Pharmacy Intern

Summary:

Pharmacy interns, under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, assist in various activities of the pharmacy department. Through the leadership of the Pharmacy Technician Supervisor and Pharmacy Manager of Clinical Quality and Education, the pharmacy intern is responsible for the essential functions and responsibilities outlined in this document, noting every employee is expected to perform other similar and related duties as assigned. Leadership has the right to change or add to the job responsibilities based on changes in workflows or processes as necessary.

The employee is expected to:
Obtain and maintain appropriate knowledge and understanding of Baystate Medical Center/Baystate Health (BH) Pharmacy Services. This knowledge includes the values, policies, and procedures of BMC/BH and BH Pharmacy Services.

Understand major job responsibilities and performance factors that help meet the responsibilities which include: Drug Distribution; Dedication to Quality Improvement Initiatives; Customer Service & Teamwork; Attendance

Demonstrate commitment and dedication to patient-centered delivery of care

Job Responsibilities: 

1)  Demonstrates a thorough knowledge and understanding of the duties and responsibilities of the position to which he/she is assigned and performs various functions associated with the institutional drug distribution system and in accordance with regulatory and compliance standards included in functions 2-6.

2)  Accurately compounds, pre-packages, and re-packages medications, including labeling for bulk solid /liquid dosage forms according to department policy/procedure. Accurately prepares and distributes controlled substances according to department policy/procedure.

3)  Performs aseptic compounding of parenteral admixtures and other sterile dosage forms. This includes the practice of aseptic technique, proper procedures for preparing all types of parenteral admixtures (including chemotherapy or other specialty solutions), preparation of the label and any control records, the proper technique for visual inspection of parenteral solutions, and the documentation of quality control. Employee must also be capable of performing the calculations required for the usual dosage determinations and solutions preparation using weight and volume equivalents in both the metric and apothecary systems.

4)  Maintains a working knowledge of the general chemical and physical properties of drugs handled in the pharmacy department. This includes identifying medications that are light sensitive, requires refrigeration, are caustic, or poisonous. Employee is also able to use reference books to locate stability information or material safety data sheets.

5)  Operates automated technology (Pyxis, compounders, computers, etc.) in accordance to policy, procedures and manufacturing instructions. Appropriately utilizes the automated dispensing machines to facilitate medication dispensing in accordance with BH policy and procedure.

6)  Performs the essential functions relating to drug purchasing and inventory control as needed.

7)  Dedication to Quality Improvement Initiatives:
Accurately refills, checks, locks and stickers code carts according to policy/procedure. Functions in accordance to the operational procedures specific to the various satellites and shifts and is familiar with the various specialty areas and procedures (Chemotherapy, ORs, IDS, BOSC, NICU, etc; Participates in the training and/or orientation of new pharmacy employees. Participates in the BH staff development program - Performance Evaluation (PE) and works to meet departmental, professional, and personal goals. Maintains a working knowledge of medication error prevention methods and handling/preparation techniques for high-risk or high-alert medications, including LASA medications. Understands population-specific preparation procedures (geriatric, adult, pediatric, and neonatal dosage forms and products)

8)  Customer Service & Teamwork:
Interacts effectively with other members of the department and health care team on a regular basis. Maintains attentiveness to the rights of patients. Maintains confidentiality of patient information. Triages orders, determines priorities, processes orders and notifies the pharmacist as appropriate. Receives and refers incoming calls for the department, handles pharmacy window.

9)  Attendance:
Employee is aware of and follows BH attendance policy

10)  Schedule:
The pharmacy intern role requires a commitment to work every third weekend (both day and evening shifts possible) plus a holiday rotation (both day and evening shifts possible).

Required Work Experience: 

1)  None

Preferred Work Experience: 

1)  Previous Pharmacy Technician experience preferred

Skills and Competencies: 

Possesses good interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills

Understands the principles of staff engagement

Proficient in computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) preferred

Ability to work independently

Demonstrated math skills

We strive to be the place where we can help you build the career you deserve – apply today – YOU belong at Baystate

OUR COMPENSATION PHILOSOPHY

We offer competitive total compensation that includes pay, benefits, and other recognition programs for our employees. The base pay range shown above considers the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including knowledge/skills; relevant experience and training; education/certifications/licensure; and other business and organizational factors. This base pay range does not include our comprehensive benefits package and any incentive payments that may be applicable to this role.