JOB SUMMARY

Provides quality pharmaceutical care in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.  Provides clinical support and distribution services to deliver quality and cost effective drug therapy in coordination with physicians, nursing staff and other health care team members.  Understands the pharmaceutical care needs of a patient population including: neonates, infants, pediatrics, adolescents, adults and geriatrics.  Adheres to organizational policies and procedures; regulatory/ accrediting body requirements; and professional practice standards. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interprets and evaluates physician orders in order to prepare, calculate, dispense and monitor appropriate medication dosage forms for inpatient and outpatient treatment in accordance with the Ohio Pharmacy Practice Act, federal drug laws and TJC.Reviews, obtains, maintains and screens patient medication records and profiles for allergies, drug interactions, therapeutic duplications and appropriate usage of drug therapy.
• Communicates and collaborates with physicians and nurses to insure prompt clarification of orders that are unclear, illegible or incomplete.
• Recommends alternatives for inappropriate therapy, not limited to non-formulary items, over-dosages, under-dosages and ineffective antibiotic treatment.
• Provides drug information and/or education programs for health care professionals, students, patients/families, support groups and peers.
• Serves as a liaison for nursing units and other departments. 
• Assists in the supervision of pharmacy technicians and interns in distributive functions and department operations.
• Documents interventions, such as converting from IV to PO therapy, detecting and preventing drug-drug interactions and drug related allergies, deleting therapeutic duplications and preventing unnecessary drug therapy.
• Accurately prepares, dispenses, and/or checks compounded sterile products including total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and intravenous chemotherapeutic medications as required using aseptic technique.
• Assists in the orientation and training of new personnel and students.
• Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
• Physical response / attendance / participation at hospital Code Blue and Stroke Level I situations.
• Working knowledge of Retail Pharmacy computer system and point-of-sale process.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skills, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, division and department standards of care and policies and procedures.
• Utilizes measures to promote and maintain patient, visitor and personnel safety.
• Maintains patient, employee, physician and organization confidentiality; respects the rights, privacy and property of others. 
• Supports the mission, values and vision of the organization.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in mandatory in-services, staff meetings, educational programs, committees and QI activities.
• Participates in maintaining departmental functions.
• Demonstrates initiative in personal/professional development.
• Presents a professional image.
• Assists with control of costs through judicious use of human and materiel resources.
• Recognizes, without direct supervision, the departmental duties/tasks which must be completed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements Include

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Graduate of an accredited college/university of pharmacy, B.S. or Pharm D. required.
• Current licensure to practice professional pharmacy in the state of Ohio.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider CPR (BLS) certification required.
• Prior hospital experience is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of current trends and demonstration of pharmaceutical care standards.
• Knowledge of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, drug literature review and therapeutics. 
• Knowledge of aseptic technique, IV admixtures, unit dose distribution and computer applications.
• Successful completion of mandatory requirements including, but not limited to, departmental competencies.
• Demonstration of effective problem-solving, decision-making, interpersonal and team work skills.
• Demonstration of positive customer service.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills.