Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist - Relief
Company : Oregon Health & Science University
Location : Portland, OR, 97201
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 12 January 2026
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
- Identifies, resolves and documents complex therapeutic problems, demonstrating advanced knowledge and application of this knowledge to a specific patient population.
- 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.
- 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.
- Directs the work of students/residents and monitors and evaluates their performance.
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.
Assists in the development of treatment guidelines to be used in patients with specific diagnosis. Documents activities in the patient medical record, pharmacy monitoring profile, drug use evaluation data collection or adverse drug reaction reporting program.
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.
Participates in both intra and interdepartmental education programs; participates in the development of peers.
Required Qualifications
- A current Pharmacist’s license issued by the Oregon State Board of Pharmacy.
- BS in Pharmacy or Pharm.D. PLUS Practice Residency or Specialist Certification (BCPS, BCOPS, etc)
- 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 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
A Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist - Relief tailors drug therapy by considering age-specific factors, from neonates to adolescents, ensuring safe and effective medication use. In Portland’s healthcare settings, this involves analyzing developmental pharmacokinetics and collaborating with pediatric teams to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
While a pharmacist license is mandatory, certifications such as BCPS or BCOP significantly enhance expertise in pediatric clinical pharmacy. In Oregon, these credentials often lead to higher trust from medical peers and better career opportunities within pediatric specialties.
Relief pharmacists juggle dynamic clinical decisions across age groups and settings, often stepping in during peak demand. Unlike static roles, they must rapidly interpret complex medication orders, provide immediate consultations, and adapt to evolving pediatric care protocols.
Portland shows a steady demand for pediatric pharmacy specialists due to its robust pediatric healthcare infrastructure. Oregon Health & Science University attracts top candidates, making competition moderately high but rewarding for those with specialized pediatric credentials.
Relief Pediatric Clinical Pharmacists in Portland typically earn between $110,000 and $135,000 annually, influenced by experience, certifications, and the complexity of pediatric care settings. These figures reflect the region’s healthcare demand and cost of living.
OHSU fosters continuous learning through interdisciplinary education, research collaborations, and access to advanced EMR systems. Pediatric Clinical Pharmacists benefit from peer mentorship and involvement in developing treatment guidelines tailored to diverse pediatric populations.
At OHSU, relief pharmacists must navigate high-intensity environments with frequent interruptions and complex pediatric cases spanning neonates to elderly adults. Balancing multiple stakeholder demands while ensuring precise drug therapy decisions is a distinctive challenge here.
Candidates must hold a valid Oregon pharmacist license, which mandates passing state-specific jurisprudence exams and maintaining continuing education. Compliance ensures pharmacists meet Oregon's clinical standards, particularly important in pediatric medication safety.
OHSU emphasizes collaborative decision-making, where pharmacists act as drug therapy experts partnering closely with physicians and nurses. This teamwork culture enhances patient outcomes and allows relief pharmacists to contribute meaningfully despite variable schedules.
Portland’s traffic patterns and public transit options can affect shift punctuality, especially during peak hours. Pharmacists living closer to OHSU enjoy greater schedule flexibility and reduced stress, making commute considerations vital when accepting relief assignments.