Statement of Purpose:
To help carry out all pharmacy functions under the direction of the Director of Pharmacy; provides clinical pharmacy services to patients and providers to ensure the appropriate and safe utilization of medications through the rounding function.
MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Non-clinical functions:
- Purchases pharmaceuticals, controls inventory, and generates Omnicell inventory and cost reports.
- Controlled Substance record keeping.
- Proper use of vertical (biological) and horizontal laminar-flow hoods.
- Knowledge of the patient billing function.
- Basic computer knowledge.
- In-depth knowledge of our pharmacy software.
- Knowledge of Federal, New York State and JCAHO laws, rules, and standards.
- Knowledge of the guidelines for the Practice of Pharmacy.
- IV pump management.
- Keeping up with the current technology, legal, etc. changes applicable to the practice of pharmacy.
- Clinical functions:
- Patient counseling.
- Dispensing medications based on a physician's order.
- Entering and verifying medication orders.
- Compounding of continuous epidurals and IV solutions.
- Interpreting and managing drug-interaction, drug-allergy, and food/drug-interaction alerts.
- Manufacturing and managing of parenteral hyperalimentation solutions.
- Manufacturing and managing chemotherapy.
- Adverse drug reaction monitoring.
- Drug utilization review processes.
- Drug information services.
- Clinical information services.
- Drug evaluation services.
- Pharmaceutical tasks and problem solving for all age groups from newborn to geriatrics.
- Maintains a current level of knowledge of drugs and pharmacy concepts.
- Develops and/or supervises the analysis of patient information and interpretation of data to provide an appropriate plan and intervention specific for age related needs and provision of care.
- Performs antimicrobial stewardship activities in line with hospital goals.
- Rounding Functions:
- Reviews patient profiles and monitor the safety and efficacy of the patients' prescribed medications.
- Ensures that each patient is on the proper dosage based on indication, age, renal function, anticoagulation needs, and other parameters determined from their test results and lab work.
- Makes appropriate recommendations to the medical staff based on clinical review.
- Visits each patient after they arrive on the floor in order to perform a medication reconciliation:
- Reviews and clarifies all prescription/OTC medications (including the dosages and frequencies), that the patient is currently prescribed.
- Ensures that the patient's list of ambulatory medications is complete, accurate, and up-to-date.
- Identifies interactions between medications.
- If necessary, the pharmacist will consult with the patient's community pharmacy to clarify any missing information or discrepancies.
- During the patient consultation, the pharmacist will explain to the patient why they are on each of their medications, the proper way to take their medications, and the importance of taking the medications exactly as prescribed.
- Answers any questions or concerns that the patients have about their medications.
- Reviews the patient's listed allergies/adverse reactions. After discussing stated reaction with the patient, the pharmacist will try to determine if the patient can be prescribed a certain medication. By explaining the difference between an allergy and adverse reaction, and asking the patient specifically what happens when they take the medication, the pharmacist will develop a more accurate, useful picture to help the patients and providers.
- Asks patient about possible medication side effects that the patient may be experiencing.
- Provides patient-friendly information about any new medications that the patient will be discharged on.
- Writes out a comprehensive medication list for the patient on discharge. This list will provide, but is not limited to, the name of the medication, dose, frequency indication, and any pertinent administration information.
- When staffing needs dictate, may work an alternate shift or be scheduled to work on an on-call basis. Employees scheduled on call must report within 60 minutes of receiving a call.
DEMONSTRATED BEHAVIORS:- Demonstrates and exemplifies Code of Conduct and Ethical Behavior by:
- Considering first the well-being of the patient.
- Conducting all interactions with patients, visitors, employees, physicians, volunteers, healthcare providers, or any other individuals in a courteous, honest, and respectful manner.
- Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior at all times.
- Refraining from conduct that may reasonably be considered offensive to others or disruptive to the workplace or patient care. Offensive conduct may be written, oral, or behavioral.
- Assumes responsibility for own professional growth and development, as demonstrated by attendance at continuing education and inservice programs. Meets mandatory inservice requirements.
- Arrives for work on time and as scheduled.
- Is knowledgeable and practices safely using infection control, universal precaution, and safety protocols. Uses appropriate universal precautions, infection control practices, along with proper lifting and transfer techniques to promote patient and employee safety.
- Is knowledgeable and complies with hospital policies and procedures.
- May assist in the promotion of our institution and profession by participation in hospital promotions and health fair activities.
- Performs other duties, as requested, within the scope of applicable licensure, abilities and policies.
- All employees are responsible for providing excellent customer service through words and actions that support our commitment to caring and quality.
- All employees are responsible for creating a culture of employee and patient safety and for ensuring the highest quality of care for patients throughout Jones Memorial Hospital.
EDUCATION: BS in Pharmacy, New York State License and Registration as Pharmacist.
EXPERIENCE: One year experience in the hospital pharmacy field required.
CONTACTS: Frequent contacts with employees, patients, visitors and public.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Stands, walks and lifts light-weight materials most of the day.
