Overview JOB SUMMARY
The Staff Pharmacist ensures the appropriate, safe, and effective use of medications in a cost-efficient manner. Physician orders and medication profiles are evaluated and processed to facilitate the prompt and accurate delivery of medications to patients. Drug information is provided to health care professionals and patients to assist in providing rational drug therapy.
Responsibilities
Accurately evaluates all Physician orders as they are entered into the patient's medication record for allergy contraindications, therapeutic duplications, drug interactions, and appropriateness of dose for patient's age and weight. Always contacts and confers with physician if there are any questions regarding medication orders. Always provides drug information to physicians and nursing staff members concerning the appropriate indications, precautions, dosage, and route of administration of new as well as currently used drugs. Always takes the time to clearly explain information to healthcare professionals and patients. Accurately weighs, measures, compounds and prepares medication. Accurately types prescription information for identification and use. Always makes rounds to nursing units to pick up physician orders and deliver medications. May delegate this responsibility to ensure that rounds are made at least every two hours. Accurately enters physician orders into the Pharmacy computer system. Maintains inventory and records on narcotics and other forms of drugs as required by law. Performs weekly narcotic count and completes discrepancy log with follow-up on all discrepancy problems. Accurately restocks controlled substances on the Nursing units and ensures CSAR sheets are completed according to department policy. Always inspects Pharmacy inventory monthly to ensure that drugs which are outdated are removed from stock and that inventory is consistent with the medication formulary. Prepares I.V. additive solutions and chemotherapy using aseptic technique within the laminar flow hood. Performs in-service instruction and participates in drug related educational programs for the medical, nursing and pharmacy staffs. Implements departmental policies and procedures as require. Always supervises the work performance of technicians and interns to ensure accurate preparation of medication according to department policy and procedure. Always ensures formulary compliance by recommending to the medical staff formulary alternatives for non-formulary medication orders and when appropriate accurately completes a Formulary Request Form. Demonstrates an ability to keep up with patient workload and uses supportive staff in an efficient manner. Performs monthly nursing unit inspection by removing all outdated drugs, ensuring all medications are properly labeled and stored, and reviewing results with unit director. Accurately calculates and compounds IV admixture orders, chemotherapy orders, TPN's, and NICU unit-dose injectables. Accurately completes all assigned work procedures during the shift. Always assists co-workers as time allows and follows on all incomplete medication orders remaining from previous shifts. Always responds to changes in the work load as necessary and uses time in a productive manner. Always accepts additional work during periods of low patient activity; coordinates projects with the director/assistant director and other Pharmacists. Always demonstrates a willingness to help on work that needs to be done; willing to stay late to finish patient care responsibilities. Always reports any incomplete assignments and communicates with other shifts to ensure medication orders are processed in a accurate manner. Always follows computer down time procedures to ensure the accurate dispensing of medications when the computer system in non-operational. Always checks all medications prepared by non-pharmacist personnel to assure accuracy prior to dispensing. Accurately documents all required information when pharmaceuticals are borrowed or loaned and communicates this activities to the pharmacy buyer. Always notifies staff of medication which has been ordered to complete a physician's order and relays this information to the pharmacy buyer. Accurately completes an Adverse Drug Reaction Form and documents all patient information and follow-up. Accurately documents all therapeutic interventions while evaluating physician orders. Always notifies physicians immediately when a medication has passed its automatic stop date without acknowledgment by the physician. Always consults with nursing personnel to coordinate the scheduling of medication orders to decrease MAR discrepancies. Demonstrates the ability and competence to assess a situation, consider alternatives, and choose the appropriate course of action. Always attempts to understand the needs of others in relation to the Pharmacy and in providing quality patient care. Ensures patient confidentiality by discussing patient information only in the course of patient care and in a setting where non-employees cannot listen. Explains information to physicians, nurses, co-workers and patients in a clear and thorough manner to minimize misunderstandings. Always makes the best use of time during the assigned shift through careful coordination of daily tasks; reduces non-essential interruptions to an absolute minimum in order to complete priority tasks first. Always meets deadlines in special projects and daily responsibilities and does request assistance when necessary. Always recognizes the provision of pharmaceutical care as the number one priority. Assists in other areas of the Pharmacy as requested and is willing to adjust schedule based on department needs. Always assists in organizing the department and maintaining the accurate location of all medications and supplies Always re-orders medication stock to maintain supplies before supply bins are empty. Provides positive input during departmental discussions to improve existing policies and procedures. Seeks information necessary for accurate completion of job responsibilities and uses reference material to ensure accuracy. Always performs daily responsibilities in an independent and thorough manner. Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING Current State of California Pharmacist License Doctorate of Pharmacy Degree. One year of post-graduate residency training (preferred). One year of acute care hospital experience (preferred). Current and maintain updated BCLS Card (AHA) within 30 days of hire.
