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 related 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 requirements.

• Supervises and checks the work of pharmacy technicians, including order entry, medication order filling, prescription filling, and unit dose cart filling.

• 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.

Intravenous 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 pharmacy technicians related to order entry, aseptic technique, chemotherapy preparation, and related duties.

• Accurately fills IV medication orders.

• Maintains IV Room areas, including cleaning, quality control checks, and certifications.

Clinical Pharmacy Services

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

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

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

• Documents clinical interventions.

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

• Formulates patient 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 other healthcare professionals.

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

Pharmacy Systems & Equipment

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

• Prints computer-generated lists and labels for assigned pharmacy areas.

• Operates and maintains pharmacy computer systems, fax machines, copy machines, cash registers, and other pharmacy equipment.

• Maintains laminar flow hoods.

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

Inventory & Regulatory Management

• Maintains appropriate record keeping and inventory levels for medications and supplies.

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

• 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 Care

• Assesses and/or cares for age groups of patients within the scope of practice.

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

Additional Responsibilities

• Serves on hospital committees as assigned.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

Education

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

Licenses & Certifications

• Licensure eligibility in the state of employment required.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of pharmaceutical care principles and medication management.

• Ability to accurately interpret and evaluate medication orders.

• Knowledge of drug interactions, contraindications, dosing, and therapeutic monitoring.

• Ability to provide medication counseling and drug information to patients and healthcare professionals.

• Strong clinical judgment and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members.

• Strong communication and documentation skills.

• Knowledge of state and federal pharmacy regulations and standards.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.