Pharmacist (Per Diem)

Pharmacist

Under the direct supervision of the pharmacy management, and the senior pharmacist, compounds and dispenses medications and other pharmaceuticals. Prepares and maintains all necessary records on prescriptions, patient charges and inventory. Acts as a resource to the staff on drugs and pharmaceuticals.

A day in the life of a pharmacist at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Enters and monitor drug orders into the patient profiles to assure accuracy, as set forth by JCAHO, NJ Board of Pharmacy, and ISMP. Follows standards in compatibilities, and rational drug therapy by regularly updating knowledge of techniques, standards of care and age specific guidelines for the patient population served.
• Prepare and dispense medications for inpatients and outpatients with accuracy as required by the department and hospital policies and procedures, as well as with federal and state laws. Regularly update knowledge of techniques and regulations appropriate to the ages of patients served.
• Compound intravenous admixtures and ensure that the medication is delivered and available on patient care units for timely administration according to departmental policies. Follows USP797 standards. Regularly update knowledge of techniques and regulations/standards for the preparation of IV solutions, including age appropriate standards for the patients served.
• Provide drug information, as needed, to physicians, and other healthcare professionals, as per departmental policies and procedures.
• Prepares chemotherapy according to department policies and procedures, as well as OSHA standards. Uses PPE properly.
• Coordinates and validates all patient related duties of pharmacy technicians, and support personnel.
• Validate cassettes and IV`s prior to dispensing to patient care areas.
• Dispenses, charges and accounts for controlled substances as regulated by state and federal law.
• Oversee the inspections of all areas, in the hospital or hospital-controlled areas, on a monthly basis, where drugs are dispensed, administered and/or stored.
• Operate the IT programs utilized in the department, including Siemens Pharmacy system, PYXIS, ISM and Lexicomp.
• Prepare and dispense retail pharmacy prescriptions following the state board of pharmacy regulations, and OBRA requirements. Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
• Assist the pharmacy management in the control of inventory and ensure maintenance of proper storage and handling of these drugs according to FDA standards for appropriate drug storage.
• Assist the clinical manager and clinical coordinator in the clinical programs, including but not limited to DUE, step-down therapy and therapeutic interchange protocols.
• Participate in the quality improvement process for the pharmacy, including department projects and national patient safety.
• Contribute information and/or articles for publication in the pharmacy newsletter, or contributions for the medical staff newsletter.
• Supervision exercised over pharmacy technicians and support personnel.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.
• Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Possess Bachelors or PharmD degree from an accredited college of Pharmacy. Licensed to practice Pharmacy in New Jersey, by the NJ Board of Pharmacy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms.
• Some direct exposure to chemicals, but risk is minimal when proper safety precautions are observed.
• Willingness to work with realization that errors and incompetence may have serious consequences to patients.
• Long periods of sitting with frequent standing or moving to other areas
• Requires periods of keying on computer to type or input information.
• Constant verbal communication in person or using the phone.
• Frequent reading of medication orders and prescriptions
• Bending, lifting, pushing and lifting heavy objects occurs occasionally.
• Ability to read and concentrate frequently to check accuracy.
• Requires the flexibility to perform activities due to interruptions and changes in schedule, and demands.
• Ability to deal with stress of dealing with internal and external customers, frequent interruptions, and working on multiple tasks.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and unbiased attitude when dealing with the staff.
• Work requires the ability to memorize detail, alertness and skill in pharmacy practice.
• Organization in a high-pressure environment
• Assume on-call as needed, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to work independently.
• Telephone, copier, fax machine, computer, printer, Siemens pharmacy system, PYXIS, laminar and biological flow hood and other pharmacy specific equipment.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred:

• One year of hospital Pharmacy practice preferred.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Licensed to practice Pharmacy in New Jersey, by the NJ Board of Pharmacy.

Contacts:

• Regular contact with medical personnel and its visitors.

If you feel the above description speaks directly to your strengths and capabilities, then please apply today!

Hackensack Meridian Health