Drug Dispenser at Premiere Urgence Internationale (PUI)

Location: Monguno, Borno State

General Objective

• Under the direct supervision of the Nurse team leader / opd supervisor, the Drug Dispenser dispenses drugs to patients, gives indication on drug utilization, and monitors drug consumption, according to PUI procedures.
• S/he respects logistic and pharmacy procedures, fills in weekly orders and does inventory controls.

Responsibilities and Tasks
Drugs dispensing:

• Establish personal rapport with potential and actual patients and their relatives. Treat the patient with respect.
• Receive prescriptions from Clinician/ Nurse and Midwife, and verify that required information is on the form, and dispense it to the patient.
• Notify the Nurse or Midwife of incomplete or inaccurate prescriptions; as unclear handwriting, missing dose, etc.
• Dispense the medication to patients.
• Give clear instructions how to take the drug, when, how long, how to store.
• Advise and educate patients of any adverse side-effects of medicines.
• Check if the patient understands the given instructions.
• Prepare clear and detailed labels for dispensed drugs written in language that patients can understand.
• Adhere to PUI practice policies and procedures for dispensing medicines, in particular those relating to controlled drugs.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Drugs management:

• Store drugs according to PUI standards and protocols.
• Record and compile daily and weekly consumption form and send information to pharmacist.
• Submit drug order to pharmacy on a requested basis.
• Receive the orders from Pharmacy and inspect items, as to quality, quantity, and expiry dates. Provide the Pharmacy with feedback in case of irregularity.
• Arrange stock by designation and in alphabetical order, with the earliest expiring stock at the front of the shelf and the first in first out techniques.
• Monitor the supply quantity, expiration dates and quality of medicines and medical supplies.
• Maintain accurate dispensing records and report weekly to the Pharmacist.
• Apply specific hygiene protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness of the dispensary and equipment.
• Notify Pharmacist in a timely manner in case of a high consumption that may lead to low stock or stock out.
• Ask advice from Pharmacist in case a drug is prescribed which is not available.
• Together with Pharmacist assistant and /or MHC Team Leader conduct inventory control of dispensary on a regular basis;
• Follow all safety measures and rules in the dispensary.
• Notify the pharmacist assistant / MHC Team Leader/ OPD supervisor immediately about any change in drugs, in form of appearance, color, smell, etc.
• Collect and file patients’ prescriptions.

Team Work

• In case of absence of another team member, the nurse will replace in the appropriate sector (nurses in other departments (triage, dressing, vaccination, nutrition, etc.…), midwives, registrar, and dispenser).
• In case of absence of the Team Leader, the nurse will take the Lead and will become the security focal point of the team.
• Ensure coordination and continuity of care through verbal and written reports and coordination with the other health staff.
• Participate actively in meetings and trainings when required.
• Perform other relevant duties as requested by supervisors.

Specific Objective and Linked Activities

• Ensure the quality of care provided to patients in PUI facilities.
• Provide drugs to patient on a gentle manner with explanation and clarification
• Directly report any difficulties or delays in the implementation of activities.
• The tasks and responsibilities defined in this job description are non-exhaustive and can evolve depending on the project’s needs.

Qualifications
Mandatory requirements:

• Language skills: Good command in English (speaking, reading & writing)
• Fluent in local languages - Kanuri, Hausa, etc. 
• Education Degree: Recognized Nurse Degree (at least certificate level) with national legislation
• Work experience: 2-3 years of experience in Drug dispenser, nursing, or in OPD services.
• Work experience with other NGO’s would be an asset.

Knowledge and skills:

• Good knowledge of Communicable and Non Communicable diseases
• Good knowledge of Public Health
• Good ability for team work
• Ability to manage a fair workload including emergencies.
• Assets
• Interests: Working in humanitarian relief, interest for social issues

Transversals skills:

• Strong motivation to help people in need
• Conflict resolution and diplomacy experience
• Ability to adapt or change priorities according to the changing situation within a mission or the organization itself
• Understanding of the political situation in the area
• Ability to analyze and suggest improvements of the activities
• Well organized and hard worker
• Able to manage stress and pressure
• Understanding of the context of the area
• Reliability
• Neutrality
• Able to check validity of information, logical thinking