Questions & Answers

Careers in Pharmacy

Why do pharmacists want to work for Children’s Hospital?
Pharmacists come to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC hoping to make an impact on a child’s life. Pharmacists at Children’s are also able to have a quality life and flexible scheduling and not just be a pill counter. You truly make a difference in our patients' and families' lives.

What is the work schedule like?
Pharmacists who work at Children’s Hospital typically work four 10-hour shifts. Pharmacists rotate working a day and an evening shift, as well as rotate working every third weekend. The early shift could start at 6 a.m., 7 a.m. or 8 a.m., working for 10 hours. The late shift works into the evenings starting at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. or noon, working for 10 hours. Other schedules, such as eight-hour shifts and night shifts, can be discussed with Pharmacy managers.

What is the environment like? 
The environment is fast-paced and with a high level of acuity. It is an intelligent and stimulating environment in which pharmacists can be challenged and put their skills and knowledge to use.    

How many pharmacists work in your department?
There is a total of 55 pharmacists on staff, comprised of full-time, part-time, casual and clinical pharmacists.

How is the Pharmacy set up?
The main dispensing pharmacy is on the 2nd floor, Main Tower, Purple Building. This is the area that dispenses the 24-hour supply of both oral and IV medications and TPN. There is an OR pharmacy on the 6th floor that services the OR from 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and a chemotherapy pharmacy on the 8th floor that prepares chemo for inpatients and outpatients. Currently there is a pharmacy on the 6th floor, separate from the OR pharmacy, which processes all STAT and first doses. This will be consolidated into the operations on the 2nd floor by March 2008.

Would I be considered if I only have a retail background?
Yes, you would be considered if you have only a retail background. Every employee hired by the Pharmacy Department at Children’s goes through training in the IV room, order verification and dispensing areas.

Is overtime available?
There are some opportunities for overtime, although it is not guaranteed.

Will I be rotated through all hospital pharmacy functions? 
Yes, this includes cart and Pyxis filling/checking; chemo prep and checking; IV and TPN functions; crash cart and other emergent med functions; and controlled substance dispensing.  Also, pharmacists only in very limited circumstances fill Pyxis machines, but they do check all of the drugs. The technicians fill the Pyxis machines.

What are some of the learning opportunities, for example, in-services, CEs, etc? 
The clinical staff tries to provide pertinent in-services on a monthly basis; CEs are provided by manufacturer reps on a limited basis.

Will I have any clinical opportunities, for example, attending rounds, working on clinical projects, etc.?
The clinical staff tries to provide pertinent in-service on a monthly basis; CEs are provided by manufacturer representatives on a limited basis.

How will the Pharmacy’s role and pharmacists' role expand upon moving to the new hospital?
Outpatient pharmacy will return, and there is a general consensus to move staff toward more clinical involvement. Pharmacy will be called upon more and more as new technological initiatives occur, such as the positive patient identification program.

How is Pharmacy perceived by other health professionals in the hospital?
The department is counted on heavily for medication-related quality assurance issues, as well as medication-related technological implementation. Pharmacy works closely with nursing, respiratory, physicians, dietary and other disciplines, such as social work. The clinical program has progressed to the point where it is looked upon as integral to patient care.

What will the new hospital be like?
The new Children’s Hospital is scheduled to open May 2009. Located in Lawrenceville, our main pharmacy will be 7,700 square feet on the 5th floor, and it will have windows. An outpatient pharmacy will be located on the ground floor.