Pharmacy Intern

Our Mission

All of us, for each of you, every time.

Our Vision

Together, serving as the trusted regional healthcare partner.

Our Values

ListenLoveRespectExcelInnovate

At Samaritan, we do more than deliver healthcare - we make a meaningful difference in the lives of our community every day. We're committed to creating an exceptional workplace where professionals feel valued, supported, and inspired to provide outstanding care to every patient we serve.

We are searching for a Pharmacy Intern to join our team! This position is responsible to interpret and provide prescribed medications, IVs, and other pharmaceuticals, as ordered by physicians and other qualified prescribers, under the direct supervision of the licensed Pharmacist and according to professional standards and legal requirements.  In addition, the Pharmacy Intern provides monitoring of medication therapy and use; participates in drug utilization evaluations and quality improvement processes.

The individual in this position reports to the Director of Pharmacy.   This position works closely with Physicians and other Pharmacy staff in order to fill prescribed medications, IV’s, and other pharmaceuticals accurately.

This is an On Call position, working variable days and hours per week.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Accurately completes daily patient billing charges and credits for inpatients, outpatients, and departments within the hospital. Compiles data and reports in a timely and complete manner.
2. Pre-packs medications and packages unit dose medications with accurate labeling and documentation.
3. Prepares IV admixtures with accurate calculations, labeling, and documentation, using appropriate aseptic technique and following policies and procedures.
4. Fills unit dose carts accurately and efficiently.
5. Fills and maintains records for departmental requisitions; delivers supplies to other departments.
6. Maintains inventory at pre-established levels. Orders and stocks inventory in appropriate locations.  Maintains records on inventory and purchasing history.  Places orders for routine and special-order situations.  Handles purchase orders and invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
7. Checks for outdated inventory and handles credits for inventory appropriately.
8. Maintains accurate records of all narcotics and other controlled substances, as required by law and policy and procedure.
9. Answers phone calls appropriately and knows when to refer calls to the pharmacist.
10. Ensures no injuries to self or others by following safe work practices and policies. This includes, but is not limited to:  security and safety, understanding of MSDS, equipment, infection control, fire, disaster, body mechanics and Basic Life Support.
11. Ensures self-compliance with organization policies and procedures, as well as labor agreements.
12. Ensures the interface with team members and other support groups is conducted in a courteous and efficient manner conducive with the organization’s values.
13. Conducts self in a professional manner and ensures personal appearance meets the standards necessary to perform the job function while representing the organization.
14. Ensures that additional accountabilities, as may be required by management, be handled in a manner necessary to meet organizational standards.

Performs the following under the direct supervision of the Pharmacist:

1. Interprets, compounds, transcribes, and labels orders of medications on a timely and accurate basis in accordance with established policies, procedures, techniques, and legal requirements.
2. Reviews all orders for accuracy, appropriateness of dose, interactions, allergies, and any potential problems (illegibility or incompleteness, etc.). Orders that are questioned are identified and corrected, with changes appropriately documented in the patient’s record and pharmacy files.
3. Provides education for patients and/or family members regarding medication use. Education is appropriate to patient's knowledge base and personalized to enhance patient's understanding and compliance.
4. Observes codes or traumas with Pharmacist.
5. Advises the health care provider concerning appropriate drug therapy. Provides pharmacokinetic monitoring as ordered.  Takes creatinine clearance into consideration for renally excreted medications.
6. Reports all adverse reactions and medication errors or problems noted with medication therapy.
7. Accurately documents pharmacokinetic consults, patient education and level of understanding, verbal orders, and assessment of the patient.
8. Provides unbiased information concerning medications and therapy regimens.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Currently enrolled and making satisfactory progress in a Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Pharmacy program from an accredited School of Pharmacy.
2. Current Washington State Pharmacist Intern license in good standing required.
3. Knowledge in unit-dose distribution systems and IV admixture programs.
4. Computer experience with Pharmacy systems preferred.

COMPETENCIES:

1. Demonstrates competency on equipment listed on department specific checklist.
2. Critical thinking skills: Seeks resources for direction, when necessary. Performs independent problem solving. Decision-making is logical and deliberate.
3. Performs actions that demonstrate accountability. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making.  Practices within legal and ethical guidelines.
4. Demonstrates competency in ability to care for customers/patients across the age continuum.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Hand, wrist, and finger dexterity is required to open a variety of containers and perform manipulations with needle and syringe.
2. Smell and color perception of solutions, capsules, and tablets.
3. Hearing ability sufficient to clearly interpret phone orders and drug information questions.
4. Clear vision required to:
   1. Precisely measure liquids and solids by sight.
   2. Correctly weigh solids on a balance.
   3. Accurately read and interpret orders, medical information, and journals.
5. Ability to communicate using verbal and/or written skills for accurate exchange of information with physicians, nurses, health care professionals, patients and/or family, and the public.
6. Manual dexterity and strength required to:
   1. Stand, walk, and take stairs 8 to 12 hours a day. Running required on occasion.
   2. Stretch, bend, and reach high and low frequently throughout the workday.
   3. Lift boxes, freight and supplies, and deliver medication carts on a daily basis.
   4. Lift/Carry up to 25 lbs.
   5. Push or pull equipment/supplies.
   6. Occasionally assist with moving a patient.
   7. Ability to work shifts.

As a Samaritan professional, you will be asked to commit to being part of a culture grounded in our Mission, Vision, Values, and Strategy that brings service and operational excellence to life each day while creating an exceptional experience for our patients, professionals, physicians, and students. Additionally, how we present ourselves matters, and adherence to our Professional Appearance Policy reflects the pride, respect, and professionalism we bring to those we serve.