Pharmacist - NICU/MBU

Department Overview

The purpose of this position is to provide the services of a licensed pharmacist which includes the responsibility for the safe and proper distribution and use of drugs in inpatients and outpatients who range in age from neonates, infants less than one year of age, children and adolescents ages 10-18, adults ages 19-65 and the elderly over age 65. 

This position is to function at higher decision making levels regarding drug therapy, proactively affecting drug use by making recommendations at the time prescribing decisions are being made or, in some cases, making independent decisions about drug therapy in cooperation with other health team members.  This is a flexible model where traditionally centralized functions, such as order entry/verifications, will become part of decentralized practice as the technology associated with patient care evolves. Primary work locations include Mother-Baby Unit, Labor and Delivery Unit, and all Pediatric units. Primary patient population includes pregnant female patients and infants as well as all other pediatric patients.

Function/Duties of Position

• Identifies, resolves and documents complex therapeutic problems, demonstrating advanced knowledge and application of this knowledge to a specific patient population.
• Responds accurately to requests for drug information from physicians, nurses, patients and patient's families; independently reviews and interprets the literature and applies this information to specific patient care situations.
• Monitors therapeutic response and adverse effects of medications to guide drug therapy. Consults with provider when questions or problems are identified. Appropriately reports all adverse drug reactions, drug defects, and medication errors.
• Directs the work of students/residents and monitors and evaluates their performance.
• Influences standards of therapy by forming peer level relationships with attending medical staff members; is recognized as a drug authority in a specialized practice area by physicians, nurses and pharmacists.
• Assists in the development of treatment guidelines to be used in patients with specific diagnosis. Documents activities in the patient medical record, pharmacy monitoring profile, drug use evaluation data collection or adverse drug reaction reporting program.
• Interprets and evaluates physician's orders and prescriptions for accuracy, completeness and appropriateness.
• Participates in both intra and interdepartmental education programs; participates in the development of peers.

Required Qualifications

• BS in Pharmacy or Pharm.D. PLUS Practice Residency or Specialist Certification (BCPS, BCOPS, etc.);
  • OR 5 years minimum appropriate experience.
• Licensure in the State of Oregon - Pharmacist.
• Inpatient hospital pharmacy practice .
• Pharmaceutical care principles.
• Age-related modification of drug therapy.
• Disease-related modification of drug therapy.
• Contemporary medication use systems.
• Interpersonal, formal and informal communication, including presentations.
• Project management concepts.
• Systematic problem solving.
• Computer skills including use of word processing, spreadsheet, and databases.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without accommodation.

Preferred Qualifications

• PGY-2 Specialty Residency BLS/ACLS certification Vaccination certification     
• Mother-Baby, Labor and Delivery, and Pediatrics clinical pharmacist experience
• Experience establishing a new clinical service line
• Background and understanding of pregnancy impact on drug delivery for both the mother and fetus/newborn
• PALS 
• Specialist Certifications (BCPS, BCOPS, etc)

Additional Details

Environment, Physical Demands & Equipment Usage

• Primary work location will be in the Mother-Baby/Labor and Delivery units with coverage of the Pediatric OR. Secondary work location willl be in Pediatrics, either general pediatrics or the PICU/NICU population.

• Ability to handle  competing demands from nurses, physicians, pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals, as they attempt to influence clinical decision-making, clinical policies and practices and work flow.
• Must deal with intense situations on a daily basis.
• Ability to deal with frequent interruptions (work is often dictated by external factors) that may lead to mental fatigue or stress.
• Standing, walking, stooping, reaching, talking and hearing.
• Clarity of vision at 20 feet and 20 inches or less; adjustment of eye to bring object into sharp focus.
• Ability to handle 1 – 5 pounds by hand frequently; telephone, pager, copier, fax, scanner, personal computer/terminal, common application software.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply.

As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.