Interprets and verifies physician medication orders and accurately enters them into the pharmacy information system (Meditech).
Oversees the preparation, labeling and dispensing of medication, including unit dose drug distribution, IV admixture preparation, medication replenishment of unit-based cabinet, medication cart exchange and controlled substances.
Checks the pharmacy technician and other staff work for accuracy, including, but not limited to medications IVs prepared for new orders prior to dispensing, medications prepared for the replenishment of the unit-based cabinet inventory, medication trays prepared for the replenishment of the Code Blue Crash Cart.
Oversees the daily workflow, organizes, prioritizes work and directs technicians to ensure pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner.
Generates reports, labels, fill lists, charges and credits as needed. Prepares IV Admixtures, including large volume IVs, IVPBs, TPNs, syringes, and phenol injections as needed.
Orders medications and supplies, using wholesaler’s computer for orders from drug wholesaler as needed.
Implements pharmacy security procedures.
Uses knowledge of age-specific normal and pathological processes to provide pharmaceutical care to pediatric patient (0-15 years), adult patients (16-64 years), and geriatric patients (65+ years).
Evaluates medication orders based on review and interpretation of available information for contraindications, therapeutic duplication, drug – drug interactions, drug – food interactions, allergies, appropriateness of drug/dose, renal dosing adjustment and IV compatibility.
Provides drug information to patients, physicians, and hospital staff. Advises of precautions and potential problems, and assists in solving drug-related issues, including documentation of the intervention.
Documents all clinical activities, pharmacist interventions and other required documentation, i.e. verbal orders from physicians, pharmacist interventions, therapeutic substitution.
Participates in the pharmacokinetic consult dosing service per hospital protocol.
Ensures patient allergies are documented and verified against each medication ordered.
Monitors patient laboratory indices and makes appropriate dosing recommendations as necessary.
Participates in formulary management by recommending formulary alternatives for non-formulary medication orders, utilizes therapeutic substitution protocols, promotes rational medication therapy selection and cost-effective medication therapy.
Provides medication information as requested by the patient/family, hospital staff and physicians utilizing resources available (e.g. pharmacy references, Meditech system, Library, physicians, and outside resources, if needed).
Detects, assesses and reports suspected adverse drug reactions.
Participates in the orientation and training of new department associates.
Responds to customer requests in a timely manner. Answers the telephone according to the hospital standards.
Participates in the performance improvement and medication use review activities of the department.
Collects data and maintains records as required.
Reports medication errors identified, and completes Medication Occurrence Report.
Assumes the role of pharmacist-in-charge when pharmacy supervisor is not in the department.
Assists Pharmacy supervisor with special projects, as required.