How to Be Hospital Pharmacist - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 25, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The need for hospital pharmacists has been increasing significantly in recent years due to the growing complexity of medications and healthcare systems. This has led to an increased demand for trained professionals to ensure that patients receive the right medication in the right dosage at the right time. Hospital pharmacists are responsible for a wide range of tasks, from preparing prescriptions to providing drug information and education to patients, doctors and nurses.

They also need to monitor patient treatments, manage inventories and coordinate with other healthcare professionals. As a result, this increased demand for qualified hospital pharmacists has created more job opportunities and better salaries, which in turn has helped to attract more qualified individuals to the profession.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. A hospital pharmacist must have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, which usually takes four years to complete.
Earn Licensure. Most states require pharmacists to obtain a license. To do this, they must pass two exams, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam and the Multi-state Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam.
Gain Certification. Most employers prefer to hire pharmacists who have become certified by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam and meet other requirements.
Get Work Experience. Before being hired as a hospital pharmacist, applicants should gain some experience working in a pharmacy setting. This could be done through an internship or through a part-time job.
Seek Employment. Hospital pharmacists can find work opportunities by perusing job postings online or through professional organizations such as the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Once they find a position they are interested in, they should submit their resume and cover letter to the hiring manager.

Staying ahead and capable as a hospital pharmacist requires dedication and hard work. The first step is to stay up-to-date on relevant regulations, standards, and trends in the healthcare industry. This can be done through attending continuing education courses, reading professional journals, and participating in industry conferences.

it is important to stay technically proficient in your field by keeping up with advances in technology, such as automated drug dispensing, and learning new skills, such as proper patient counseling and clinical decision-making. Finally, developing a good working relationship with other healthcare providers, such as physicians and nurses, demonstrates your commitment to patient care and will help you stay ahead and capable.

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Job Description

Provide medication and other healthcare products to patients, as prescribed by physicians.
Monitor patient health and progress and report any observed changes to a physician or other healthcare provider.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations related to the practice of pharmacy.
Advise patients on the proper use of medications and other healthcare products.
Monitor drug therapies to ensure they are effective, safe, and used in the correct dosages.
Dispense medications and other healthcare products, and provide accurate instructions for their proper use.
Maintain records of medications dispensed, prescription refills, and other medical information.
Perform drug and inventory reviews to identify potential problems or opportunities for improvement.
Prepare sterile solutions and other intravenous medications.
Provide immunizations and other injections as needed.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of drug interactions, contraindications, and adverse effects
Ability to interpret and evaluate prescriptions
Knowledge of pharmaceutical calculations
Familiarity with laws and regulations related to pharmacy practice
Ability to provide patient counseling services
Ability to dispense medications accurately
Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation
Knowledge of inventory management systems
Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations

Hospital pharmacists play an essential role in providing quality healthcare to patients. The ability to effectively communicate with healthcare teams, patients, and other professionals is an important skill to have. A hospital pharmacist must be able to interpret and understand physician orders, ensure accuracy in the preparation of medications, and provide appropriate patient counseling.

they must be knowledgeable in the safe handling of medications, be able to recognize drug interactions and allergic reactions, and be proficient in the latest drug information. In order to be successful, hospital pharmacists must also possess strong organizational and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to work well under pressure. These skills are essential for protecting the safety and well-being of patients, and for providing the highest quality of care.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in hospital pharmacy?
How do you stay current with new medications and treatments?
What challenges have you faced while working in a hospital pharmacy?
How do you prioritize tasks when faced with multiple demands?
What methods do you use to communicate effectively with medical staff and patients?
What processes do you follow to ensure accuracy in prescription filling?
How do you handle medication errors or mistakes?
What strategies do you use to ensure a safe and secure medication storage environment?
How do you handle difficult or challenging patient interactions?
Describe a time when you had to handle an ethical dilemma in a pharmacy setting.

Common Tools in Industry

Medication Reconciliation Software. A software designed to help hospital pharmacists manage and reconcile medications for a patients current hospital stay. (eg: MediMergence)
Automated Dispensing Machines. Machines that store medications and dispense them upon request. (eg: Pyxis Dispensing System)
Electronic Medical Records (EMR). Software used to store and track patients medical information, including prescriptions and other treatments. (eg: Epic EMR)
Compounding Software. Software used to assist in the preparation and dispensing of compounded medications. (eg: CompuScript)
Drug Database. An online database containing information about prescription and over-the-counter medications. (eg: Lexicomp)
Drug Interaction Software. Software designed to identify potential drug interactions and alert pharmacists to potential risks. (eg: MediGuard)
Pharmacy Management Software. Software designed to help hospital pharmacists manage inventory, maintain records, and track patient data. (eg: Pharmaserv)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
American Pharmacists Association
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
American College of Clinical Pharmacy
International Pharmaceutical Federation
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
National Community Pharmacist Association
National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy
International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering

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Common Important Terms

Prescription. Written orders from a physician or other authorized healthcare professional for medications, medical supplies, and other treatments.
Discharge Medication. Prescription medications that are prescribed to a patient upon discharge from a hospital or medical facility.
Medication Therapy Management (MTM). A comprehensive approach to medication management that involves multiple steps including assessment, diagnosis, intervention, monitoring, and evaluation.
Formulary. A list of medications approved by a health plan or hospital for use in treating patients.
Drug Interaction. When two or more drugs interact with each other and can cause adverse effects.
Adverse Drug Reaction. An undesired and/or unintended reaction to a medication that is potentially harmful or life-threatening.
Drug Information. Information on the safe and effective use of medications, including indications, dosage, contraindications, potential drug interactions, side effects, and cost.
Clinical Pharmacy. A form of pharmacy practice that specializes in the use of medications to optimize patient outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a Hospital Pharmacist?

A Hospital Pharmacist is responsible for providing pharmaceutical care services to patients within a hospital setting. This includes providing medication information, preparing and dispensing medications, monitoring drug therapies, and providing patient education.

What qualifications are required to become a Hospital Pharmacist?

To become a Hospital Pharmacist, you must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college or university and obtain a license from the state in which you will practice. It is also important to have knowledge of medical terminology, pharmacology, and chemistry.

How long does it typically take to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree?

The Doctor of Pharmacy Degree typically takes 4 years to complete, with the first two years emphasizing basic sciences and the second two years emphasizing clinical practice.

What type of environment does a Hospital Pharmacist work in?

A Hospital Pharmacist typically works in a hospital setting and may work in the inpatient or outpatient pharmacy, depending on the type of hospital and the needs of the facility.