What is a Pediatric Pharmacist Job?
Pediatric pharmacists are professionals who specialize in the medication needs of children. These professionals provide medication management services for infants, children, and adolescents. They work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Pediatric pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring that children receive safe and effective medication therapy.
What Usually Do in This Position?
Pediatric pharmacists collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement medication management plans for pediatric patients. They review medication orders, assess drug interactions, and monitor patients for adverse effects. Additionally, they educate parents, caregivers, and patients on medication use and safety. Pediatric pharmacists are also responsible for compounding and dispensing medications, as well as maintaining accurate medication records.
Top 5 Skills for Position
1. Attention to Detail: Pediatric pharmacists must have excellent attention to detail to ensure that medication orders are accurate and appropriate for the patient's age, weight, and medical condition.
2. Communication Skills: Good communication skills are essential for pediatric pharmacists to effectively educate patients and caregivers on medication use and safety.
3. Analytical Skills: Pediatric pharmacists must have strong analytical skills to assess medication orders, identify drug interactions, and monitor patients for adverse effects.
4. Teamwork: Pediatric pharmacists often work as part of a healthcare team, so they must have strong teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals.
5. Problem-Solving: Pediatric pharmacists need to be able to identify and resolve medication-related problems that arise during patient care.
How to Become a Pediatric Pharmacist?
To become a pediatric pharmacist, you must first earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college or university. After completing your degree, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) to obtain your pharmacy license. To specialize in pediatric pharmacy, you can complete a pediatric pharmacy residency or fellowship program.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacists, in general, was $128,090 as of May 2020. The average salary for pediatric pharmacists may vary depending on the employer, location, and level of experience.
Roles and Types
Pediatric pharmacists can work in a variety of roles and settings, including hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. Some pediatric pharmacists specialize in specific areas, such as oncology or critical care. Others work in research or academia.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
The demand for pediatric pharmacists is high in many parts of the United States. Some of the states with the highest demand for pediatric pharmacists include California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Pennsylvania.
What are the Typical Tools
Pediatric pharmacists use a variety of tools to perform their job duties, including computer systems for medication order entry and drug interaction checking. They also use various medical reference texts, such as the Pediatric Dosage Handbook and the Harriet Lane Handbook.
In Conclusion
Pediatric pharmacists play a crucial role in ensuring that children receive safe and effective medication therapy. They work in various healthcare settings and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to develop and implement medication management plans for pediatric patients. To become a pediatric pharmacist, you must earn a PharmD degree, obtain your pharmacy license, and complete a pediatric pharmacy residency or fellowship program. The demand for pediatric pharmacists is high in many parts of the United States, and the average salary may vary depending on the employer, location, and level of experience.