Pharmacy Intern - Quality Assurance

Pharmacy Intern

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

As members of a High Reliability Organization (HRO), every employee should practice CHAMP behavior and strive to make patient safety a top priority. The pharmacy intern is responsible for provision of operational support in the processing, production, inventory and distribution of pharmaceuticals and related products. The intern will also actively participate in clinical and administrative functions under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist to augment their education and to gain insight and practical experience in their future roles as pharmacists.

Responsibilities:

1. Performs drug distribution activities including but not limited to accurate picking, packaging, and delivering medications for refill or load in Pyxis'. Delivery of IV, chemotherapy, and refrigerated medications to patient care units. Prioritization and delivery of STAT orders, code carts, and non-routine deliveries. Sets up, fills, completes assigned deliveries in timely and accurate manner
2. Processes loads into Pyxis' in an accurate and timely manner, taking into account par levels, drawer location and pocket size, drug package size, and drug usage patterns to minimize potential medication errors and reduces stock-outs and subsequent refills. Replenishes stock-outs in a timely manner
3. Responds appropriately to nursing, physicians and other requests via telephone or in person to appropriately manage issues and provides follow up where appropriate
4. Demonstrate proficiency in cross functional areas of the department including, but not limited to, IV Admixture. Performs necessary calculations and drug product manipulations, dilution, or compounding. Accurately repackages and labels injectables using aseptic techniques. Follow safety guidelines, OSHA requirements, industry standards and department policy. Accurately documents required manufacturing and billing information related to compounding/admixtures. Performs necessary calculations to accurately compound, repackage, and label oral unit dose solids/liquids. Operates and troubleshoots equipment/hardware/software complications within department policy.
5. Identify and participate in ongoing quality assurance and improvement processes to ensure appropriate medication storage, inventory levels, quality testing of sterile products, aseptic technique certification, and operational efficiencies
6. Participate in educational activities within the Pharmacy Department including, but not limited to the following: Journal club, Clinical case conferences, Patient case presentations, Disease state discussions
7. Rotate through a variety of clinical areas shadowing a clinical specialist and performing their daily activities under direct pharmacist supervision. These activities include, but are not limited to: Rounding with the multidisciplinary team, Review of verification of orders, Provide answers to various drug information questions posed by the team, Provision of patient counseling

Qualifications:

Education:

High school diploma required and must be currently enrolled in an accredited College of Pharmacy program or pre-pharmacy program

Experience:

Inpatient hospital pharmacy experience is preferred, but not required

Licensure:

Current registration or eligibility to be registered as a Pharmacy Intern in the State of Connecticut as outlined by the Dept. of Consumer Protection.

Special Skills:

Must be registered or eligible for registration as a Pharmacy Intern in the State of Connecticut as outlined by the Dept. of Consumer Protection. Proficiency in mathematical calculations; accuracy; problem solving; attention to detail; knowledge of computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets; ability to learn quickly in a fast-paced environment; ability to learn or perform pharmaceutical compounding, repackaging and labeling including manipulation of raw drug products using appropriate technique: ability to work with computer and technology equipment including the ability to perform basic troubleshooting functions. Must be able to prioritize competing demands, work independently, show flexibility and teamwork. Demonstrate good communication skills to customers and team members.

Physical Demand:

Must be available to work rotating shifts and weekends