PHARMACIST

Job Summary:

Interprets physician prescriptions and medication orders. Acts as a drug information resource to patients, medical staff, nursing staff and ancillary department personnel. Dispenses, and counsels on prescribed medications, medication assistance program (MAP) medications, and other pharmaceuticals for patient care by performing the related duties. Oversees pharmacy technicians and other pharmacy staff to ensure safe distribution of medication. Performs basic clinical pharmacy functions. Assists pharmacy manager in administrative functions (e.g., JCAHO, Performance Improvement/Risk Management, human resources, budget). May assist in clinical pharmacy services and class D pharmacies based on experience/competencies.

Essential Functions:

• Reviews prescriptions issued by physicians or other authorized prescribers to assure accuracy and determines formulas and ingredients needed.
• Monitors all posting onto the patient profiles in order that accuracy, drug allergies, drug interactions, duplicate therapy, rational drug therapy and incompatibilities may be realized and better patient care received.
• Checks patient medication prior to delivery to ascertain that the correct drug, dosage form, schedule and strength is being dispensed.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Directs Pharmacy Department personnel engaged in packaging and labeling pharmaceuticals.
• Ensures safe distribution of Medication Assistance Program (MAP) medications
• Answers questions and provides information to physicians, nurses, patients and other healthcare professionals on the appropriate use of medications, drug interactions, side effects, dosage, storage etc.
• Assists with monthly in-services (departmental, medical, nursing, community).
• Complies with policies and procedures of the department and of the clinic.
• Ensures the maintenance and proper operation of equipment and supplies in the work areas.
• Maintains established procedures concerning quality control, security of controlled substances and disposal of hazardous waste.
• Enters data into the pharmacy computer system, such as patient information, prescribed medications and cost, and maintains patient profiles and point of sale system.
• Instructs students and other medical personnel on matters pertaining to the Pharmacy Department.
• Reviews and monitors drug therapy that requires dosing adjustment as authorized by the physician.
• Provides pharmaceutical care to all ages of patients form newborns to the elderly.
• Understands that there are dosage variations among patient age populations, and knows where to find appropriate information.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious /spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Assists the Pharmacy Director with responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s mission, policy and any applicable laws.
• Interview and assists in the hiring process, trains personnel, plans, assigns and directs work, addresses complaints and resolves problems.
• Assists in clinical pharmacy services bases on experience/competencies.
• May assist in Class D Pharmacy services based on staffing and experience/competencies.
• Demonstrates ability to read, analyze and interpret pharmacy-related journals for improving patient care.
• Demonstrates ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the clinic staff.
• Effectively presents information to management, medical staff, clinic staff and public groups.
• Demonstrates ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as dosage calculations, formulation of pharmaceutical preparations and data analysis for appropriate drug monitoring and performs basic clinical pharmacy functions (SOAP notes, direct patient care).
• Demonstrates ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Demonstrates ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions and deal with several abstract variables.
• Communicates and demonstrates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility.
• Demonstrates ability to administer immunizations
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic computer knowledge.
• Automated pharmacy systems.
• Self-directed, motivated and capable of supervising support personnel.
• Basic clinical pharmacy functions.
• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• Optimistic warmth
• Intelligence
• Work ethic
• Empathy
• Self-awareness
• Integrity
• Ability to work in a team environment

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree.
• Current Pharmacist licensure in the State of Texas.
• Education in all patient age groups obtained either in school education or subsequent training.
• Completion of ACPE accredited immunization training program
• Current certification in the American Heart Association’s Basic Cardiac Life Support for Health-Care Providers or its equivalent.