My Daily Routine as a Hospital Pharmacist in Australia

Working as a Clinical Pharmacist in Australian hospitals has always been a dream and it was quite a big struggle to achieve it. The role in an Australian hospital is of course so rewarding. The respect for your knowledge is immense and you have that moral satisfaction that you are practising your knowledge meaningfully. Working with generalist and specialist doctors is so fun and gratifying. After a few interview rejections, I landed my first clinical Pharmacist role at Swan Hill District Health of regional Victoria. I currently work as a Grade 2 Pharmacist at Northern Health, Melbourne.

What is a Hospital Pharmacist?

A hospital pharmacist is a healthcare professional who plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and effective use of medications in a hospital setting. They work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to optimise patient care.

By sharing a daily routine, I aim to offer insights into the diverse responsibilities and challenges faced by hospital pharmacists. This will help you understand the importance of their role and the valuable contributions they make to patient health and well-being.

I am also personally involved in designing and implementing policies and protocols to enhance quality in hospital practice and bring about the best patient safety and health outcomes in my daily practice. I have authored many consumer health information brochures, nurse education plans, and leaflets, designed continuing professional development modules for different stakeholders in a multidisciplinary health care professionals team, prepared various patient education brochures, a range of public health documents, authored conference abstracts as a part of my passion for public health research; prepared education monographs and variety of training materials for nurses, student, and intern pharmacists.

My Daily Routine at a Pharmacy Hospital

My workday begins with dispensing inpatient medications using i-Pharmacy software, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in medication management. I then attend the multidisciplinary team meetings, collaborating with nurses, doctors, physiotherapists, care coordinators, social workers, and exercise physiologists. These meetings offer a holistic view of the patients admitted each day, allowing me to contribute effectively to their care plans. My caseload often includes complex cases such as cardiovascular conditions, mental health concerns, paediatrics, and sepsis, requiring careful review of antimicrobial prescribing and other critical medications. Handling emergency cases is also a routine part of my role, keeping me engaged in fast-paced and high-stakes clinical decisions.

Performing pharmacist reviews, medication reconciliation, and pharmacist interventions are my daily responsibilities. On a typical day of dealing with and reviewing 30 patients, I prioritise my patients based on their healthcare needs, medical histories, and complex case histories. Advising doctors on selecting the best treatment regimens to bring about the best health care outcomes is my prime responsibility. I prepare in-patient medication management plans, discharge medication profiles with changes in medications, and a summary of information for patients to refer to upon discharge after a stay in the hospital.

Once the morning rounds are complete, I delve into my primary responsibilities. This includes reviewing and dispensing medications to ensure accuracy and safety. I also spend a significant amount of time counselling patients on their medication regimens. This involves explaining how to take their medications correctly, addressing any concerns or questions they may have, and providing information about potential side effects.

In addition to these tasks, I collaborate closely with doctors and nurses to develop and implement patient care plans. This involves discussing medication options, monitoring patient responses to treatment, and making adjustments as needed.

The Importance of Rest for Hospital Pharmacist Jobs

Taking a short break for lunch is essential to maintain focus and energy throughout the day. While I enjoy a quick meal, I also use this time to catch up on any missed calls or emails. It's important to stay refreshed and alert to ensure optimal patient care.

Afternoon Tasks of a Hospital Pharmacist

The afternoon brings more patient consultations and medication reviews. I continue to counsel patients on their medications, address their queries, and provide drug information. I also handle any medication-related issues that may arise during the day.

Depending on the hospital's specific needs and my area of expertise, I may also be involved in clinical trials or research activities. This could involve participating in studies to evaluate new medications or treatment approaches, or providing expert input on drug development and safety.

Wrapping Up the Day at a Pharmacy Hospital

As the day draws to a close, I ensure that all necessary documentation and patient records are updated and maintained. This includes documenting medication administration, patient responses to treatment, and any changes to care plans.

I also prepare for the next day's activities by reviewing the patient medication orders and ensuring that all necessary medications are available. This helps to ensure a smooth start to the following day.

Finally, I take some time to reflect on the day's accomplishments and challenges. This helps me identify areas for improvement and celebrate my successes.

Challenges and Rewards

While the life of a hospital pharmacist is incredibly fulfilling, it also presents its own challenges. Some common challenges I face include:

• Time constraints: The fast-paced environment of a hospital can often lead to time pressures. Balancing the demands of patient care, regulatory compliance, and professional development can be demanding.

• Medication errors: Preventing medication errors is a top priority for pharmacists. Ensuring that medications are prescribed, dispensed, and administered correctly requires constant vigilance and attention to detail.

• Complex patient cases: Many patients in hospitals have complex medical conditions and may require multiple medications. This can make it challenging to ensure that all medications are safe and effective for each patient.

However, the rewards of being a hospital pharmacist far outweigh the challenges. The satisfaction of knowing that I've helped patients improve their health and quality of life is truly priceless. Some of the personal rewards I derive from my role include:

• Making a difference: I have the opportunity to directly impact patients' lives by ensuring that they receive the appropriate medications and care.

• Continuous learning: The field of pharmacy is constantly evolving, and I am always learning new things. This keeps my job interesting and challenging.

• Collaboration: Working with a team of healthcare professionals is both rewarding and fulfilling. I enjoy collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other pharmacists to provide the best possible care for our patients.

A Career as a Hospital Pharmacist

A typical day as a hospital pharmacist is filled with variety, challenges, and immense satisfaction. From reviewing medication orders and dispensing medications to counselling patients and collaborating with healthcare providers, pharmacists play a vital role in ensuring patient safety and optimising treatment outcomes. You can start your career as a pharmacist intern and grow from there.

If you're passionate about healthcare and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, a career in hospital pharmacy could be the perfect fit for you. The opportunity to make a positive impact on patients' lives, combined with the intellectual stimulation and continuous learning opportunities, make this a rewarding and fulfilling profession.

I love what I am doing and feel proud of being and contributing to the profession as a clinical pharmacist where I can apply my education to improve the health and well-being of the community. Couldn't ask for more!!

Mr. Arief Mohammad is renowned for his excellent teaching skills and practice-based experience which can contribute to developing practice-based knowledge for a learner. He has been a practicing pharmacist in Australia for the last 5 years and has been a preceptor to several students and intern pharmacists.

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Arief Mohammad

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