MICHELLE MAESTAS
Albuquerque,NM
Summary
Dynamic Inpatient Certified Pharmacy Technician at UNM Hospital with a proven track record in enhancing workflow efficiency and ensuring medication safety. Expert in IV compounding and medication reconciliation, committed to patient confidentiality and quality care. Recognized for reducing medication errors through meticulous verification processes and fostering collaborative relationships with healthcare providers.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Inpatient Certified Pharmacy Technician
UNM Hospital
Albuquerque, NM
05.2011 - 08.2015
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency within the pharmacy department.
- Ensured adherence to safety protocols and regulatory standards in all pharmacy operations and processes.
- Maintained compliance with federal regulations and hospital policies by properly disposing of expired or damaged medications.
- Assured quality control measures were met during compounding procedures for specialty items such as total parenteral nutrition solutions and chemotherapy preparations.
- Assisted pharmacists in preparing intravenous solutions, ensuring accurate measurements and sterile techniques for optimal patient outcomes.
- Enhanced patient safety by carefully processing and verifying medication orders before dispensing.
- Reduced medication errors by diligently cross-referencing patient allergies with prescribed medications.
- Performed wide range of pharmacy operations with strong commitment to accuracy, efficiency and service quality.
- Counted and labeled prescriptions with correct item and quantity.
- Ordered medicines daily to replenish stock and increase inventory in anticipation of need.
- Answered incoming phone calls and addressed questions from customers and healthcare providers.
- Calculated dosage, filled prescriptions, and prepared prescription labels with absolute accuracy.
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Smiths Food And Drug
Albuquerque, NM
10.2001 - 01.2006
- Implemented workflow improvements that increased efficiency in medication preparation and distribution.
- Conducted regular audits of prescription records to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
- Resolved non-routine issues like third-party billing, computer system, and customer service issues.
- Reviewed and verified customer information and insurance provider information.
- Collaborated with pharmacists to resolve medication-related issues, optimizing patient outcomes.
- Managed insurance billing and claims processing, streamlining the reimbursement process for patients and pharmacy.
- Restocked pharmacy shelves with current merchandise to drive consistent peripheral sales.
- Maintained drug inventory levels by ordering necessary medications and supplies.
- Counted and labeled prescriptions with correct item and quantity.
- Ordered medicines daily to replenish stock and increase inventory in anticipation of need.
- Entered and processed patients' prescriptions into internal system.
- Communicated with patients to collect information about prescriptions and medical conditions or arrange consultations with pharmacists.
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Longs Drugs
Mill Creek, WA
11.1998 - 02.2001
- Answered incoming phone calls and addressed questions from customers and healthcare providers.
- Stocked, labeled, and inventoried medication to keep accurate records.
- Completed paperwork, entering prescription and insurance or billing information into patient profiles.
- Consulted with insurance company representatives to complete claims processing, resolve concerns, and reconcile payments.
- Enhanced patient care by accurately filling and dispensing prescriptions in a timely manner.
- Solved customer problems in-person or over telephone by providing assistance with placing orders, navigating systems, and locating items.
- Maintained accurate inventory levels for efficient pharmacy operations and cost control.
- Worked with computerized and automated systems for dispensing medications and editing new patient profiles.
- Collected co-payments or full payments from customers.
- Assisted in preparation, distribution and storage of pharmaceuticals.
- Maintained proper drug storage procedures, registries, and records for controlled drugs.
Certified Pharmacy Technician
United States Army
San Antonio, TX, Fort Lee VA
10.1994 - 07.1998
- Managed medication dispensing processes ensuring accuracy and compliance with pharmacy regulations.
- Assisted in inventory management, maintaining optimal stock levels of pharmaceuticals and supplies.
- Collaborated with pharmacists to resolve prescription issues, enhancing patient care quality.
- Oversaw daily pharmacy operations, ensuring adherence to safety protocols and best practices.
- Increased customer satisfaction by delivering friendly, personalized service during transactions.
- Counted, measured, and compounded medications following standard procedures.
- Supported pharmacists in compounding custom medications according to individual patient needs.
- Calculated dosage, filled prescriptions, and prepared prescription labels with absolute accuracy.
- Managed opening and closing duties for pharmacy.
Education
No Degree - Nursing
Central New Mexico Community College
Albuquerque, NMSkills
- Patient confidentiality
- Medication reconciliation
- Labeling accuracy
- Medication dispensing
- Pharmacy software proficiency
- Pharmaceutical calculations
- Sterile technique
- Medication storage management
- Controlled substance handling
- IV compounding
Timeline
Inpatient Certified Pharmacy Technician
UNM Hospital
05.2011 - 08.2015
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Smiths Food And Drug
10.2001 - 01.2006
Certified Pharmacy Technician
Longs Drugs
11.1998 - 02.2001
Certified Pharmacy Technician
United States Army
10.1994 - 07.1998
No Degree - Nursing
Central New Mexico Community College