Staff Pharmacist

Overview

The Staff Pharmacist is responsible for providing quality pharmaceutical care/services to patients and health care professionals at any ARH or affiliated unit as assigned.  Responsible for properly assessing patients’ pharmaceutical needs and providing pharmaceutical care.  Responsible for the accurate and proper compounding and dispensing of prescribed medications and solutions.  Responsible for the proper inventory and record keeping of medications.  Responsible for properly counseling patients/patients’ families, and appropriate health care professionals regarding drug therapy.

Responsibilities

Drug Distribution

• Supervises and performs functions involved in the drug distribution process.

• Performs accurate and complete order entry, including correct patient, drug, dose, frequency, and other required information.

• Interprets and evaluates medication and intravenous orders for allergies, appropriateness, duplication, and interactions.

• Screens for, detects, and documents adverse drug reactions (ADRs) according to ARH program guidelines.

• Supervises and checks the work of technicians, including order entry, filling of orders or prescriptions, and unit dose cart fills.

• Accurately fills medication orders and prescriptions.

• Compounds non-sterile pharmaceutical products.

• Counsels patients concerning medications in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

• Prices and bills prescriptions and medication orders.

IV Admixture Program

• Supervises and performs functions involved with the IV Admixture Program.

• Prepares and labels IV admixtures in accordance with accepted standards.

• Screens IV preparations for compatibility.

• Uses appropriate aseptic technique in drug preparation.

• Uses safe and appropriate techniques in chemotherapy preparation.

• Supervises and checks the work of technicians, including order entry, aseptic technique, and chemotherapy preparation.

• Accurately fills IV orders.

• Maintains the IV room area, including appropriate cleaning, quality control checks, and certifications.

Clinical Interventions & Patient Care

• Makes appropriate interventions to improve patient care through effective communication.

• Accurately and efficiently performs physician consults, including kinetics, dose calculations, wound care, and poly-pharmacy reviews.

• Initiates interactions with physicians concerning drug therapy, including recommendations, clarifications, non-formulary orders, and age-specific considerations.

• Documents clinical interventions.

• Assists in establishing protocols, policies, and procedures for appropriate drug use.

• Formulates care plans and reassesses therapy as patient conditions require.

• Responds to codes and emergency situations as required.

• Provides current and accurate drug information to patients and healthcare professionals.

• Provides both formal and informal educational services to patients, healthcare professionals, students, and the community.

Pharmacy Systems & Equipment

• Demonstrates the skills and proficiency necessary to operate pharmacy computer systems and electronic and mechanical equipment.

• Prints computer lists and labels for respective pharmacy areas.

• Operates and maintains pharmacy computers, fax machines, copiers, cash registers, and other departmental equipment.

• Maintains laminar flow hoods.

• Maintains, updates, and retrieves departmental files, including correspondence, licenses, prescriptions, profiles, cash receipts, and records of issuance.

Inventory & Record Management

• Maintains appropriate record keeping and medication and supply inventory levels.

• Demonstrates proper distribution and documentation of controlled substances, including ordering, receiving, and perpetual inventory management.

• Orders or oversees the ordering of medications and supplies.

• Maintains proper storage and distribution of floor stock and emergency medications according to policies and procedures.

Patient Population Responsibilities

• Possesses the ability to assess and/or care for age groups of patients within scope of practice.

• Follows age-specific competency guidelines for assigned patient populations.

Additional Duties

• Serves on hospital committees as assigned.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy, Pharm.D., or other advanced degree.

Licenses & Certifications

• Licensure eligibility in state of employment.