Position Summary
Under the supervision of the Pharmacy Manager and in collaboration with Clinical Pharmacist(s), the Pharmacy Technician is responsible and accountable for supporting a safe, efficient and effective drug distribution system within the hospital in accordance with professional standards and hospital policies.
Duties include, but are not limited to preparing sterile and non-sterile medications, packaging medications, billing and reconciliation, narcotic and controlled drug management, inventory control, managing patient medication profiles, supporting medication reconciliation, drug procurement and inventory management, dispensing medications, refilling of automated dispensing units, and supporting all automation equipment relating to the medication management system.
The pharmacy technician will participate in other departmental activities that model and promote a safe and healthy patient-centered environment that contributes to quality improvement and risk management initiatives.
- Coordinate inventory management so wastage us minimized and safety standards are maintained.
- Preparation of bulk solutions for general hospital use.
- Identify drugs which require re-ordering from the manufacturer or wholesaler.
- Ensure optimal inventory control to prevent overstocking and waste. Activities may include rotating stock, checking expiry dates, etc.
- Narcotic and Controlled Drug Inventory Management:
- To adhere to all standards of practice, documentation and safeguarding for narcotics including distribution and record retention in accordance with the Controlled Drug and Substances Act and departmental policies.
- Reconcile narcotic inventory in the pharmacy on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
- Document required information for all orders and receipt of all narcotic and controlled drugs into the inventory records.
- Provide assistance to nursing staff as required helping maintain accurate inventory and documentation pertaining to all narcotic and controlled drug substances that are stocked on the units either as part of narcotic ward stock or in automated dispensing units.
- Work closely with anesthesia to maintain and support the anesthetist narcotic/controlled drug boxes.
- Request purchasing of medications to maintain adequate inventory.
- Responsible with pharmacist(s) for destruction of narcotics.
- Review medication orders scanned/faxed to pharmacy and enter the orders into Pharmacy Information System (PIS) in an unverified status for the Pharmacist to clinically review and verify.
- Review and enter allergies on patients’ profile.
- Review and adhere to warnings, alerts in the PIS and alert the Pharmacist as appropriate.
- Medication Distribution System:
- To replenish ward stock and/or restock automated dispensing units (ADU’s) as appropriate.
- For manually dispensed items, to correctly interpret pharmaceutical nomenclature and to select appropriate drug, dose and quantity. Inspect individual dose packages for correct content, expiry date, volume, and labelling.
- To dispense a 24-hour supply of medication doses in a unit dose format including interim doses as well as STAT medications for the entire inpatient hospital population.
- To prepare sterile medications using aseptic technique in accordance with National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) and the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP). This includes the preparation and handling of hazardous and non-hazardous drugs, topical sterile products and parenteral products.
- Some bulk compounding that requires an aseptic environment.
- Medication Reconciliation (Med Rec) and Best Possible Medication History (BPMH):
- Support Med Rec on admission by obtaining or verifying the BPMH and documenting it electronically.
- Identify and document discrepancies between BPMH and medication orders on admission.
- Assist the pharmacists resolve medication reconciliation discrepancies on admission and transitions of care.
- General duties and responsibilities:
- Performs clerical duties and delivery of medications to and from nursing units, as required.
- Follows correct safety procedures, and abiding all Occupational Health & Safety requirements.
- Answers phone calls to the pharmacy and refer issue to a pharmacist as required.
- Maintains, monitors and is responsible for expiry dates of medications.
- Monitors cold chain requirements of medications as required.
- Maintains storage conditions and requirements for medication including general cleanliness.
- Maintain competency in independent double checks in assigned areas (tech-check-tech).
- Prepare patient specific mixtures and solutions; non-sterile manufacturing including topical preparations and oral suspensions.
- Support patient medication leave of absence passes.
- To satisfy continuing competency requirements as established by NAPRA, OCP, and the pharmacy department, including:
- Adherence to the principles outlined in the OCP’s Code of Ethics.
- Familiarity with new drugs and their uses.
- Adherence to the Standards of Practice for Registered Pharmacy Technicians as set out by the OCP.
- Meeting and maintaining the Professional Competencies for Canadian Pharmacy Technicians at Entry to Practice as set out by the NAPRA.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and to adhere to hospital safety standards including safe medication practices (ISMP recommendations) and health and safety guidelines.
