Pharmacists in hospitals and clinics dispense medications and advise the medical staff on the selection and effects of drugs. They may make sterile solutions, buy medical supplies, teach health professions students, and perform administrative duties. They also may be involved in patient education, monitoring of drug regimens, and drug use evaluation. In addition, pharmacists work as consultants to the medical team on drug therapy and patient care. Their role is crucial to safe, efficient, and proper therapeutic care.
Some pharmacists prepare and dispense radioactive pharmaceuticals.
Called radiopharmacists or nuclear pharmacists, they apply the principles and practices of pharmacy and radiochemistry to produce radioactive drugs that are used for patient diagnosis and therapy. Shelves are lined with hundreds of different drug products. Pharmacists spend a lot of time on their feet. When working with potentially dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists must take the proper safety precautions, such as wearing gloves and masks and working with special protective equipment. Because pharmacies in many communities and hospitals are open around the clock, pharmacists in those settings may have to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.