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Inpatient Pharmacist - Relief
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 31 December 2025
Department Overview
The purpose of this position is to provide the services of a licensed pharmacist which includes the responsibility for the safe and proper distribution and use of drugs in inpatients and outpatients who range in age from neonates, infants less than one year of age, children and adolescents ages 10-18, adults ages 19-65 and the elderly over age 65. This position is to function at higher decision making levels regarding drug therapy, proactively affecting drug use by making recommendations at the time prescribing decisions are being made or, in some cases, making independent decisions about drug therapy in cooperation with other health team members.This is a flexible model where traditionally centralized functions, such as order entry/verifications, will become part of decentralized practice as the technology associated with patient care evolves.
Function/Duties of Position
- Interprets and evaluates physician's orders and prescriptions for accuracy, completeness and appropriateness. Verify the accuracy and appropriateness of medications prepared and dispensed from the central pharmacy. Supervise the activities and assume responsibility for all duties being performed by pharmacy technicians in your work areas.
- Identifies, resolves and documents complex therapeutic problems, demonstrating advanced knowledge and application of this knowledge to a specific patient population.
- Monitors therapeutic response and adverse effects of medications to guide drug therapy. Consults with provider when questions or problems are identified. Appropriately reports all adverse drug reactions, drug defects, and medication errors.
- Influences standards of therapy by forming peer level relationships with attending medical staff members; is recognized as a drug authority in a specialized practice area by physicians, nurses and pharmacists.
- Responds accurately to requests for drug information from physicians, nurses, patients and patient's families; independently reviews and interprets the literature and applies this information to specific patient care situations.
- Directs the work of students/residents and monitors and evaluates their performance.
Required Qualifications
- BS in Pharmacy or Pharm.D. PLUS Practice Residency or Specialist Certification (BCPS, BCOPS, etc)
- Licensure in the State of Oregon - Pharmacist
- Inpatient hospital pharmacy practice
Job Related Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Competencies):
- Pharmaceutical care principles Age-related modification of drug therapy
- Disease-related modification of drug therapy
- Contemporary medication use systems
- Interpersonal, formal and informal communication, including presentations
- Project management concepts
- Systematic problem solving
- Computer skills including use of the EMR, and common word processing, spreadsheet, and databases
Preferred Qualifications
- PGY-2 Specialty Residency BLS/ACLS certification Vaccination certification
- Specialist Certifications (BCPS, BCOPS, etc)
Additional Details
The pharmacist will experience competing demands from nurses, physicians, pharmacy staff and other healthcare professionals, as they attempt to influence clinical decision-making, clinical policies and practices and work flow. The pharmacist must deal with intense situations on a daily basis. In addition, within the healthcare setting there can be significant lack of control over the work pace, with frequent interruptions (work is often dictated by external factors) that may lead to mental fatigue or stress. All relief staff are required to provide shift availability for a minimum of four days per pay period and must include at least two weekend days of availability per month (chosen from their assigned X or Y assigned weekend).
All are welcome
Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.Related Jobs
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Frequently asked questions
Portland's healthcare sector shows a steady need for inpatient pharmacists, driven by hospitals like Oregon Health & Science University. The demand balances with a growing emphasis on specialized pharmaceutical care, making timely certification and residency completion valuable for candidates aiming to stand out locally.
Hospitals in Oregon, including OHSU, prioritize credentials like BCPS and BCOP, reflecting advanced expertise in clinical pharmacy. Additionally, specialized training such as PGY-2 residencies and certifications in BLS/ACLS enhance a pharmacist’s profile for inpatient roles within regional healthcare systems.
Relief inpatient pharmacists must excel in rapid decision-making and adaptability, often handling fluctuating workloads across multiple shifts. Strong communication with multidisciplinary teams and proficiency in EMR systems are critical, ensuring safe medication management in dynamic hospital environments.
This role can be a gateway to specialized clinical positions or leadership roles within pharmacy departments. Relief pharmacists gain diverse clinical exposure, which supports pursuit of specialist certifications and involvement in policy-making, thereby expanding their professional trajectory in hospital pharmacy.
Day-to-day involves verifying physician orders, monitoring patient responses to therapies, and overseeing pharmacy technician activities. Relief pharmacists must swiftly resolve medication issues while collaborating with medical staff, often adapting to interruptions and urgent clinical demands within hospital settings.
At OHSU, relief pharmacists engage with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment emphasizing patient-centered care. The role demands clinical expertise alongside flexibility to manage diverse cases, contributing to evolving medication use systems and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
OHSU offers access to advanced training, including specialty residencies and certifications, encouraging pharmacists to maintain cutting-edge clinical skills. The inclusive work culture promotes mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and opportunities to influence therapeutic standards within inpatient care.
In Portland, an inpatient relief pharmacist usually earns between $120,000 and $135,000 annually. Salary varies based on experience, certifications like BCPS, and hospital demand. Compensation often reflects the high responsibility and dynamic workload associated with inpatient pharmacy roles.
Inpatient relief roles require more acute clinical decision-making within hospital settings, often involving complex drug therapies and collaboration with medical teams. Outpatient pharmacist jobs focus on ambulatory care and chronic disease management, with typically more predictable workflows and patient interactions.
Portland’s healthcare institutions emphasize inclusive, team-oriented environments with a strong focus on diversity and continuous education. The city’s progressive approach shapes a collaborative culture where pharmacists actively partake in clinical decisions, reflecting broader community values and patient care standards.