Formula Room Technician

Meets the nutritional needs of patients through safe preparation, storage, and delivery of infant feedings, including formula and human milk.

Responsibilities

Formula and Human Milk Preparation:  Independently manages the compounding of infant feedings in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, including human milk, complex recipes and ready-to-feed formulas. Follows pre-established compounding procedures and adherers to quality control standards per The Joint Commission and Ohio Board of Health regulations.   Operates specific equipment, including gram scales, graduated cylinders, formula warmers and additional tools required to prepare feedings in an aseptic manner minimizing risk of physical, microbial and cross-contamination.  Labels and stores feedings per established procedures. Delivers prepared feedings to designated patient area. Maintains records of formula and human milk logs, preparation and physician orders utilizing electronic medical record, barcoding and other systems as appropriate. Disposes of expired feedings according to established protocol.  Follows proper guidelines for human milk packaging and organization at discharge.

Inventory and Supplies:  Responsible for the inventory, stocking and ordering of formulas, modular ingredients, sterile water, donor breast milk, storage containers and compounding supplies. Notifies appropriate supervisor of any product shortages and/or recalls and assists and in finding appropriate replacement products.  Properly rotates product on first in first out basis, checking expiration dates and discarding expired or damaged products.  Checks deliveries against order for accuracy, reports to supervisor when short-dated products are received from vendor.

Sanitation:  Uses aseptic techniques to clean and sanitize all work surfaces in the Infant Formula Room before and after each feeding preparation. Cleans utensils, equipment and storage areas per established procedures. Follows departmental and infection control policies regarding formula and human milk handling. Maintains daily appearance and personal hygiene according to departmental guidelines, reports to appropriate supervisor if ill.

Quality Assurance: Ensures delivery of a safe, properly compounded product from start to finish for all patients in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.  Verifies physician orders for accuracy, seeks clarification as needed from the provider. Checks equipment for proper operation and reports any concerns to the appropriate supervisor. Maintains daily temperature and dishwasher logs and other quality metrics as assigned. Identifies and reports errors, hazards and near misses to appropriate personnel. Works with the interdisciplinary team in developing and implementing performance improvement initiatives as related to the Infant Formula Room.

Competency and Accountability:  Demonstrates and documents competence in practice and delivery of customer-centered service(s). Assumes accountability and responsibility for actions and behaviors. Assists in training other employees in formula and human milk preparation and proper handling techniques as needed.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: 

In the sections below, please minimum education/training (degrees, certifications, and licenses) necessary to enter the job. Provide the minimum job-related, and industry experience necessary to enter the job. Be specific about what qualifications/skills are required to handle the responsibilities of the job.

EDUCATION:  High school diploma or equivalent

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE:  2 years of related work experience, previous formula room experience preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:  

• Demonstrates mathematical ability sufficient to interpret orders, measure ingredients, and perform mathematical calculations related to formula composition and human milk fortification.

• Demonstrates the ability to work under time constraints in a busy environment while maintaining careful attention to detail.

• Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to relate to a variety of people

• Close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; extensive reading; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts, or using measurement devices.

LICENSES REGISTRATIONS &/or CERTIFICATIONS:

Registered Dietetic Technician (DTR) preferred

Other Credentials Required or Preferred: NONE