Acute Pharmacist |
Career OverviewAn acute pharmacist works closely with the medical team, usually on the wards or in the units, to provide immediate services to acute patients. This may mean making rounds with physicians and working within the hospital itself instead of within the pharmacy. An acute pharmacist must be able to work in a team care environment and must be willing to work various shifts and hours as needed by the acute units such as surgery, emergency rooms and intensive care.
An acute pharmacist needs to be able to think quickly and make recommendations based on experience and knowledge. He or she is responsible for ensuring that no complications will occur with the prescription of various drugs to help alleviate or control various symptoms and conditions that the patient may be experiencing.
The acute pharmacist is usually responsible for monitoring and assessing the medical treatments prescribed by the doctors and ensuring that support staff and nursing staff are correctly administering the various medications. The acute pharmacist may also be required to describe all drug usage to patients and family members and outline any conditions or symptoms that may indicate that there is a complication or problem with the drug or medicine combinations that are being prescribed.
An acute pharmacist may also work with medical staff to teach about and provide in-service training on new medications or new methods of using or administering medications. As an integral part of the treatment team the acute pharmacist must have excellent communication skills and a very professional and calm bedside manner, even in stressful or critical emergency conditions. Excellent record keeping and knowledge of current technologies for tracking prescription medication is essential.
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Career RequirementsAn acute pharmacist must have licensure in the state that they are practicing which means they must have Doctor in Pharmacy (Pharm-D) and must have passed the required NAPLEX and MPJE exams if required by state law.
Most acute pharmacists positions require at least one year experience working directly on a hospital ward or unit but this criterion may be waived with suitable alternate experience.
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Job OutlookThe demand for acute pharmacist continues to exceed the number of acute pharmacists that are currently seeking employment. Many pharmacists prefer to work in standard business type environments and do not like the intense atmosphere in hospitals and on critical care units.
It is anticipated by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy that the demand for acute pharmacists will increase in the next several years and that this trend is likely to be ongoing.
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Career TrackAcute pharmacists have the option to return to standard pharmacy jobs or may decide to remain in the hospital setting and work as a hospital or hospice pharmacists. They may also move into management positions within the healthcare field overseeing various aspects of the pharmacy and management of prescription medications.
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CompensationThe average salary for an acute pharmacist ranges from between $52,000 and $75,000 per year with those acute pharmacists in larger hospitals or with more seniority earning over $80,000 per year.
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