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

1) Supervises and performs functions involved in the drug distribution process

a) Performs accurate and complete order entry - correct patient, drug, dose, frequency, etc.

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

c) Screens for, detects, and documents ADRs according to ARH program

d) Supervises and checks the work of technicians (order entry, filling of orders or prescriptions, and/or unit dose cart fill)

e) Accurately fills medication orders/prescriptions

f) Compounds non-sterile pharmaceutical products

g) Counsels patients concerning medications (inpatient or outpatient)

h) Prices and bills prescriptions or medication orders

2) Supervises and performs functions involved with the IV Admixture program

a) Prepares and labels IV admixtures in accordance with accepted standards

b) Screens IV preparation for compatibility

c) Uses appropriate aseptic technique in drug preparation

d) Uses safe and appropriate technique in chemotherapy preparation

e) Supervises and checks the work of technicians (order entry, aseptic technique, chemotherapy preparation, etc.)

f) Accurately fills IV orders

 g) Maintains IV Room area (appropriate cleaning, quality control checks and certifications)

3) Makes appropriate interventions to improve patient care through effective communication

a) Accurately and efficiently performs physician consults (kinetics, dose calculations, wound care, poly-pharmacy, etc.)

b) Initiates interactions with physicians concerning drug therapy (recommendations, clarifications, non-formulary orders, age-specific considerations)

c) Documents clinical interventions

d) Assists in establishing protocols and policies and procedures for appropriate drug use.

e) Formulates care plans and reassesses therapy as patient’s condition requires.

f) Responds to codes/emergency situations as required

g) Provides current and accurate drug information to patients and other healthcare professionals

h) Provides both formal and informal educational services to patients, health care professionals, students, and community.

4) Demonstrates the necessary skills and proficiency needed to operate the Pharmacy computers and electronic and mechanical equipment

a) Able to print computer lists and labels for respective Pharmacy area

b) Shows proficient skill to operate and maintain Pharmacy computers, fax machine, copy machine, cash register, etc.

c) Maintains laminar flow hoods

d) Maintains, updates, and retrieves departmental files such as correspondence, licenses, prescriptions, profiles, cash receipts, records of issuance, etc.

5) Maintains appropriate record keeping and levels of medication and supply inventory

a) Demonstrates proper distribution and documentation of controlled substances (ordering, receiving, perpetual inventory, etc.)

b) Orders or oversees ordering of medications and supplies

c) Maintains proper storage and distribution of floor stock and emergency drugs according to P&P

6) Possesses the ability to assess and/or care for age groups of patients within their scope of practice

- See age-specific competency guidelines for position and age group

7) Additional duties

- Serves on hospital committees as assigned

Qualifications

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

Licensure eligibility in state of employment.