WHEN ARE THE INPATIENT PHARMACISTS AVAILABLE?
Inpatient Pharmacists are available 24/7 as follows:
- Weekdays: Two pharmacists are stationed in the central pharmacy morning to evening and one pharmacist overnight (11pm – 7am).
- Weekdays: Our services extended as Unit Based Pharmacists (UBP) from 9am to 4:30pm.
- Weekends/public holidays: one pharmacist on all shifts.
HOW CAN YOU CONTACT THE INPATIENT PHARMACIST?
- Vocera: “Call Inpatient Pharmacist”.
- For UBP – Vocera: “Call Level X Pharmacist” (X is the level number).
HOW CAN PHARMACISTS HELP THE PHYSICIANS & NURSES?
- Drug information questions and order clarifications.
- Therapeutic recommendations.
- Antibiotic Stewardship.
- Renal dose adjustments.
- Request for non-formulary medicines.
- Resolving medication related issues.
HOW CAN PHYSICIANS HELP PHARMACISTS?
- When ordering medications in EPIC, note default medication dosing schedule and modify as appropriate.
HOW CAN NURSES HELP PHARMACISTS?
- Allow Pharmacy sufficient time to review, verify, prepare and send or deliver medications prior to sending “Medication Needed” messages or calling.
- Be cognizant of IV infusions and request new bags TWO hours prior to needing whenever possible.
- Always check medication location before requesting additional doses. Medications are stored in one of the following locations:
- Pyxis cabinets
- Patient specific bins in patient tower (for non-refrigerated medications)
- Patient specific bins in the refrigerator (for refrigerated medications)
- Remember that while most IV piggyback medications are refrigerated, some are not. If an IV medication is to be stored at room temperature, an auxiliary label will be placed on the bag or you will see “Store at Room Temperature” on the patient specific label.
- For patients who transfer from one unit to another, please send the bulk medications (insulin, topical ointments or creams, inhalers, bulk liquids) onto the receiving unit.
- For discontinued medications or discharged patients, please place bulk items or patient specific medications in the “Pharmacy Return” bins (either in patient tower for non-refrigerated medications or in the refrigerator for refrigerated medications).
