They also monitor drug regimens, advise patients on the use of drugs when they are discharged from the hospital, and evaluate drug use patterns in the hospital. P harmacists who work in home health care prepare medications for use in the home and monitor drug therapy. M ost pharmacists keep computerized records of patients' drug therapies to ensure that harmful drug interactions do not occur. They may also teach health professions students. S ome pharmacists specialize in specific aspects of drug therapy, such as drugs for psychiatric disorders, intravenous nutrition, or the diagnostic use of radiopharmaceuticals.
Many pharmacists spend most of their time on their feet.
When working with potentially dangerous or sterile pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear gloves and masks and work with special protective equipment. Many community and hospital pharmacies are open long hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Pharmacists who consult may travel to nursing homes or other facilities. About 1 out of 6 pharmacists worked part time in 1994. Most full-time salaried pharmacists worked about 40 hours a week.