Job Summary: Coordinate the drug distribution and clinical pharmacy activities for nursing and support departments with the hospital. Is responsible for safe and efficient methods for coordination of established pharmacy policy concerning drug patient care. Provide clinical drug information to meet the needs of the patient, nurse and physician
Essential Functions:
• Consistently uses an outward mindset and puts forth exemplary effort in accomplishing his/her goals and objectives in a manner that helps others to achieve their goals and objectives.
• Reviews and interprets physicians’ orders for appropriateness relevant to other departments( i.e., drugs for diagnostic procedures, laboratory tests, etc.) ensure that overdoses / under doses have not been prescribed and that interactions, incompatibilities, or toxic compounds will not result from the combination of medications; assure that drugs are appropriately labeled, stored, and utilized according to physicians’ instructions.
• Dispense prescriptions to outpatients in accordance with hospital policy and in conformance with regulations and laws dealing with the class of prescription; counsel patients about their medications and maintain an accurate up-to-date patient profile.
• Maintain necessary controls with respect to audited controlled drugs / alcohol; prepare controlled drug requests for delivery by a technician to the designated nursing unit and maintain that the order is accurate-process returns as necessary
• Supervise pre-packing of drugs and control procedures.
• Provide drug information such as dosing, compatibilities, formulary substitutes, etc. to nursing, physicians and other health care practitioners.
• Prepare specialized solutions for administration via intravenous route such as chemotherapy, hyper alimentation, antibiotics, etc. and ensure that the stability and sterility of these solutions is appropriate for patient consumption.
• Participate in in-service education programs when requested.
• Arrange to obtain drugs in an emergency situation.
• Maintain a positive and instructional interaction with assigned nursing units. Monitor activity on these units, evaluate floor stock supply and assure appropriateness of storage of medications in conformance with regulatory agency and established hospital policies (performance of nursing unit inspections is a monthly requirement).
• Verify the work performed supportive personnel, which includes, but is not limited to, patient drug data entry, cassette filling, unit-dose drug distribution policies and procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the profession by participation in organization memberships; attendance at meetings, lectures, in-services, seminars; reading journals; comply with National Standards of Continuing Education in order to maintain professional competency and proficiency.
• Participate in clinical programs instituted in the department such as drug level monitoring, antibiotic monitoring, pharmacokinetic consults, etc.; communicate with Coordinator – Clinical Pharmacy Services on such issues as necessary.
• Assure that the quality of professional services is maintained.
Minimum Qualifications: Must be a Licensed Registered Pharmacist with a minimum six (6) months experience as a Pharmacist.
Knowledge, Skills & Ability: Must be able to function independently and have flexibility, personal integrity, and the ability to work effectively with residents, staff, and support agencies. Must be able to relate to and work with ill, disabled, elderly, emotionally upset, and at times hostile people within the facility. Must possess the ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action. Must be able to enter and retrieve data using computer systems, systems applications, and other office equipment. Acute care experience desired.
Working Conditions: Will be exposed to virus, disease and infection from patients and specimens in working environment; Incumbent may experience traumatic situations including psychiatric, dismembered and deceased patients.
Physical Requirements: Constantly see/visual acuity, talk/hear. Frequently stand, sit, walk, reach, handle/grasp/feel. Occasionally lift/carry 1 to 49 lbs.