Pharmacy Student Intern

Westerly Hospital; Westerly (RI); On-site; USD 20,664 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Westerly Hospital is seeking a Pharmacy Intern who will engage in medication distribution and inventory management. This role requires a high school diploma and enrollment in an accredited Pharmacy program. Responsibilities include prescription processing, obtaining medication history, and maintaining a clean work environment.

Applicants should possess strong mathematical skills and attention to detail, along with the ability to work in a fast-paced setting. This position may involve rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Must be registered or eligible for registration as a Pharmacy Intern in Rhode Island.
• Inpatient hospital pharmacy experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform drug distribution activities including accurate picking and packaging.
• Process loads into Pyxis in an accurate and timely manner.
• Demonstrates proficiency in prescription processing and preparation.
• Obtain and clarify patients' home medication lists.
• Demonstrates proficiency in IV admixture.
• Maintains physician order sets and billing templates.
• Maintains a clean work environment.

Skills

Proficiency in mathematical calculations

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma required and enrolled in an accredited College of Pharmacy program

Job description

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values — integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion — must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day. As members of a High Reliability Organization (HRO), every employee should practice CHAMP behavior and strive to make patient safety a top priority.

Professional Development

Interns are invited and encouraged to participate in educational activities within the Pharmacy Department, including journal club, clinical case conferences, patient case presentations and disease state discussions; rotations through a variety of clinical areas shadowing a clinical specialist and performing daily activities under direct pharmacist supervision. Activities include rounding with the multidisciplinary team, reviewing verification of orders, providing drug‑information answers to the team, and patient counseling. Interns may also complete clinical/operational projects in collaboration with pharmacy leadership and/or pharmacy residents.

Responsibilities

• 1. Medication Distribution
  • 1.1 Performs drug distribution activities including but not limited to accurate picking, packaging, delivering medications for refill or load in Pyxis automated dispensing cabinets (ADC) and medication storage refrigerator.
• 2. Medication Inventory Management
  • 2.1 Processes loads into Pyxis in an accurate and timely manner, considering par levels, drawer location and pocket size, drug package size, and drug usage patterns to minimize potential medication errors and reduce stock‑outs and subsequent refills.
• 3. Prescription Processing & Preparation
  • 3.1 Demonstrates proficiency in prescription processing and preparation by performing the necessary activities: locating and entering patient demographics into pharmacy computer systems, transcribing new medication orders and processing refill requests, performing the required mathematical calculations to ensure proper dosage, directions, and quantity, and assisting in third‑party prescription adjudication and cost management.
• 4. Medication History
  • 4.1 Obtains and clarifies patients' home/chronic medication list by contacting community pharmacies and extended‑care facilities, interviewing patients and family members to ensure correct identification of doses and drugs, including prescription medications, over‑the‑counter drugs and complementary and alternative medications.
• 5. Sterile/Non‑Sterile Compounding
  • 5.1 Demonstrates proficiency in IV admixture.
• 6. Investigational Drug Services (IDS)
  • 6.1 Maintains and drafts physician order sets, billing templates and protocol summaries when needed.
• 7. Medication Safety, Regulatory Affairs, and Quality Assurance
  • 7.1 Maintains a clean work environment.

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma required and must be currently enrolled in an accredited College of Pharmacy program or pre‑pharmacy program.

Experience

Inpatient hospital pharmacy experience is preferred, but not required.

Licensure

Must be registered or eligible for registration as a Pharmacy Intern in the state of employment as outlined by the Dept. of Consumer Protection (CT) or Dept. of Health (RI).

Special Skills

Proficiency in mathematical calculations; accuracy; problem solving; attention to detail; knowledge of computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets; ability to learn quickly in a fast‑paced environment; ability to learn or perform pharmaceutical compounding, repackaging and labeling, including manipulation of raw drug products using appropriate technique; ability to work with computer and technology equipment including basic troubleshooting functions; must prioritize competing demands, work independently, demonstrate flexibility and teamwork, and have good communication skills with customers and team members.

Physical Demand

Must be available to work rotating shifts and weekends, including evenings, holidays and inclement weather conditions. Must be able to lift and transport light boxes (up to 50 pounds) and remain on feet throughout the majority of the shift. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.