Night Shift Pharmacist 7on-7off Critical Care

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

Night Shift Pharmacist 7on-7off Critical Care

Talented Medical Solutions

Full-time, Contract

In-Office | San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Core Professional Qualifications

1. Pharmacy Degree

   • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from an accredited pharmacy school.

2. Licensure

   • Active Pharmacist License in the state where the hospital practices.

   • Must be in good standing with the state board of pharmacy.

3. Residency Training (Highly Preferred or Required)

   • PGY-1 (Postgraduate Year 1) Pharmacy Residency.

   • PGY-2 Critical Care Residency strongly preferred for ICU-focused roles.

     • Some hospitals allow PGY-1 + relevant experience, but PGY-2 Critical Care is increasingly standard.

4. Certifications

   • Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS) often preferred.

   • Board Certification in Critical Care Pharmacy (BCCCP) is a strong differentiator.

   • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) may be required or preferred.

   • Basic Life Support (BLS) almost always required.

Clinical Skills & Experience

1. Critical Care Experience

   • Experience working with ICU patients (medical, surgical, neuro, trauma, cardiac, etc.).

   • Competence with complex drug therapies: vasopressors, sedatives, anticoagulants, antibiotics, TPN, renal replacement therapy dosing, etc.

2. Collaborative Practice

   • Participates in multidisciplinary rounds with physicians, nurses, and RTs.

   • Strong clinical decision-making and patient assessment skills.

3. Emergency Response

   • Participation in Code Blue or rapid response teams.

   • Ability to manage acute medication needs under pressure.

Knowledge Areas

1. Drug Therapy Expertise

   • Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in critically ill patients.

   • Renal/hepatic dosing adjustments.

   • Ventilator, sedation, and analgesic protocols.

2. Medication Safety

   • IV compatibility and stability.

   • High-alert medication protocols.

   • Adverse drug event prevention and reporting.

Operational & Process Skills

1. Order Verification & Medication Review

   • Efficient and accurate order verification.

   • Ability to work autonomously during a 7-on shift.

2. Documentation & Informatics

   • Proficient with electronic medical records (EMR) and CPOE systems.

   • Familiar with computerized infusion devices and smart pumps.

3. Education & Precepting

   • Ability to educate staff, residents, or students.

   • May be required to precept pharmacy trainees.

️‍ Professional Attributes

1. Communication

   • Strong interpersonal communication with clinical teams.

   • Ability to succinctly convey drug recommendations in urgent situations.

2. Critical Thinking

   • Prioritization skills during multiple high-acuity cases.

   • Evidence-based practice and protocol development.

3. Scheduling Fit

   • Comfortable with extended shifts (often 10–12 hours) and rotating 7-day blocks.

   • Ability to maintain continuity of care during both day and night blocks.

Typical Work Setting

• Hospital ICU units:

  • Medical ICU (MICU)

  • Surgical ICU (SICU)

  • Neuro ICU

  • Cardiac ICU

  • Trauma ICU

• Some roles include on-call responsibilities during off blocks.

Summary Checklist

RequirementTypical ExpectationDegreePharmDLicenseState Pharmacist LicenseResidencyPGY-1 + PGY-2 Critical Care (ideal)Board CertBCCCP/BCPS (preferred)Life SupportBLS, ACLS, (PALS optional)ExperienceICU clinical experienceSkillsOrder verification, rounds participation, med safety