- Participate in continuing education activities as required by OCP for maintenance of registration.
- Maintain an environment of professional practice consistent with standards of an accredited hospital pharmacy.
- Participate in the promotion of learning, including serving as preceptors for pharmacy technician students.
- Ensure full reporting of possible errors and near misses.
- Effectively manage day-to-day workload requirements.
- Communicate effectively and professionally with all healthcare team members as required to support a safe medication management system.
- Perform any and all other duties, responsibilities and projects as delegated by the Manager, Pharmacy
Qualifications
Education
- Registered Pharmacy Technician, in good standing, with the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP).
- Successful completion of a Pharmacy Technician diploma program.
Experience
- Minimum of one (1) year experience in a hospital pharmacy preferred.
- Experience using technical rotations and pharmacy automation systems are an asset.
- Experience in sterile compounding and aseptic technique is a strong asset.
Skills and Traits
- Must be able to meet the physical and emotional responsibilities of the role, including standing and walking for extended periods, frequent and repetitive pushing, pulling, bending, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as safely operating equipment.
- Ability to meet the physical demands of the position, as outlined in the Physical Demands Analysis (PDA).
- Demonstrates proficiency in written and verbal communication, with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Provides excellent customer service and contributes positively to teamwork and collaborative working relationships.
- Effectively prioritizes workload, adapts to changing priorities, and remains composed in fast-paced or stressful environments.
- Works independently with sound judgment, while remaining flexible to meet departmental and organizational needs.
- Demonstrates understanding of, and commitment to, equity, diversity, inclusion, and psychological safety.
- Upholds professionalism, ethical conduct, confidentiality, and respectful interactions.
- Models behaviour aligned with OSMH’s mission, vision, and values.
- Uses required technology and digital tools effectively and demonstrates a willingness to learn new systems.
- Contributes to a culture of safety and continuous improvement by identifying risks, following safe work practices, and supporting quality initiatives.
- Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional and personal development through continuous learning and reflective practice.
- Leads with integrity, accountability, and alignment to OSMH’s values
- Builds and supports high-performing, inclusive teams that foster engagement, growth, and wellbeing.
- Communicates clearly, respectfully, and transparently to build trust and collaboration.
- Drives results through strategic thinking, effective decision-making, and continuous improvement.
- Champions change, innovation, and a culture of safety, quality, learning, and psychological safety.
Other
- Demonstrates a commitment to ongoing professional and personal development through participation in continuing education and self-directed learning opportunities
Our Team Members Enjoy
- a professional practice environment
- a collaborative atmosphere with emphasis on teamwork
- wellness initiatives
- continuing education grants
- employee recognition and assistance programs
- a competitive salary and benefits package
- equal opportunities for growth and development
Employment Equity
OSMH is committed to diversity and equity in the workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S persons and others who may contribute to a diverse workplace.
Accommodation in the Workplace
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity, equal opportunity and maintaining a barrier-free selection process for job applicants. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known to the Human Resources department when contacted. All requests are handled confidentially.
Health & Safety Responsibilities
OSMH is committed to providing a safe, healthy and supportive working environment by treating team members and patients with compassion accountability respect and engagement.
All team members must adhere to OSMH’s Occupational Health and Safety policies, procedures and protocols, as well as the duties of workers as stipulated in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Team members must be able to perform all bona fide and essential duties of the position which may include cognitive and physical demands.
As a condition of employment, new team members are required to complete an employment health assessment and must be cleared by the Occupational Health and Safety Team prior to orientation.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use in Hiring at OSMH:
Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital’s (OSMH) may utilize automated screening tools (i.e. questionnaires) to highlight candidates' qualifications; however, OSMH does not involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess or select applicants. We recommend applying directly through our website as all applications are reviewed by our recruitment team.
Closing Statement
OSMH is a minimal fragrance workplace. We kindly ask all applicants to refrain from using scented products should they have the occasion to interview with the hospital.
As a condition of employment OSMH requires professional references, verification of academic training, professional accreditation and evidence of course completion. It is also a condition of employment that all new team members will be required to present an original vulnerable sector check within 90 days of commencing employment and must sign an Offense Declaration upon receipt of an offer of employment.
If you are interested in joining our team, please apply online before 11:59 pm on the posting close date. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. We thank all applicants, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
