Pharmacy Intern

Scope of Position

Under the direction of a pharmacist and in coordination with pharmacy technicians, prepares unit dose and intravenous medications for dispensing to patients. Makes scheduled deliveries to appointed nursing units to deliver medications to patients while ensuring that our department meets medication security requirements set forth by The Joint Commission. Maintains stock levels of medications to avoid delays in service to patients. Demonstrates ability to work as a member of a team. Intern must participate in continuing educational opportunities to meet the annual competency requirements and participate in continual training opportunities provided by department to develop ongoing skills in other areas of the pharmacy. Intern must comply with all rules and regulation of the hospital and pharmacy department. Must have an Ohio Board of Pharmacy intern license within 120 days of hire, unless current license is in place upon hire. All interns must maintain a current Ohio Board of Pharmacy intern license throughout employment to work as Pharmacy Intern at OSUMC Department of Pharmacy.

Position Summary

This position functions to assist the licensed pharmacist in providing pharmaceutical services to patients, as well as providing necessary services and information to nursing and medical staff. These services include preparation and packaging of medications, distribution of medications, supplies and equipment, maintaining proper inventory levels, ensuring medications are in date and secure, keeping appropriate records and documentation, and submitting patient charges/credits. This position is also responsible for supporting initiatives of area supervisors and managers.

Duties and Responsibilities

Prepares and packages medication dosage forms for oral, parenteral, enteral, ophthalmic, topical, and rectal administration

for patient use and in research protocols. Prepares sterile intravenous admixtures, including small and large volume parenterals, cassettes for portable infusion devices, chemotherapy, and total parenteral nutrition solutions using aseptic technique for use in patients and in research protocols. Prepares self administered medications to improve patients' understanding of their medication regimen. Maintains accurate dispensing records for controlled substances and other medications, supplies and equipment. Maintains efficient area operations and resolves problems to ensure optimal customer service. Works under the direction of a licensed pharmacist in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Maintains appropriate medication, equipment and supplies inventory levels to minimize delays in customer service. Under the direction of a pharmacist, inspects medication areas and maintains storage standards set forth by the JCAHO and other health regulatory agencies. Maintains the cleanliness and neatness of the area and anywhere medications are stored. Interacts with physicians, nurses and other allied health professionals. Attends department sponsored continuing education programs. Satisfies life-safety training and other training and education requirements.

85% Distributive Practice Activities

Under the direction of the pharmacist, in coordination with other interns and technicians, and according to applicable state and federal law, interns will:

A. Prepare and package injectable, oral, topical, ophthalmic, and rectal medication dosage forms for patient use and in research protocols according to procedures learned through on-the job training and educational programs

B. Using proper technique, compound specialty products for patient use

C. Aseptically prepare and manufacture sterile intravenous admixtures, including small and large volume parenteral, chemotherapy, intrathecal drugs, and total parenteral nutrition solutions for patient use and in research protocols using techniques appropriate to each situation

D. Prepare self-administered medications for patients to improve their understanding of their medication regimens

E. Generate medication labels

F. Coordinate and deliver medications and supplies to nursing units and other areas in a timely and accurate manner to ensure optimal patient care

G. Triage new medication orders, and enter orders into the pharmacy computer system for pharmacist verification and approval

H. Answer the phone and coordinate efficient operations

I. Maintain accurate and appropriate dispensing records

J. Maintain appropriate medication inventory levels to ensure uninterrupted service to all customers

K. Inspect medication storage areas for expired, unusable, or unsecure medications (pursuant to JCAHO and state board of pharmacy standards)

L. Interact with physicians, nurses, and other allied health professionals in a courteous and professional manner

M. Demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a team by exhibiting good interpersonal skills and remaining flexible and open- minded

5% Productivity Management

A. Maintain organized workspace to help foster efficient operations

B. Proactively seek solutions to customer problems encountered both inside and outside of the department

C. Maintain self-productivity

D. Show attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness in an effort to continually improve quality

E. Present ideas to managers for process and quality improvement

F. Support team initiatives

G. Respect the authority of the staff pharmacist

H. Perform tasks efficiently and within established time standards

I. Manage time wisely and demonstrate the ability to prioritize assigned tasks

J. Use time wisely and look for activities that need to be performed

K. Be able to deal with a dynamic environment

10% Teaching/Training/Educational Activities

A. Attend department sponsored continuing education programs

B. Satisfy life-safety training and other training and education requirements

C. Meet annual competency requirements for department

D. Be committed to personal growth and development

E. Complete pharmacy technician general training and educational modules/programs.

Organizational Expectations

Practices within the Medical Center's policies and procedures. Adheres to the Intensive Caring Value statements as demonstrated through positive patient/guest relations, positive and effective interactions with staff, and formulating and meeting developmental goals