, dose, and amount of drug in syringe prior to adding to diluent and before distribution of any medication.

• After validation by RN has occurred, the medication will be placed in the diluent bag.

• The completed label will be appropriately affixed to the bag or syringe as appropriate.

• The technician will then initial the bag and distribute according to clinic guidelines.

• Dispense medications following the organization's policies and procedures. Places all medications in a transport bag for dispensing to the nursing staff.

• Prepares continuous infusion pumps setting the pumps according to physician orders.

• The RN will verify the settings prior to the pump being distributed.

• Maintains CADD pump log, cleaning of pump and cleaning of the pump pack for next use.

• Performs all daily and monthly Nucleus duties as outlined in the Nucleus policy and procedure manual.

• Inventories all medications at the end of each work day.

• Utilizes the Pharmacy Report to assist with maintaining appropriate 2 day level of target drugs for your clinic.

• Maintains indigent patient drug program for assigned clinic.

• Properly documents patient information in EMR.

• Generates and reviews daily clinical reports and channels to appropriate personnel.

• Maintains all clinical logs.

• Assists the nursing staff, as necessary, with the stocking of supplies, clinic organization, clean-up, etc.

• Assists to provide orientation and training to newly hired pharmacy technicians.

• Keeps work area and equipment clean and neat.

• Aseptically cleans the BSC at the beginning and end of each shift, and in the event of a drug spill, according to policy and procedure.

• Wears appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as outlined in the policy and procedure manual.

• Properly disposes all waste materials used when mixing chemo or non-chemo.

• Cleans BSC daily or as stated in policy and procedures.

• Knowledgeable about the appropriate use of PPE and chemotherapy spill kits in the event of a cytotoxic spill.

• Follows all safety standards for handling chemotherapy and hazardous drugs.

• Maintains current technician certification.

• Provides documentation of attendance of at least one seminar on aseptic preparation of parenteral products and on safe handling of cytotoxic drugs annually.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

• Ability to take direction.

• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to patients and other employees.

• Ability to build rapport with patients to deliver exceptional direct patient care

• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure

• Must be patient service oriented

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A professionally certified pharmacy technician.

• Chemotherapy admixture experience preferred but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be willing and able to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Must be willing and able to travel to satellite clinics when necessary.

• Floats to other clinics as needed.