What does the Pharmacist do? (including, but not limited to)Under minimal supervision, compounds and dispenses medications, drugs, and other medications according to professional standards and practices. Prepares and maintains all necessary records on prescriptions, patient charges and inventory. Consults with nursing and medical staff regarding prescriptions, orders, drug and pharmaceutical detail, patient reactions, errors and complaints. Initiates and follows quality assurance and safety policies and procedures. Monitors compliance with all legal regulations and accreditation organizations. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards
Responsibilities The essential duties and responsibilities (including, but not limited to)- Prepares and dispenses medication orders. Maintains and evaluates patient profile and comprehensive drug data file to evaluate orders for any incompatibilities.
- Checks all orders for completeness of information. Verifies patient information and proper physician authorization. Checks all orders for insurance approval before admixing.
- Admixes drugs as ordered by physician in an accurate and timely manner as per department guidelines, and preparing all drugs within OSHA guidelines and interoffice guidelines.
- Ensures correct preparation of all formulas or medications. Checks all prescriptions for completeness. Calculates correct dosages, converting between metric and apothecary equivalents.
- Organizes and directs technician's workflow; verifying their preparation and labeling of pharmaceuticals; verifying order entries, charges, and inspections. Provides pharmacological information by answering questions and requests of health care professionals and patients.
- Provides and documents drug counseling to all patients. Ensures all legal and professional requirements are adhered to, including controlled substances. Consults with patients to determine pre-existing conditions to assess medication compatibility.
- Instructs patients on effects of food and alcohol intake. Warns of potential side effects. Provides professional drug information and assistance to medical staff.
- Participates in pharmacy teaching and in-service programs. Properly disposes all materials used when mixing chemo or non-chemo IVs. Cleans hood daily and in between I.V. admixturing.
- Logs and dates all drugs that are being used. Checks drugs monthly for outdates. Keeps accurate temperature logs.
- Keeps accurate logs on all protocol drugs and patient assistance drugs. Assists with inventory control of medications. Orders supplies and medications. Receives and shelves medications.
- Ensures that standard drug supplies are in adequate supply in all departments. Prepares labels. Files and prepares billing. Computes prices.
- Receives new drug education from drug representatives; remains abreast of new information. Maintains confidentially of all information related to patients and medical staff.
- Prepares reports and monitoring activities as directed.
Qualifications The ideal candidate for the Pharmacist position will have the following background and experience: Level 1- Bachelor's degree from an accredited school of pharmacy and current state licensure.
- Position is entry level and requires 0-3 years experience as a registered pharmacist.
- Oncology background preferred.
- Current license as a Pharmacist in state of practice.
- May supervise the activities of pharmacy technicians.
Level 2 (including Level 1 requirements)- Minimum three years of experience as a registered pharmacist.
- Prefer three years of experience in a pharmacy with I.V. skills.
Level Sr (including Level 1 & 2 requirements)- Minimum of five years of experience as a registered pharmacist.
- Proven leadershiop and supervisort skills, capable of managing pharmacy technicians and less experienced pharmacists.
Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands of this job typically require full range of body motion including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination and the ability to read and note appropriate measurements. Requires sitting/standing for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 40 lbs. Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
Work Environment:The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to direct contact with patients with potential for exposure to toxic substances, medicinal preparations, and chemotherapeutic agents.
