Staff pharmacists are responsible for monitoring all aspects of patient drug therapies, dispensing medications and providing drug information. As professionals, staff pharmacists serve as role models for all staff; in pharmacy practice as well as behavior. In the absence of the pharmacy manager, a staff pharmacist may be required to assume the essential responsibilities and perform the duties of the pharmacy manager.

Education:

• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy required.
• D. Preferred or a B.S degree with at least 2 years, direct patient care experience.

Licensure/Certification/Registry:

• Current pharmacist license in the State of Illinois or license pending with a valid Letter of Authorization to practice pharmacy in the State of Illinois required.  (The maximum allowable time to practice in a license pending status under the Letter of Authorization is 60 days per licensing regulations.)

Experience:

• Health system experience strongly preferred.

Other Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates commitment to continuous development in pharmacy practice
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills

1. Maintains and demonstrates appropriate knowledge of changing pharmacy practice.

2. Willing and able to communicate with patients, families, physicians and staff to discuss issues related to medication therapy. Responds to patient requests in a timely manner.

3. Ability to work independently to identify and appropriately resolve drug therapy problems.

4. Ability to exercise sound professional judgment while reviewing and verification of orders.

5. Ability to manage operational workflow, set priorities, and respond quickly to changing demands with minimal supervision.

6. Serves as a role model for all staff through compliance with professional and regulatory standards, and with all Health System policies and Behavior Standards.

7. Ability to use electronic drug information sources and other tertiary references to provide accurate, timely drug information upon request.

8. Responsible for activities of pharmacy technicians to ensure that all activities are performed completely, accurately, and safely and meet the intent of both state and federal laws.

9. Compounds, prepares, packages and dispenses pharmaceuticals according to all state and federal law requirements

10. Counsels patients upon request

11. Documents all recommendations and interventions in the electronic medical chart

12. Commits to sharing their knowledge, skills, experience, and values in preparing the “next generation” of pharmacists

13. Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements:  Repetitive use of hands and fingers (e.g., preparing IV admixtures, use of a computer keyboard).  May require lifting and carrying light loads, including boxes, equipment, unit dose-cassettes, and IV solutions and stooping or kneeling.  Sitting, walking, or standing for long periods of time (4-8 hours) is often necessary.  Must be able to physically operate the equipment used for the job.

Occupational Hazards:  Potential for exposure to infectious patients and materials, though rare.  Potential for exposure to hazardous and toxic substances including chemotherapy, cytotoxic drugs, and cleaning solutions.  Potential for sticks or cuts by needles and other sharp, potentially contaminated items.  Potential for musculoskeletal injuries if proper lifting and carrying techniques are not used.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.