When it comes to compounding medications, a pharmacy technician who thinks they have all the answers is not the kind of person they are looking for.
“There are associates who think ‘I got it,’ and then they don’t, which is kind of scary,” says Dr. Linda. “[…] I think you really need somebody who has good character, is trustworthy, and knows to ask questions if they aren’t sure how something is done.”
In compounding, whether sterile or non-sterile, the decisions made by a pharmacy or lab technician have a direct impact on the outcome of a patient. Mistakes can happen anywhere, even a pharmacy, but there is no room for errors that go unaddressed by a technician that can’t admit that there is a problem.
“[…] if they feel like there may be a mistake, [a good pharmacy technician] know[s] how to speak up,” she went on. “That is pretty critical in compounding.”