SUBFUNCTION DEFINITION: Involves all aspects of the medication use process, including procurement, prescribing, compounding, dispensing, storage of medications, administration and monitoring. Partners with physicians and other clinicians to provide treatments and advice to patients, records patient history relating to medication use and ensures the safe and secure storage of medications and related supplies. Advises physicians in determining the best possible treatments for specific diseases, stays current on pharmacy regulations, treatments and developments in research and design. Pharmacists are the experts on drug therapy and the primary health professionals who optimize use of medication for the benefit of the patients. Meets educational needs of patients, healthcare team, students and residents. Ensures adherence to regulatory and fiscal requirements.
CCHMC SALARY GRADE:16
REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES
Medication Orders Evaluate orders based on patient's weight, allergy history and compatibilities. Properly record orders in the patient profile. Complete medication orders without error and ready for delivery with the next run. Clarify and resolve problem orders. Contact the physician or nurse as needed and pass information on to the next shift R.PH. Detect all problem medication orders, generate appropriate alternatives and effect change in patient care.
Intravenous Preparations Train other pharmacists and technicians in the unit dose and Intravenous (IV) areas. Prepare all IV preparations (TPN, central lines, antibiotics, chemotherapy) and respiratory therapy syringes in accordance with departmental guidelines; check for errors and ensure delivery according to policy.
Chemotherapy Orders Process Chemotherapy orders and have dosages and calculations checked by two Pharmacists. R.PH. must use currently accepted precautions when preparing chemotherapy (gowns, gloves, chemotherapy mat), prepare Chemotherapy in the appropriate hood and use calculations indicated on the chemotherapy patient cardex.
Serve as a Resource Use current appropriate references to ascertain correct and complete answers to medication related questions (drug compatibilities and interactions, appropriate dosage form selection and dosing for patient weight and age). Review patient data, at the request of a physician, to make appropriate recommendation on time to draw serum concentrations for various medications,. Handle questions and problems in a professional manner, particularly on the telephone and at the window. Anticipate and analyze conflict situations and take preventative or corrective action. Identify concerns to appropriate persons and assist in problem solving and decision making. Function in any area in the central pharmacy where an R.PH. is needed. Take administrative initiative to handle problems when supervisor is not available. Function as an informational resource for the institution.
About Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
At Cincinnati Children’s, we come to work with one goal: to make children’s health better. We believe in a team approach, both in caring for patients and their families, and in advancing science and discovery. We strive to do better, and find energy and inspiration in our shared purpose. If you want to be the best you can be, you can do it at Cincinnati Children’s.