Pharmacist

PharmacistThe Pharmacist is a professional member of the health care team responsible for "Assuring Safe Medication Use". Dispenses medication in response to a physician's prescription exercising professional judgment in accordance with established policies, procedures, standards, and government regulations to ensure appropriate drug therapy for optimal patient care. The Pharmacist counsels, assists, and educates physicians, nurses, and the community on appropriate medication use, doses, side effects, and precautions. Employees providing direct patient care must demonstrate competencies specific to the population served. Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy including 1000 hours of internship under a licensed preceptor and ninety days of on-the-job experience at BHG required. Licensed Pharmacist in good standing with the state of Michigan required; must complete required number of hours of continuing education for re-licensure every two years. Basic word processing skills and able to operate hospital programs used in the Pharmacy Work which produces high levels of mental/visual fatigue, e.g., interactive and repetitive or small detailed work requiring alertness and concentration for sustained periods of time, the operation of and full attention to a personal computer or CRT between 40 and 70 percent of the time. Involves considerable standing or walking, regular lifting of light-weight objects (i.e., 20 pounds or less) and assisting with heavier tasks such as assisting in lifting and moving patients. Minor straining or fatiguing positions must be assumed, and some fatiguing physical motions are required.• Reviews, interprets, and fills prescriptions. Consults patient drug profile for allergies or drug interactions, refill status, and pricing. Ensures that proper type and dosage of drug is prepared and dispensed; ensures that prescription is complete and that route of administration is appropriate.• Verifies orders with physicians as necessary and notifies them of potential problems with drug dosages, allergies, or contraindications.• Provides technical/clinical information and troubleshoots problem situations on drugs, dosages, contraindications, and so forth to physicians, nurses, other healthcare employees, and to the community.• Records all patient prescription data on patient profile; updates profile with additional orders, allergic reactions, and diagnoses. Identifies any apparent conflicts within the patient's profile or drug therapy program.• Prepares or oversees the preparation and dispensing of IV medications. Evaluates prescriptions for accuracy of drug dose and schedule of medication, and enters information on patient profile. Prepares large volume parenterals, IV piggybacks, total parenteral nutrition, chemotherapeutic and antineoplastic agents, IV push medications, irrigations, patient controlled analgesics, ophthalmic preparations, and enteral feedings.• Assists with overseeing the work of Unit dose and IV Additive Technicians the in performance of their regular duties. Ensures that all drugs and solutions prepared by technicians are accurate and prepared under proper conditions. Checks and verifies accuracy of medications in carts; releases carts for delivery to patient care areas.• Prepares and checks stock drugs for nursing units and other departments. Monitors pharmacy and nursing unit medications on a regular basis in order to see that all drugs are current and in adequate supply.• May provide pharmacokinetic evaluation and dosing of patients on specific medications and monitors patient progress. Evaluates and acts on laboratory data and patient response.• Maintains an up to date knowledge of developments and advances in the pharmacy field; fulfills continuing education requirements in order to maintain registration.• Maintains work area and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.• Maintains complete and accurate records of drugs dispensed, and maintains records of narcotic drugs in accordance with hospital and regulatory requirements.• Answers the phone, takes medication orders, and provides general information and specific patient data as appropriate.• Assists with general operation of the department; orders and receives medications, resolves problems with equipment, restocks medicines, and participates in special projects. Participates in drug utilization reviews and quality assurance activities.