Pharmacy Intern (PRN | As Needed)

Children's National Hospital; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Children's National Hospital is seeking a pharmacy intern in Washington, DC to assist licensed pharmacists in medication distribution and patient education. This role involves the preparation and dispensing of medications while ensuring compliance with pharmacy laws.

The ideal candidate must be enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy program and possess strong communication skills. This is a temporary position with variable shifts in the Patient Services organization.

Qualifications

• Must be in good standing and compliant with program requirements.
• Required Licenses And Certifications: Pharmacist Intern Active.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, dispensing, and distribution of medications.
• Maintain inventory of pharmacy stock.
• Perform on-call pharmacy-related duties as required.

Skills

Basic Pharmacy terminology

Decision making and professional judgment

Computer literacy (e.g., MS Word, E-mail)

Education

Enrolled in an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program

Job description

Overview

Under the direct supervision of a licensed and registered pharmacist, the pharmacy intern will learn the operational and clinical skills required to become a successful pharmacist. The pharmacy intern will assist Pharmacists in all aspects of the medication distribution process, including drug preparation and distribution, medication counseling and patient education, and triaging inventory issues.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the preparation, dispensing, and distribution of non-sterile medications
• Assist with the preparation, dispensing, and distribution of sterile medications
• Ensure compliance with all pharmacy laws and regulations, including USP-795/800 and USP-797/800
• Assist in ordering, receiving, unpacking, and storing pharmaceuticals in appropriate locations
• Maintain inventory of pharmacy stock
• Maintain controlled substances records, receipts, and disposition
• Maintain Pyxis medication levels and accuracy of medication placement
• Perform monthly unit and section inspections to identify expired and soon-to-expire medications
• Prevent, detect, and resolve medication-related problems
• Assist with organizational tasks on an as-needed basis
• Maintain all required IV documentation of all compounded sterile product activities
• Assist with answering drug-related questions as related to IV therapy and management in a timely manner
• Maintain current knowledge of infusion drugs and therapies and aseptic technique, as well as infusion devices, products, and supplies
• Administer vaccinations when applicable if certified
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to optimize individual patient outcomes
• Perform discharge counseling, including first-dose teaching, and drug-drug/drug-food interaction counseling
• Counsel patients on prescription and OTC medications and durable medical equipment
• Assess patient education and adherence to medications
• Develop and recommend appropriate therapeutic plans
• Identify and resolve drug-related problems and ensure proper communication to the entire healthcare team
• Assess patients’ progress to achieving desired medication treatment goals
• Perform on-call pharmacy-related duties as required
• Identify opportunities to improve clinical and administrative processes

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: Must be enrolled as a Pharmacy Student in an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program
• Must be in good standing and compliant with program requirements; failure to maintain a minimum grade may result in termination as specified by the employer
• Required Licenses And Certifications: Pharmacist Intern Active and in good standing (Required)
• Required Skills/Knowledge: Basic Pharmacy terminology; decision making and professional judgment; computer literacy (e.g., MS Word, E-mail)

Functional Accountabilities

• Productivity-Performance: Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision
• Ability to set priorities, make critical decisions, and respond quickly to emergency requests
• Ability to exercise sound professional judgment
• Work knowledge: Understands all aspects and phases of assigned work

Behavior/Conduct

• Attention and application to work; punctual and dependable
• Effective communication skills (oral and written)

Professionalism

• Adhere to institutional and departmental policies; comply with risk management, patient safety, medication safety, environmental safety, and infection controls
• Clear and concise communication; professional appearance; team-oriented

Promotability

• Initiative; willingness to accept additional tasks; teachability; leadership

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Review written prescriptions to determine ingredients and ensure no overdosing under the direction of a Registered Pharmacist
• Weigh, measure, mix ingredients; fill prescriptions from bulk stock
• Label containers with identification data and directions
• Assist with stock management, delivery, and medication cart exchanges
• Deliver, package and label medication bags under pharmacist supervision
• Participate in Pharmacy and/or Hospital Committees, and QA assignments
• Perform various rotating functions in dispensing, product formulation, and unit dose distribution
• Maintain work area in clean and organized condition
• Remains abreast of departmental communications and completes reading assignments
• Complies with regulatory requirements including HIPAA, NYS Law, JCAHO and Hospital Policy

Secondary Duties And Responsibilities

• Serve as intermediary between patient care units and pharmacy
• Monitor preventive maintenance of equipment in the assigned area
• Address routine pharmacy procedure questions with appropriate authorities
• Coordinate orientation of trainees and new employees
• Maintain licensure and continuing education records with the Pharmacy Department

Customer Service

• Interacts with patients, families, visitors, and staff in a courteous manner
• Demonstrates sensitivity to cultural differences
• Promotes positive attitudes and teamwork; maintains confidentiality of patient information

Organizational Accountabilities

• Teamwork/Communication; Performance Improvement/Problem-solving; Cost Management/Financial Responsibility; Safety

Work Details

• Primary Location: District of Columbia-Washington
• Work Locations: CN Hospital (Main Campus)
• Job: Internship / Trainee
• Organization: Patient Services
• Position Status: T (Temporary)
• Shift: Variable
• Work Schedule: VARIABLE