The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.
Job Summary:
The Pharmacist I in the Cancer Institute Pharmacy ensures safe, accurate and appropriate use of medications, by evaluating prescribers’ orders for dosing, allergies and contraindications. The Pharmacist I helps oversee and direct the work of supportive pharmacy personnel, including technicians and students.
Responsibilities:
- Reviews and verifies medication orders, including checking for appropriateness, proper dosing, contraindications, allergies, proper volumes and concentrations, mixing instructions, administration instructions, etc.
- Ensures proper preparation and labeling of oral & injectable medications
- Performs sterile compounding of hazardous and non-hazardous medications
- Performs final check of all medications before dispensing
- Properly utilizes technology to perform job, including all hoods, pumps, computers, barcode scanners, the electronic medical record, IV workflow software, investigational drug inventory software, Microsoft Word/Excel, etc.
- Dispenses investigational drugs accurately
- Collaborates regularly with RNs, APRNs and physicians in the provision and coordination of patient care
- As needed or assigned, provides pharmacist coverage in the myeloma/stem-cell transplant infusion center, performing tasks such as medication reconciliation, proactive order & treatment plan review, troubleshooting, clarifying orders, providing educations to patients, nurses and providers
- Understands and complies with relevant regulatory standards and all departmental policies
- Has a thorough knowledge of regulations, enforceable standards and best practices for compounded sterile products and hazardous drug handling, and practices strict aseptic technique at all times
- Documents interventions in the medical record
- Reports all patient safety events in the appropriate medication safety reporting tool
- Calibrates Repeater pumps when appropriate, and documents calibration on the appropriate log sheet
- Performs and documents monthly inspection of assigned medication storage area
- Promptly reports to supervisor or other appropriate individual if there are any deficiencies or problems with any equipment, facilities, or drug distribution
- Represents the department at Safety Huddle as assigned on weekends and holidays on a rotating basis
- Prioritizes workflow based on patient needs, staffing availability, and rapidly changing workload
- Oversees the work of technicians, student employees, and students or residents on rotation
- Corrects, rather than ignores, any problems with operations or medication dispensing and distribution
- Helps manage inventory (using oldest/shortest-dated stock first, informing buyer of low inventory, suggesting strategies for minimizing waste, etc.)
- Makes suggestions and provides feedback to supervisor/assistant director on operational and workflow concerns
- Participates in ad hoc training of new staff and students on rotation
- Educates patients and hospital staff when needed
- Answers questions related to medication distribution
- Provides drug information to patients, nurses, providers, other pharmacy staff, and the public
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy (from an accredited college of pharmacy as a condition of licensure) Plus 1 year of experience working as a pharmacist (or pharmacy intern) in a retail or hospital setting.
- Licensed registered pharmacist by the state of Arkansas, or eligible for licensure in Arkansas
- Proficiency in the utilization of electronic health records and other computer systems, excellent customer service, broad knowledge of pharmacy regulations and practices, knowledge of proper aseptic technique, sterile compounding, and hazardous drug handling rules and best practices.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Pharm.D.
- Additional advanced degree (MBA, MHA, MPA, etc.)
- PGY1 Residency (equates to 2 years of experience)
- 2 years applicable experience (i.e., previous hospital experience, sterile compounding experience, hazardous drug handling, etc.)
- Ability: aseptic technique/sterile compounding
UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):
- Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
- Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
- Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
- Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
- Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
- Career Training and Educational Opportunities
- Merchant Discounts
- Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy
The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy.