Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our Pharmacy Intern, you will be responsible for assisting the Pharmacist in medication preparation, compounding, inventory management, and distribution.
Every day you will apply extreme accuracy and attention to detail, assisting with controlled substances management, meeting DEA, FDA, and state regulations, and managing medication storage areas using pharmacy automation. You will field and triage calls and questions regarding medication distribution, assisting other caregivers within your scope of practice, and actively participate in clinical and administrative functions under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
To be successful in this role, you will progress in responsibilities throughout your time with the organization and in your didactic education, augmenting your education and gaining insight and practical experience for your future roles as a pharmacist.
Inpatient
- Use pharmacy automation to optimize safety and efficiency in drug distribution. Compound IV Admixture of sterile and non-sterile products according to USP and Board of Pharmacy requirements (if applicable by job assignment). Repackage medication into unit dose following USP regulations. Perform specialized narcotic distribution, maintains accurate perpetual inventories and identifies discrepancies. Manage pharmaceutical and supply inventory; completes cycle counts and monitors medication inventory levels and expiration dates. Perform nursing unit/clinical area medication storage area inspections. Perform pharmaceutical calculations accurately and independently. Respond appropriately to customers (healthcare professionals, patients, families, and other caregivers) and other requests via telephone or in person to appropriately manage issues and provide follow-up. Participate in clinical and administrative functions as assigned by pharmacy leadership
Retail/Specialty
- Under direction of the Pharmacist, will perform all steps in the prescription process, to include data entry, third party verification and adjudication, filling prescriptions, selling prescriptions/register functions, and patient consultations. Under the direction of the Pharmacist, performs non-sterile compounding techniques, labeling and dispensing of medicines available or not available from the pharmaceutical manufacturers pursuant to a valid prescription. Under the direction of the Pharmacist, provides current and accurate drug information to health care professionals and patients when application thorough understanding of new medication, dosage requirements, indications, contraindications, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, side effects, adverse reactions, precautions and suitable formulary agents for use in specific therapies. Under the direction of the Pharmacist, reviews and interprets each physicians pharmaceutical order. Considering potential drug-drug, drug nutrient interactions, drug utilization reviews, allergies, dosage and frequency parameters. Under the direction of the Pharmacist, effectively communicates with physicians, nurses, pharmacy. Technicians and other hospital personnel and hospital patients to promote and ensure rational drug. Therapy and to increase patient care and patient safety. Assists the pharmacy manager with inventory control and inventory needs. Under pharmacist supervision, will provide counseling, prescription transfers, take new verbal orders, and provide bedside delivery of prescriptions for meds to beds programs. Under the direction of the Pharmacist, dispenses pharmaceuticals in compliance with state and federal laws and system/facility policy and procedures.
The intent of a well developed Pharmacy intern program is to progress the Pharmacy Intern in terms of training and responsibilities as listed above. Throughout the employees educational career of pharmacy school, they will learn additional skills and those skills should be evaluated and matched with opportunities as available depending on the site and trainers available. A general guide is listed below as an example of a core curriculum and sites may adapt the program and progression as is necessary.
Pharmacy Year 1 or P1 (Foundational Expectations):
- Accurately and in a timely manner fills unit dose cart, floor stock, medication orders, and delivers to patient care areas to ensure availability of ordered drugs and supplies. Is knowledgeable in the use and stocking of automated medication cabinets. Accurately and in a timely manner, prepares prescriptions for pharmacist review and dispensing. Pre-packages and labels bulk medications for unit dose / unit of use dispensing with computer and associated equipment. Checks floor stock and /or pharmacy stock for outdates, overstock, and proper storage on a monthly basis to ensure the use of high-quality medications. Maintains cost effective inventory of bulk items, utilizing soon to expire items quickly, and decreasing overstock of inventory. Demonstrates technical skill level in utilizing a variety of pharmaceutical competencies including, but not limited to, calculations, aseptic technique and cytotoxic drug properties.
- Maintains patient and other records using pharmacy computers and manual systems to ensure timely and accurate patient billings and compliance with regulatory agencies. Facilitates maintenance of adequate supplies by logging supplies or products that need to be ordered. Accurately documents appropriate information during medication preparation and dispensing activities. Alerts pharmacy director, coordinator, clinical coordinator, or pharmacist of problems requiring corrective action in a timely manner. Screens nursing and physician inquiries and phone calls by directing to the appropriate person to ensure accurate and timely communication. Communicates effectively with patients, visitors, clinical staff, and other health care providers using both spoken and written methodologies.
Pharmacy Year 2 or P2:
- Foundational expectations and responsibilities, plus performing special operational projects, and other activities as assigned to increase and improve level of service, skill level, and productivity. Attends and participates in departmental meetings, in-services, huddles, and departmental training as applicable.
Pharmacy Year 3 or P3:
- Prior year expectations and responsibilities, plus: Continues to develop leadership skills, including but not limited to, the training of new technicians and Identifies and completes operational and/or clinical projects with intent to present/publish.
Job Requirements
Required
- Current enrollment in an accredited College of Pharmacy
- Pharmacist Intern: WA, upon hire
Where You'll Work
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person - body, mind, and spirit - in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.