Pharmacist (#RH4355)
$63.85-$77.60 Hourly / $11,066.50-$13,451.40 Monthly / $132,798.06-$161,416.87 Yearly

Under general supervision, provides pharmaceutical services; and does related or other work as required in accordance with Rule 3, Section 3 of the Civil Service Rules.

An employee in this class is responsible for preparing and dispensing pharmaceuticals as prescribed by medical practitioners, for checking the work of technical and clerical staff and for related duties consistent with the scope of practice of a pharmacist.

• Interprets and fills medication orders for inpatients and outpatients written by authorized medical practitioners; reviews orders to determine appropriate quantity, strength and frequency of medication and assures clinical, chemical and therapeutic compatibility; may compound pharmaceuticals. 
• Prepares sterile parental admixtures, hyperalimentation solutions, chemotherapy solutions, injections and miscellaneous sterile solution; performs related quality control procedures. 
• Counsels outpatients regarding use of drugs, their effect and precautions to observe in their use; reviews laboratory results and assesses patients in clinics; initiates or adjusts medication regimen according to established protocols.
• Consults with medical staff, nursing staff and ancillary professional staff regarding patient drug therapy regimens. 
• Supervises and checks unit dose distribution, filling, inventory and storage, and pre-packaging activities of Pharmacy Technicians.
• Conducts inspections, maintains records and ensures compliance with pharmacy law and JCAHO requirements.
• Develops and presents seminars, lectures and presentations on pharmacy topics to medical providers, pharmacy staff, residents, interns, and students.
• Acts as lead worker over less experience pharmacists; participates in training of student pharmacists.

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy or a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college or university.

Pharmacology; pharmacokinetics; drug interactions; patient monitoring techniques; drug information retrieval; drug distribution systems; methods of sterile compounding; quality control techniques; legal limitations on procurement, storage distribution, and sale of drugs; federal and state laws applicable to the practice or pharmacy.

Read and interpret physician prescriptions and orders; evaluate appropriateness of prescription; accurately fill and check unit dose cassettes and prescriptions; consult with patients; establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, nurses and others; understand and be sensitive to patient needs; supervise the work of others; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective guest relations.

Mobility-Operation of data entry device; constant standing for long periods; Lifting-Frequent lifting of 5 pounds or less; Visual Requirements-Ability to read case files and computer screens; constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision; Dexterity-Frequent holding; reaching; grasping; manipulate syringes, needles and vials while wearing gloves; handle individual papers; count individual pills; write and take notes; Hearing/Talking-Constant hearing normal speech and talking in person, frequent hearing and talking on the telephone; Emotional/ Psychological Factors-Constant decision-making and concentration, frequent public contact; frequent exposure to hazardous materials; Special Requirements-May require working nights, weekends, and overtime; Environmental Factors-Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.