GENERAL PURPOSE

Approves the ordering of medications for patients treated at the medical center. Oversees and directly contributes to compounding, preparation and dispensing of medications for patients in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws and regulations for Pharmacy practice. Supervises pharmacy technicians.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Understands and follows departmental and hospital policy and procedures related to dispensing of medications. Dispenses medications accurately and in a timely manner. Independently resolves problem medication orders appropriately and in a timely manner. Processes/validates medication orders, utilizing current information system technology to create and maintain accurate patient profiles. Directs and supervises the work of technicians to ensure appropriate workflow as required. Checks all products requiring a pharmacist approval prior to dispensing. Participates in departmental Q/A processes, such as reporting and following up on medication incidents, reconciling MARs, reporting medication adverse events and errors, etc.

• Develops or participates in a clinical practice by interacting with physicians, nurses, other health care professionals, and patients as a member of an interdisciplinary team on patient care units to guide and recommend appropriate medication use. Participates in focused clinical initiatives as defined by the department. Participates in Medication Use Evaluations when appropriate. Monitors assigned patient populations for clinical progress, including renal/hepatic function, culture results, and other applicable laboratory tests. Recommends adjustments to therapy as necessary. Documents clinical activities and interventions on a regular basis. Participates in education of other Pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals. Identifies need for patient teaching and performs such tasks when necessary.

• Thoroughly resolves problems with appropriate and direct communication to all pertinent staff in a clear and concise manner. Proactively identifies patient care problems and does not pass on problems to the next shift without exhausting reasonable attempts at resolution and communicating progress. Solves problems beyond patient-specific issues and may require participation on interdisciplinary teams or revising hospital or departmental policy, procedures or treatment guidelines. Performs required duties of “charge pharmacist” when scheduled, including coordination of shift resources, problem solving, staff conflict resolution, and appropriate communication from shift to shift. Contacts supervisor for assistance when solution is beyond expertise or authority.

Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy required
• 1 year of relevant acute care pharmacy experience or successful completion of an accredited pharmacy practice residency required
• Pharm D preferred
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience