Outpatient Pharmacist

Job Overview

The Outpatient Pharmacist is responsible for safely and efficiently dispensing medications prescribed by authorized physicians, ensuring high quality standards and excellent patient satisfaction throughout the process.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret medication orders from doctors, verifying dosages, duration, and screening for potential drug interactions or clinical relevance. Liaise with physicians to clarify unclear prescriptions.
• Supervise medication preparation, conduct thorough checks including verifying labels, and dispense medications accordingly.
• Calculate medication quantities based on patient-specific factors such as body weight and age.
• Enter external prescriptions into the hospital's computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system prior to dispensing.
• Ensure prompt and efficient patient calling to minimize wait times at dispensing counters.
• Provide counseling to patients and caregivers on correct medication usage, storage instructions, and possible interactions.
• Adhere strictly to medication safety guidelines during dispensing procedures.
• Maintain accurate inventory records and secure storage of all pharmaceuticals, especially narcotics and controlled substances.
• Identify nearly expired medications and manage them according to organizational policies; absolutely no dispensing of expired drugs.
• Complete financial transactions accurately for dispensed medications.
• Understand proper handling and storage of hazardous substances and be familiar with first aid measures for accidental exposure.
• Utilize formularies effectively, recognize generic substitutions, understand deductible limits, and apply prescription quantity restrictions.
• Comply with infection control standards when managing medications and preparing IV or TPN formulations.
• Participate in onboarding, orientation, and training for new pharmacists, students, and trainees.
• Be knowledgeable about commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
• Report any medication errors or adverse drug reactions via official channels.
• Stay current by attending continuing education sessions to maintain pharmaceutical expertise and licensing requirements.
• Engage in ongoing educational programs about medication safety, high-risk drugs, and error prevention.
• Educate patients and families on health conditions, therapies, and preventive healthcare measures as applicable.

Additional Responsibilities

• Support continuous improvement initiatives aligned with person-centered care principles.
• Contribute actively to workplace safety and promptly address related concerns.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient and organizational information at all times.
• Adhere to cybersecurity policies and participate in training to mitigate cyber threats.
• Uphold the organization's code of conduct, policies, and ethical standards.
• Complete mandatory professional education requirements timely, at least one month before expiration.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy.
• Valid pharmacist license issued by regional health authorities (e.g., SCFHS or DHA).
• 0 to 2 years experience in a hospital pharmacy environment.
• Proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development and training.