Pharmacy Student (PRN)

Location: Mercy Pharmacy – Fenton
Schedule: PRN | Typically 1 evening per week and at least 1 weekend per month

Overview

The Pharmacy Student supports and assists the Pharmacist in the preparation, distribution, and inventory control of medications while providing patient-focused pharmacy services. This role offers hands-on experience in inpatient pharmacy operations and supports workflow improvement, medication safety, and service excellence in alignment with Mercy’s mission, values, and Service Standards.

The Pharmacy Student acts as a resource for pharmacy technicians, assists with training, supports automated dispensing cabinets, and contributes to inventory management and quality assurance activities. All medications and preparations will be checked by a pharmacist prior to dispensing.

Key Responsibilities

Medication Preparation & Distribution

• Prepare medication orders for pharmacist verification by retrieving, counting, measuring, and occasionally mixing medications.
• Accurately fill medication orders in a timely manner.
• Perform accurate calculations for oral, IV, and topical dosage forms.
• Prepare and compound sterile IV medications, including total parenteral nutrition (TPN), using aseptic technique.
• Deliver medications to nursing units after pharmacist verification.
• Prepack medications and process credits and stock.

Inventory & Safety

• Receive, store, secure, and maintain medication inventory.
• Retrieve and process medication credits from patient care areas.
• Check assigned areas for expired or outdated medications.
• Ensure appropriate inventory levels are maintained.
• Follow hazardous waste and safety procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness, safety, and sanitization of equipment.

Workflow & Coordination of Services

• Coordinate workflow through timely communication with pharmacists, technicians, nursing staff, and other departments.
• Use sound judgment to prioritize tasks based on patient care needs.
• Assist in other pharmacy areas when additional coverage is needed.
• Take an active role in onboarding and training new pharmacy staff.

Communication & Professional Practice

• Communicate effectively with coworkers and interdisciplinary teams.
• Properly relay information between shifts.
• Answer telephone calls professionally and appropriately.
• Attend departmental meetings as scheduled.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with policies and procedures.

Technology & Equipment

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and use of pharmacy technologies, including:
  • IV compounding equipment
  • Robotic dispensing systems
  • Packaging equipment
  • Automated dispensing cabinets

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain workload records, temperature logs, and other quality assurance documentation.
• Suggest ideas to improve workflow, efficiency, and utilization of staff resources.
• Follow departmental policies and procedures consistently.

Qualifications

Education

• Currently enrolled in an accredited School of Pharmacy
• Must be in 5th year of pharmacy program

Licensure

• Valid Pharmacy Intern or Pharmacy Technician License (as applicable)
• Registered with the State Board of Pharmacy and in good standing

Experience

• Previous pharmacy technician experience preferred, but not required