Staff Pharmacist, Pharmacy, Full-Time, Days

Job Summary

The Staff Pharmacist plays a key role in patient-centered care by contributing to therapeutic decision-making and promoting safe, effective, and cost-conscious medication use throughout the hospital. In this role, the pharmacist provides clinical expertise through drug information, consultations, and both formal and informal educational presentations. In addition to staffing the Main Pharmacy, qualified pharmacists may rotate into specialized roles, including Critical Care, Emergency Department, Transitions of Care, and Oncology Outpatient Infusion services, depending on training and certifications.

This position ensures the accurate and efficient distribution of medications and upholds the highest standards of pharmaceutical care, optimizing clinical outcomes while ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The pharmacist serves as a trusted resource for drug information to patients, healthcare professionals, and the community.

Education Requirements

• Must meet the educational qualifications required for licensure as a pharmacist by the California Board of Pharmacy.

• Graduation from an accredited School of Pharmacy preferred.

• Pharm.D. degree and/or completion of an ASHP-accredited residency program is strongly preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in an acute care hospital pharmacy is preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Must hold an active, unrestricted California Pharmacist license at the time of hire.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• In-depth knowledge of medications, including composition, mechanisms of action, indications, adverse effects, dosage, and safe handling practices.

• Proficient in the preparation of sterile compounds.

• Thorough understanding of federal and state pharmacy regulations.

• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with patients, physicians, nurses, and healthcare teams.

• Ability to effectively manage daily workflow and supervise support staff.

• Demonstrated initiative, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for patient education and interdisciplinary collaboration.

• Strong organizational skills and a working knowledge of pathophysiology and disease management for optimal therapeutic guidance.

Primary Responsibilities

• Deliver clinical and distributive pharmacy services aligned with patient-focused care.

• Monitor and assess patient therapy, including pharmacokinetic evaluations, to ensure appropriate use, dosing, and effectiveness.

• Intervene on orders that are unclear, inappropriate, or suboptimal, ensuring medication safety.

• Enforce the hospital’s closed formulary by evaluating medication necessity and suggesting cost-effective alternatives.

• Provide drug information and medication counseling to healthcare staff and patients.

• Conduct discharge medication education as needed.

• Ensure timely and accurate processing of medication orders.

• Engage in decision-making that directly affects patient care, cost control, and service quality.

• Collaborate on the development and implementation of cost-effective medication management programs.

• Comply with all applicable pharmacy laws, regulations, and professional standards.

• Foster a positive, supportive work environment through teamwork and professionalism.

• Oversee drug distribution in inpatient, outpatient, and IV preparation areas.

• Participate actively in staff meetings, committees, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Contribute presentations to the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee and other hospital forums.

• Direct pharmacy operations and workflow in the absence of supervisory personnel.

• Assist in training and onboarding of new staff, interns, and residents.

• Support departmental quality assurance efforts and drug utilization reviews.

• Identify educational needs and deliver training to pharmacy and non-pharmacy staff through in-services, newsletters, and informal instruction.