Pharmacist

Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center and Acute Rehabilitation Unit (ARU) provide specialized care for patients with complex medical needs. Our long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) offers advanced, hospital-level treatment for chronically and critically ill patients requiring extended stays. In addition, our Acute Rehabilitation Unit is dedicated to helping patients recover from the effects of acute injuries, impairments, or illnesses. With a focus on personalized care, both the LTACH and ARU collaborate with your physician to provide 24/7 clinical care, ensuring continuous support on your path to recovery.

Job Summary

The Pharmacist works in collaboration with the Director of Pharmacy and according to standard procedure compounds and dispenses medications and pharmaceutical supplies up receiving written prescriptions from the physician. Participates on Performance Improvement plans within the hospital. Consults with and advises Administration, Medical Staff and hospital staff on quality, regulatory and risk issues within the organization. Supports and serves as consultant to all clinical and Medical Staff. Assists the Director in coordinating and implementing the activities of the Pharmacy. Interprets medication orders, compounds and dispenses medication and other pharmaceutical preparations in accordance with the legal, ethical and professional standards of pharmacy practice. Supervises the technical support staff. Assists with clinical, quality management and education programs. Provides support for all departments with respect to the care of all patients aged 18 through the geriatric population ages 65 and older.


Essential Functions

• Participates in the maintenance and dissemination of drug information through in-service education of hospital personnel, consultation with patients, hospital and medical staff.
• Actively assists other Pharmacists and Technicians in the discharge of routine duties as necessary. Directs activities of and provides professional and technical guidance to Pharmacy personnel.
• Exercises professional judgment in imparting therapeutic and drug information to patients and health professionals.
• Is competent in the range of treatment needed by the following patients as appropriate to the ages served by the hospital: Adult and Geriatric.
• Capable of entering a minimum of 40 orders per four-hour shift.
• Generates required reports; Pick I.V., Production reports. Performs Backup Procedures correctly.
• Assists Technicians in performing technical tasks. Maintains aseptic techniques. Recycles product as appropriately.
• Checks technician prepared products prior to release. Ensures Technician maintains I.V. refrigerator temperature and hood cleaning logs.
• Fills orders with correct medication. Checks support staff accuracy prior to medication release.
• Prioritizes work to prepare STAT, Now and Waiting in order of importance. Follows through on fill on arrival orders.
• Reviews patient profile to ensure appropriate and safe drug therapy. No therapeutic duplication. Prevents significant drug interaction. Prevents avoidable ADR secondary to allergies. Medication ordered is appropriate for patient height, weight, age, renal function and disease state. Must have knowledge of patient population served.
• Pharmacokinetics Dosing Service: Ensures Apriority dosing is appropriate. Interprets levels appropriately. Modifies doses appropriately. Writes progress notes per protocol. Dates times and initials all vials for reuse.
• Capable of calculating fluid, electrolyte and calories needs. Monitors patient appropriateness for formulation. Clarifies controversial orders with physician.
• Keeps current on new drugs. Adds additive in the proper sequence. Syringe and Vial counts reflect what has been made. Labels containers accurately including auxiliary labels. Completes packages including seals, protective wraps, etc.
• Maintains security of Pharmacy. Maintains security of controlled substances. Informs staff of pending problems, physical call back, etc.
• Fills orders with correct medications. Prepares unit of use dosage when possible. Keeps Director informed of workload status. Prioritizes work to prepare Stat, now and waiting in order of importance. Follows through on fill on arrival orders. Returns

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Basic understanding of the role and use of a computer in the processing of prescription orders with minimum word processing skills.
• Self-motivated, self-directed with excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to effectively handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to organize meetings and inspections.
• Must read, write and speak fluent English.
• Must have good and regular attendance.
• Approximate percent of time required to travel: 0%

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Pharmacy with Pharmacist degree.

Licenses/Certifications

• Current state license in good standing.
• BCLS certification.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) months of experience in pharmacy.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, JCAHO, HCFA and state guidelines.
• Experience in facilitating teams.
• Experience in writing policies and procedures.