Kristen Pasternak
Elizabeth,PA
Summary
Experienced Pharmacist specializing in mail-order and retail environments. Expertise in medication therapy management, collaborating with healthcare teams, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Proficient in prescription verification, drug utilization review, and medication counseling, committed to delivering safe and effective patient care.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Staff Pharmacist
Express Scripts
North Huntingdon, PA
01.2004 - Current
- Verified prescriptions for Express Scripts mail-order pharmacy patients.
- Reviewed and verified prescriptions for appropriate dosage, drug interactions or allergies.
- Worked with physicians to clarify prescriptions and update therapy plans.
- Dispensed medications using Express Scripts pharmacy systems and workflow protocols.
- Monitored drug interactions, allergies, and duplicate therapies during order review.
- Collaborated with physicians to provide patients with high quality and cost-effective medications.
- Provided medication counseling to patients on proper use, side effects, therapy adherence, and potential drug interactions.
- Maintained compliance with HIPAA, DEA, and pharmacy regulations.
- Ensured compliance with state laws, regulations and professional standards related to pharmacy practice.
- Supported pharmacy staff with accurate documentation and daily prescription processing.
- Utilized pharmaceutical software to process prescriptions and monitor drug interactions.
- Assisted in the selection, dosing, and administration of medications based on patient-specific factors.
- Monitored prescriptions to ensure safety by reporting therapeutic incompatibilities.
- Participated in continuing education to stay current with new medications, technology, and pharmacy practices.
- Attended Kaizen to assist in the development of Standard Work Instructions (SWI) for the Health Medical Questionnaire (HMQ) process.
- Served as an HMQ pharmacist subject matter expert for the North Huntingdon site, providing specialized knowledge.
- Trained HMQ technicians and conducted audits, offering feedback and resolving inquiries to enhance operational efficiency.
Staff Pharmacist
Eckerd Drug/Thrift Drug
White Oak, PA
05.1997 - 01.2004
- Dispensed prescriptions in retail pharmacy settings following state and federal regulations.
- Verified medication orders using pharmacy software and patient profile records.
- Reviewed prescriptions for interactions, allergies, and refill authorization issues.
- Interpreted physician prescriptions, prepared medications and provided appropriate counseling to patients.
- Consulted customers on dosage, side effects, and safe medication use.
- Provided patient education on proper use and potential side effects of medications.
- Assessed patient needs, recommended appropriate OTC products, and counseled customers on usage and dosage instructions.
- Coordinated with physicians and insurance providers to resolve prescription problems.
- Managed the daily workflow in the pharmacy, including ordering, stocking, dispensing and compounding medications.
- Supervised pharmacy technicians during workflow and prescription preparation.
- Maintained organized medication inventory to support efficient pharmacy operations.
- Evaluated prescription orders for accuracy prior to filling them out.
- Processed insurance claims accurately and efficiently using available software systems.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws and regulations related to pharmacy operations.
- Ordered supplies according to expected pharmacy needs.
- Monitored safety standards within the pharmacy environment ensuring adherence to safety protocols.
- Maintained controlled substance records and secure inventory in community pharmacy operations.
- Provided guidance to support staff members regarding technical aspects of the job.
- Secured drugs against theft, loss, or mismanagement by setting and enforcing effective procedures.
Pharmacy Intern
Pharmor Pharmacy
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
01.1993 - 05.1997
- Supported pharmacists at Pharmor Pharmacy with prescription preparation and verification.
- Processed insurance claims and prescription billing using pharmacy software.
- Used pharmacy software to verify prescription and insurance information.
- Interpreted and processed medication orders under the supervision of a pharmacist.
- Prepared compounded medications following pharmacy procedures and dosage instructions under pharmacist supervision.
- Monitored patient safety through review of medication profiles for drug interactions, allergies, therapeutic duplication and other potential problems.
- Managed inventory, restocked supplies, and conducted expiration checks to ensure availability of essential pharmacy products.
- Assisted in preparing medications by counting, pouring, labeling and verifying doses.
- Assisted patients with medication questions and pickup support at the pharmacy counter.
- Delivered personable customer service at pharmacy drop-off and pick-up counters.
- Educated patients regarding proper use of their medication.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of work areas to maintain a safe and efficient pharmacy environment.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
- Entered the patient's information into the computer system and updated the existing data.
- Supported timely and proper processing of prescriptions in collaboration with healthcare professionals.
- Inspected packages and medication bottles for accurate labeling prior to patient distribution.
Industrial Hygiene Technician
United States Department of Energy
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
06.1992 - 05.1997
- Conducted industrial hygiene surveys at Department of Energy facilities to identify health hazards and ensure compliance.
- Inspected ventilation systems for workplace health hazards.
- Documented findings in DOE safety records and compliance reports to support regulatory adherence and safety improvements.
- Documented results from field surveys, laboratory analyses and other data collection methods.
- Inspected job sites for hazardous conditions, excessive noise and PPE use.
- Provided training to personnel on proper use of personal protective equipment.
- Contributed to development of safety policies and procedures for hazardous materials, enhancing workplace safety standards.
- Assisted in drafting Standard Operating Procedures for various programs and survey equipment.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
Duquesne University
Pittsburgh, PA05-1997
Skills
- Prescription verification
- Medication dispensing
- Drug interaction review
- Medication therapy management
- Medication counseling
- Regulatory compliance
- Controlled substance compliance
- Pharmacy software
- Pharmacy benefit management
- Detail orientation
- Committed to quality assurance
- Medication reconciliation
Timeline
Staff Pharmacist
Express Scripts
01.2004 - Current
Staff Pharmacist
Eckerd Drug/Thrift Drug
05.1997 - 01.2004
Pharmacy Intern
Pharmor Pharmacy
01.1993 - 05.1997
Industrial Hygiene Technician
United States Department of Energy
06.1992 - 05.1997
Bachelor of Science - Pharmacy
Duquesne University