Nuclear Pharmacist

Responsible for the daily operation of the Nuclear Pharmacy.  Performs radiation safety, acts as a lead employee, distributes information and radiopharmaceuticals, transcribes orders, performs assays, procures radiopharmaceuticals, assists in quality assurance, maintains records, and participates in emergency call. 

Duties:

• Radiation Safety. Acts as the day-to-day radiation safety officer. 
• Lead Employee. Acts as the lead nuclear pharmacist.  Assists in the training and supervision of assigned personnel in the safe handling of radioactive materials.  May instruct interns and other medical personnel on matters pertaining to nuclear pharmacy and teach courses in the College of Pharmacy. 
• Information Distribution. Provides information to physicians and other staff members on the availability of new pharmaceuticals, radiopharmaceuticals, and supplies, and their warnings, incompatibilities, etc.  Verbally explains directions for prescription use to nuclear medicine technologists and patients.
• Radiopharmaceutical Distribution. Dispenses radiopharmaceuticals pursuant to a prescription issued by the physician or their directives.  Fills and dispenses prescriptions from bulk stock in sterile form if injectable.  Coordinates the distribution of dispensed radiopharmaceuticals to specific hospitals or clinics while complying with local, state, and federal regulations relating to the delivery of hazardous materials.   
• Transcription. Receives and transcribes radiopharmaceutical orders from clients.  Determines the appropriateness of the prescription as to its intended use, dosage, route of administration, patient information, prescriber, and institution.  Selects the appropriate pre-formulated radiopharmaceutical or formulates based on the prescription needed.  Calculates the activity and volume needed for the dose. 
• Assays. Assays, measures, weighs, and compounds radiopharmaceuticals through such processes as filtering, heating, titrating, or distilling to prepare the radiopharmaceutical according to standard formulas. 
• Radiopharmaceutical Procurement. Receives and procures Radiopharmaceuticals. Maintains inventory of radiopharmaceuticals and other supplies, storing under proper conditions of refrigeration and security. Follows procedures for opening and receiving radiopharmaceuticals with respect to surveys, wipe tests, package storage and disposal, and maintains receiving log. 
• Quality Assurance. Assists in the performance of quality assurance on radiopharmaceuticals, instruments, and equipment.  Assists in the design for minimal exposure to radiation.  Performs area surveys, area wipe tests, and bioassays. 
• Record Maintenance. Maintains records of all prescriptions filled.  Maintains all records pertaining to OSBP, DOT, NRC, OSHA, and FDA. 
• Emergency Call. Participates in emergency calls after normal business hours on a rotating schedule. 
• As Needed.  Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy or PharmD

• 24 months experience in a nuclear pharmacy.

Certifications / Licenses:  Must be a licensed Pharmacist by the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy or obtain licensure within 90 days of hire.  Must possess or be able to obtain an Oklahoma Preceptor’s license by the Oklahoma State Board of Pharmacy within one year of hire.

Preferred: Board Certification in Nuclear Pharmacy (BCNP)

Skills:

• Advanced knowledge of how to compound radiopharmaceuticals and how the radiopharmaceutical is processed
• Ability to follow prescription recordkeeping required by the State and Federal government
• Proficient computer skills
• Detail oriented for accuracy of data and information
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing
• Ability to accurately read and understand written materials and instructions
• Ability to build a rapport with students, faculty, and staff
• Strong initiative to solve problems
• Customer service
• Ability to supervise, communicate directions, and expectations

Working Conditions:

• Physical: Manual dexterity. Standing for prolonged periods. Reaching, bending, stooping, speaking, and listening.  Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Environmental: Exposure to chemicals and radioactive materials

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