Pharmacy Intern

SUMMARY

Reports to a Pharmacy Supervisor. Under the supervision of a pharmacist and direction of a technician supervisor, technician group leader or technician specialist, performs a variety of technical, clinical, and support tasks designed to assist pharmacists with the formulation, preparation, dispensing and delivery of medications and pharmaceutical supplies. Performs supervised clinical activities to foster professional development in accordance with established policies and procedures, federal and state rules and regulations and in keeping with the scope of services and scope of licensure.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:

  • Instill Trust and Value Differences
  • Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists in the formulation and preparation of medications, under the direct supervision of a pharmacist, by:

  • Reviewing practitioner medication orders and preparing medications for review and dispensing by a pharmacist.
  • Performing general operations of automated dispensing cabinet (ADC) (i.e., Omnicell) and electronic radio frequency identification (RFID)-enabled inventory management solution (i.e., Kitcheck) used in the inventory control and distribution of pharmaceuticals and related supplies. Includes maintaining, assigning, refilling, and removing medication including controlled substances, as well as generating and interpreting reports to perform above.
  • Maintaining operating room medication inventory, including controlled substances.
  • Performing sterile compounding of medications in compliance with United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter <797>, USP <800>, and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations and Brown University Health policies and procedures.
  • Performing non-sterile compounding of medications in compliance with USP <795>, USP <800>, NIOSH recommendations and Brown University Health policies and procedures.
  • Performing controlled substance discrepancy resolution in conjunction with other licensed health care professionals.
  • Participating in controlled substances inventory management in the Pharmacy and the hospital.
  • Delivering medications to patient care areas, operating rooms, clinics, and procedural/treatment areas.
  • Repackaging and labeling medications for pharmacist review and distribution in accordance with pharmacist approved Packaging and Labeling Records. Preparing emergency medication kits for pharmacist review and distribution to patient care areas.
  • Performing routine procurement and inventory management of medications including ordering and receipt of chemotherapy and other pharmaceutical supplies. Completing necessary paperwork for controlled substance procurement and verifying receipt of such.
  • Processing medication requisitions for departments and laboratories for pharmacist verification.
  • Reconciling patient and department medication charges.
  • Performing routine preventive maintenance to all equipment according to standards for same. Assisting in maintaining related Pharmacy records and files and performing equipment calibration and maintenance.
  • Assisting in maintaining the Pharmacy and medication supply areas in a neat and orderly fashion ensuring medications are stored under proper conditions for light, temperature, sanitation, and segregation.
  • Participating in quality assessment and improvement activities and medication safety initiatives of the Pharmacy and the hospital. Utilizing approved process for reporting actual, prevented and near miss medication errors.
  • Answering the telephone and triaging as appropriate. Interacting with internal and external customers in accordance with hospital Customer Service Standards.
  • Assisting in orientation and training of pharmacy technicians and interns.
  • Participating in pharmacy-managed medication reconciliation practice model by accurately obtaining, compiling, and verifying a current, detailed, and complete home medication history list. Medication history list shall include drug name, dose and dose form, frequency, and route of administration for prescribed medications, over the counter drugs, and complementary and alternative medications currently being taken by the patient.
  • Documenting detailed and verified current home medication list including relevant related information, if any, in the electronic medical record (EMR).
  • Completing clinical/operational projects to assist the Director of Pharmacy or Manager Inpatient Clinical Pharmacy Services.
  • Utilizing available resources to gain clinical knowledge, develop judgement, and respond to drug information questions under the direct supervision of a pharmacist.
  • Utilizing experience-based knowledge to identify opportunities for improvement related to quality, safety, regulatory, or financial outcomes.
  • Performing other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE & BASIC KNOWLEDGE

  • Current enrollment in no less than the first (1st) year at an accredited college of pharmacy as a student in good standing.
  • Maintains current unrestricted licensure as a pharmacy intern in the State of Rhode Island.
  • Must possess solid computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, as well as email and calendar applications. Must be comfortable in using internet web applications and multiple pharmacy and system-wide applications.
  • Strong customer service presence and verbal and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients, families, providers, direct patient care givers, and ancillary support staff.
  • Must be able to multi-task and reprioritize as needed, while maintaining the highest-level accuracy and customer service standards.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Possesses physical ability to lift, carry and maneuver medication delivery equipment and pharmaceutical related inventories, including extended periods of work time spent standing and walking.
  • Work requires the ability to stay focused in a fast paced ever changing environment.
  • Work requires the visual acuity and manual dexterity necessary to operate a personal computer and input data into EMR using a typical keyboard and computer mouse to navigate screens on a computer monitor.
  • New hires into this position must successfully pass a drug screen in conformance with Rhode Island State Law.

INDEPENDENT ACTION

  • Performs independently within department policies and practices.
  • Refers specific complex problems to supervisor where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

  • None

PAY RANGE

$17.00-$26.60

EEO STATEMENT

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

LOCATION

Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903

WORK TYPE

Rotating day and evening shifts as needed. Includes weekdays, weekends and holidays.

WORK SHIFT

Variable

DAILY HOURS

Per Diem - As required

DRIVING REQUIRED

No