Pharmacist

Job Summary

The Pharmacist provides comprehensive pharmaceutical services to both inpatients and outpatients. This role is responsible for preparing and dispensing prescribed medications and counseling healthcare providers and patients regarding medication usage, interactions, dosages, indications, and potential side effects. The Pharmacist ensures safe, effective, and compliant medication management in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory standards.

Essential Job Functions

1. Community Cares Program / Standards of Behavior
Demonstrates a strong commitment to the Community Cares Program and actively participates in all related initiatives. Utilizes the AIDET communication method when interacting with customers. Consistently exceeds expectations by adhering to the organization's Standards of Behavior, including Attitude, Appearance, Commitment to Co-Workers, Communication, Customer Waiting, Privacy, Responsiveness, Safety Awareness, Service Recovery, and Sense of Ownership.

2. Compliance and Professional Development
Complies with all organizational, departmental, and regulatory standards. Follows established policies, procedures, and professional standards. Participates in staff meetings, in-services, and educational activities. Accepts instruction and feedback and adapts behavior accordingly. Supports Vista Health strategic initiatives and operational changes. Engages in self-appraisal to assess performance goals and career development. Maintains current professional knowledge through continuing education, seminars, meetings, and review of current literature.

3. Medication Order Processing and Patient Care
Processes medication orders accurately and efficiently. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care across the lifespan. Assesses patient data and interprets relevant clinical information to identify patient-specific medication needs. Accurately enters medication orders into the pharmacy system and dispenses the correct medication in compliance with department productivity standards. Compounds and prepares medications not available in ready-to-use form, including IV solutions and extemporaneous medications. Completes medication profiling to ensure accurate Medication Administration Records. Applies therapeutic interchanges, interventions, and non-formulary processes as appropriate to ensure safe and effective medication therapy. Documents all interventions accurately and provides medication information and counseling to patients and healthcare providers.

4. Supervision of Pharmacy Technicians
Provides functional supervision of pharmacy technicians to ensure assigned duties are completed accurately, safely, and in a timely manner. Reviews medication orders and IV preparations completed by pharmacy technicians.

5. Audits and Controlled Substances
Completes all assigned audits, including controlled substance audits, by established deadlines.

6. Other Duties
Performs all duties in a safe and approved manner to prevent injury. Completes special projects in a timely and professional manner. Maintains confidentiality of all information. Remains receptive and adaptable to change. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Exercised

Functional supervision is exercised over pharmacy technicians.

Internal Interactions

Regular interaction with nursing and laboratory staff on a daily basis and with information systems staff on a weekly basis.

External Interactions

Frequent interaction with physicians and patients on a daily basis and periodic interaction with the general public.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

This position involves a combination of sitting, walking, standing, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, twisting, lifting, carrying, and pushing, with varying frequency.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; occasional lifting over 50 lbs may be required.

• May be exposed to infectious or contagious diseases.

• May handle emergency or crisis situations.

• May be subject to irregular hours and on-call requirements.

• May be required to wear protective equipment as necessary.

Visual, Hearing, and Other Requirements

• Must be able to see with corrective eyewear

• Must be able to hear clearly, with assistance if necessary

Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure: Periodic exposure

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college of pharmacy.

Experience:
No prior experience required.

Specialized Skills:
Ability to perform computer data entry.

Age of Patients Served:
All ages (neonatal through geriatric)

Licensure & Certification

Current licensure as a Registered Pharmacist by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation is required.