PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The Staff Pharmacist performs all the duties regarding the preparation and dispensing of drugs, mixtures, agents and solutions based on physician’s orders for inpatients and outpatients use and directs the work of the Technicians and Interns to assist in accomplishing these tasks. The pharmacist is also the in-house drug information, therapeutic, and chemistry expert and as such is expected to bridge what gaps exist between non-optimal prescribing, and optimal therapeutic adventures. All Pharmacists are expected to be adept at therapeutic drug monitoring and are expected to be capable of judging which patient are potential candidates for said monitoring. Pharmacists are expected to take a pro-active stance to circumvent therapeutic mis-adventures thereby improving positive patient outcomes. Pharmacists or agents under their direct supervision will also provide patient education when appropriate, thereby ensuring enhanced patient compliance while con-currently meeting with OBRA regulations.

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBLITIES

Duty 1: Enters physician orders accurately and timely; monitors and screens for interactions and potential adverse effects; evaluates appropriate doses based on renal/hepatic function, disease state complications and age specific guidelines. Contacts prescribers for changes in therapy as appropriate.

Duty 2: Acts as the hospital expert in providing drug information. Is knowledgeable in the most current drug information references and provides education as needed.

Duty 3: Complies with all state and national guidelines concerning the practice of pharmacy, including but not limited to the State Board of Pharmacy and JCAHO. Is knowledgeable about legal changes concerning the practice of pharmacy and takes an active role in communicating and implementing these changes.

Duty 4: Provides direction and is a strong role model for all pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns. Understands the function of the technician/intern and is capable of teaching and performing these duties.

Duty 5: Is continually conscious and proactive in all areas concerning medication safety; reviews safety information received from the Medication Safety Team and other outside safety resources (ISMP) to identify and improve procedures within the pharmacy department that could lead to potential safety issues.

Duty 6: Fills outpatient prescriptions and counsels as appropriate for associates, and hospice, home health, home-going and indigent patients. Understands and follows policy concerning the obligation to fill prescriptions vs the financial ramifications.

Duty 7: Helps control drug costs through formulary input, inventory control and waste management. Monitors IV to PO conversions. Follows P&T substitution list and recommends changes of non-formulary items that are not listed on the substitution list.

Duty 8: Engages in activities to advance personal education, beyond mandatory CE. Attends and takes an active role in pharmacy leadership meetings and is involved in professional associations. Is involved in multidisciplinary committees within the hospital. Is willing to take on extra projects.

Duty 9: Supports fellow staff members; Maintains a positive attitude regardless of work flow; Follows through on problem resolution to the satisfaction of all involved; Promotes good relations between all pharmacy staff members; Maintains a professional attitude when dealing with other healthcare professionals, patients etc. Always provides upward support of leadership within the organization.

Duty10: Accurately maintains narcotic inventory; Helps with the monthly inventory count of narcotics in conjunction with the Pharmacy Operations Manager or Director of Pharmacy; Is aware and is actively involved in the security of all medications; Can recognize signs of drug diversion and reports any suspected activity.

Duty 11: Is familiar with all of the technology associated with the pharmacy department including but not limited to AdminRx, Robot, Packager, TPN computer and compounder, fax machine, copy machine, computers and printers. Trouble shoots for the nursing staff as necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited college of Pharmacy Licensed by the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy Active in obtaining C.E. in keeping not only with board requirements, but with eye set towards improving patient service as a spinoff of improved knowledge of current treatment and drug modalities. Should have skills to operate a typewriter, calculator, and cash register and be computer literate and/or exhibit willingness to learn Ability to mix potentially toxic and carcinogenic chemotherapeutic agents Must be able to lift, push and move heavy cartons when necessary, unload pallets weekly or bi-weekly As a member of the management team, must work at the “Family Store” approximately 3 times per year Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required. Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area’s policies and procedures.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in a hospital pharmacy

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires a full range of body motion with intermittent walking, lifting, bending, climbing, squatting, kneeling, twisting, sitting and standing. The associate will be required to walk for up to two hours a day, sit for three hours a day and stand for three hours a day. The individual must be able to lift fifty pounds and reach work above the shoulders. The individual must have good eye-hand coordination and fine finger dexterity. The associate must have excellent verbal communication skills to perform daily tasks. The associate must have corrected vision and hearing in the normal range.

This position is classified “at risk” for possible occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.)

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