A pediatric clinical pharmacist typically works in a children's unit or hospital. Their job is to provide clinical services, drug distribution and patient education or information. They work closely with physicians, nurses, psychologists, dietitians and other health care specialists to develop treatment protocols for patients and help train pharmacy students. Pediatric clinical pharmacists also check for drug compatibility and scale dosage according to a child's weight. They educate pediatric residents about medication choices and best practices. Pediatric clinical pharmacists stay up-to-date on the latest medications and practices for children by reading relevant literature, attending professional conferences and more.
Pediatric pharmacists specializing in the hematology and oncology field help treat children with cancer, leukemia and blood disorders. They work in a clinical care setting, with physicians, nurses and other health care providers. The primary responsibility of the job is to prepare and administer chemotherapy infusions and treatments. Pharmacists in the oncology field recommend optimal drug therapies, find ways to minimize negative side effects and are essential to developing cancer and disease management treatment protocols for patients. The job also involves educating cancer patients and their family members, as well as health care staff members. Pediatric hematology/oncology pharmacists also work as preceptors for pharmacy students, analyze cost-effective strategies and develop medication orders.
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has pediatric pharmacists on its medical team. Pharmacists work as specialists in working with premature infants who can weigh as little as one pound. They provide the clinical skills and support that is related to drugs and medications. Administering therapeutic drugs to newborns is a highly specialized field that requires expertise to scale dosages and drug concentration levels to precisely controlled amounts. They also manage continuous infusion delivery methods to help a child reach a healthy weight. NICU clinical specialists work closely with other members of a neonatal unit to provide clinical and general pediatric medical staff. They also work as part of the operational team and educate patient's families.