Pharmacist

Staff Pharmacist

The staff pharmacist is responsible for the daily operation of the department. He/she shall be involved in the planning and organization of the department, including policy and procedures, quality improvement, and formulary/inventory control. The staff pharmacist shall be knowledgeable in the practice of hospital pharmacy.

Job Specifications

1. EDUCATION: Graduate of an ACPE accredited College of Pharmacy with at least a B.S. in Pharmacy; Doctor of Pharmacy is desired. Michigan State Board of Pharmacy — pharmacist and controlled substance licenses in good standing. Bi-annual renewal of licenses is required.

2. EXPERIENCE: Healthcare system pharmacy experience is preferred, but will consider new graduates. Preference will be given to applicants with work acquired experience in hospital pharmacy: kinetics, drug use evaluation monitoring, and pharmaceutical care. Graduate training at the masters level and/or residency training is desirable.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1. Supervises the unit dose drug distribution program. Patient profiles and new drug orders are reviewed for therapeutic appropriateness, drug interactions, and allergy contraindications. Staff pharmacists ensure the accurate and prompt delivery of medications and controlled substances to patient care units and may delegate the task to pharmacy technicians. Appropriate inventory and dispensing records are maintained on all drugs as required. Emergency drug stocks in patient care areas, including ambulance boxes, are accurately filled in a timely manner. Pharmacists accurately compound and dispense medicinals that are not readily available from manufacturers.

2. Staff pharmacists supervise the operation of the sterile products admixture program. They ensure the accurate and efficient preparation and delivery of total parenteral nutrition solutions, chemotherapy, antibiotics, analgesic solutions, hydration, and other medications for parenteral therapy. Dosage amounts are accurately calculated. Drug/solution incompatibilities are evaluated. Patient profiles and new drug orders are reviewed to prevent drug interactions and allergy contraindications.

3. Staff pharmacists provide current and accurate drug information to health-care professionals and patients. Drug information provided includes a thorough understanding of new medications, dosage requirements, indications, contraindications, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, side effects, adverse reactions, precautions, and suitable formulary agents for use in specific therapies. Information can be provided through Meditech, support teaching, or direct teaching of patients.

4. Perform as a consultant when Kinetics Services or Renal Function Services are requested. Be able to monitor the efficacy and safety of potent medications.

5. Supervise the accurate and prompt dispensing of prescriptions for emergency department, outpatient surgery, and hospice patients.

6. Pharmacists effectively communicate with physicians, nurses, pharmacy technicians, other hospital personnel, and patients. Pharmacists train and supervise technical staff members in established policies and procedures for Memorial and the department.

7. Pharmacists or a designee inspect patient care units, clinics, and MMA physician offices to monitor the proper storage, expiration dates, and inventory of floor stock, controlled drugs, and emergency medications.

8. Pharmacists must be knowledgeable in cardiac arrest procedures and the medications used in a code situation. Pharmacists attend codes and assist with drug therapy. Pharmacists must attain BCLS certification; ACLS certification is desired, but not required.

9. Pharmacists must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and monitor appropriate to the age of the patient populations served, including age related renal and hepatic drug metabolism.

10. Knowledge of Keystone ICU project at Memorial and consult on critical care patient management with the Keystone ICU team.

11. Knowledge and implementation of JCAHO medication management standards and patient safety goals.

12. Knowledge of and compliance with applicable federal and state laws governing the practice of pharmacy. Knowledge of and compliance with standards set by accreditating and regulatory groups. (e.g., Joint Commission, NIOSH, OSHA, U.S.P., and others)

Other Job Responsibilities

1. Pharmacists play an active role in safety programs. These include fire safety, disaster, bomb threat, tornado, infection control, hazardous materials, electrical safety, and personal safety.

2. Comply with universal precautions and other safety procedures related to hazardous drugs, chemicals, and biologicals.

3. Train new pharmacist and technician employees.

4. Working knowledge of pharmacy software programs.

5. Participate in health care related community service activities.

6. Participate in drug education activities for patients and staff.

7. Participate as Pharmacy Department representative on hospital committees.

8. Knowledge of and participation in emergency preparedness activities.

9. Attend department staff meetings.

10. Demonstrate knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior, and the code of ethical behavior.

11. Perform other job related duties as assigned by the Pharmacy Manager and/or Director of Professional Affairs.