17 Inpatient Pharmacist Interview Questions and Answers

Inpatient pharmacists are responsible for providing medication and other pharmaceutical services to patients in a hospital setting. This includes preparing and dispensing medication, collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to create and monitor patient care plans, and providing education to patients and their families.

If you’re looking for a job as an inpatient pharmacist, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. In this article, we’ll provide you with some common interview questions and answers that you can use to help you prepare.

Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where you may have multiple patients to oversee at once?

Inpatient pharmacists often work in a fast-paced environment where they may have to manage multiple patients at once. Employers ask this question to make sure you are comfortable with this type of work environment and that you can handle it well. In your answer, try to show that you enjoy working in a busy environment and that you know how to multitask effectively.

Example: “I am definitely comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. Throughout my career as an inpatient pharmacist, I’ve had to oversee multiple patients at the same time. This has helped me develop excellent multitasking skills. I feel confident that I can continue to perform well in this type of work environment if hired.”

What are some of the most important qualities for an inpatient pharmacist to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you possess the necessary skills and abilities to succeed in this role. When answering, it can be helpful to mention a few of your most important qualities and how they benefit you as an inpatient pharmacist.

Example: “The two most important qualities for an inpatient pharmacist are attention to detail and communication skills. In my experience, these have been the most useful skills I’ve used when working with patients who may not understand their medication or what side effects they might experience. Being able to explain things clearly and thoroughly has helped me build trust with many patients and families.”

How would you handle a situation where a patient was refusing to take their medication?

Inpatient pharmacists may encounter patients who refuse to take their medication. Employers ask this question to make sure you have the interpersonal skills necessary to convince a patient to take their medicine. In your answer, explain how you would use your communication and problem-solving skills to help the patient understand why they need to take their medication.

Example: “I would first try to talk with the patient about why they need to take their medication. I would also try to find out what is making them uncomfortable about taking their medication. If the patient still refuses to take their medication after our conversation, I would call in the physician to discuss the situation. The physician can give the patient more information about why they need to take their medication. This helps me avoid having to involve security.”

What is your process for ensuring that the hospital’s drug inventory is properly managed?

Inpatient pharmacists are responsible for managing the hospital’s drug inventory. This includes ensuring that there is enough of each medication to meet patient demand and that all medications are stored properly. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to manage a large amount of information, prioritize tasks and ensure that you follow protocols.

Example: “I have developed several processes over my career to help me manage the hospital’s drug inventory. I use computer software to track which drugs we have in stock and how much of each drug we have on hand. I also use this software to record when new shipments arrive so that I can verify that they contain what was ordered. Finally, I conduct random audits of our supply to make sure that everything is accounted for.”

Provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to help a patient and improve their quality of life.

This question is a great way to show your interviewer that you are passionate about helping others and improving their lives. When answering this question, it can be helpful to think of an example from your previous experience where you helped someone who was struggling with a health condition or illness.

Example: “When I worked as an inpatient pharmacist at the hospital, I had a patient who came into the pharmacy every day for his medication. He would come in early in the morning before work and then again after work. One day, he told me that he was having trouble getting off of work to get his medications because he was working extra hours. I spoke with my supervisor and we decided to give him more time between doses so that he could take them later in the evening when he got home from work.”

If a new patient was admitted and you were unsure about how to start managing their medication, how would you address the issue?

This question can help the interviewer assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work independently. Your answer should demonstrate that you are willing to ask for help when needed, but also show that you have the confidence to start managing a patient’s medication without any prior knowledge of their medical history.

Example: “If I were unsure about how to manage a new patient’s medication, I would first speak with my supervisor or other senior members of staff who may be able to provide me with some guidance. If they’re unavailable, I would try to find out as much information about the patient as possible from their doctor or nurses so I could begin researching their medications on my own.”

What would you do if you noticed that a patient’s medication label was filled out incorrectly by a nurse or doctor?

Inpatient pharmacists often work with other medical professionals to ensure that patients receive the correct medications and dosages. Interviewers want to know how you would handle this situation in a way that is professional but also ensures that the patient receives their medication as prescribed.

Example: “I have worked with many nurses and doctors throughout my career, so I understand that it can be challenging for them to fill out all of the information on a prescription label correctly. If I noticed an error while checking a patient’s medication record, I would first ask the nurse or doctor if they could fix the mistake before I had to contact the patient’s physician. If they were unable to do so, I would call the physician immediately and explain the situation. They may need to come into the hospital to change the prescription themselves.”

How well do you perform under pressure? Can you provide an example of a time when you had a tight deadline to meet?

Inpatient pharmacists often have tight deadlines to meet, and employers ask this question to learn more about your ability to work under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific time you had a deadline and how you met it.

Example: “I am very good at managing my time and meeting deadlines. In my last position, I was responsible for filling prescriptions on the evening shift, which meant that sometimes I would have to fill several hundred prescriptions in one night. While this could be stressful, I always made sure to prioritize tasks and check with other pharmacists if I needed help.”

Do you have any experience working with patients who speak different languages?

Inpatient pharmacists often work with patients who speak different languages. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience working with people from other cultures and backgrounds. Use your answer to explain that you are willing to learn new languages if necessary. Explain that you can use a translator or online resources to help communicate with patients.

Example: “I do not speak any foreign languages, but I am open to learning them. In my previous position, I worked with many Spanish-speaking patients. I used Google Translate to communicate with these patients when needed. I also asked the patient’s family members for assistance in translating. This allowed me to understand what the patient was experiencing and how best to treat their symptoms.”

When administering a new medication to a patient for the first time, what is your process for ensuring that it’s administered correctly?

Inpatient pharmacists are responsible for administering medications to patients, so interviewers may ask this question to assess your skills in this area. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific process you use when administering new medications and the steps you take to ensure that they’re administered correctly.

Example: “When I administer a new medication to a patient for the first time, I always make sure to speak with them about any questions or concerns they have about taking the medication. I also review all of the instructions provided by the prescribing physician before administering the medication. Finally, I double-check the dosage and route of administration before giving the medication to the patient.”

We want to improve our patient satisfaction scores. What would you do to make sure that patients are happy with the level of care they receive?

Inpatient pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the right medications and dosages. They also need to ensure that their patients understand how to take their medications properly. Interviewers ask this question to make sure you have a plan in place to improve patient satisfaction scores. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to ensure that patients feel comfortable with their care.

Example: “I believe that one of the best ways to improve patient satisfaction is by making sure they understand their medications. I always try to speak directly with patients about their prescriptions. If they have any questions or concerns, I am more than happy to address them. I also provide written instructions on how to take their medications so they can refer back to it if needed.”

Describe your process for monitoring a patient’s response to a new medication.

Inpatient pharmacists must monitor their patients’ responses to medications and adjust dosages as needed. This question helps the interviewer assess your ability to work with other medical professionals, such as physicians or nurses, and understand how you would use your expertise to ensure that a patient is receiving the correct dosage of medication.

Example: “I first ask the physician what they expect from the new medication and whether there are any side effects we should be aware of. I then review the patient’s current medication list and compare it to the new medication. If the patient has been taking multiple medications for an extended period of time, I may need to gradually reduce one or more of those medications before starting them on the new medication.

Once I have determined which medications can be reduced or eliminated, I discuss my plan with the physician and make sure they approve. Once I have all of this information, I begin administering the new medication and closely monitor the patient’s response. If the patient experiences any adverse reactions, I will immediately notify the physician so they can take appropriate action.”

What makes you the best candidate for this inpatient pharmacist position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you can contribute to their team. Before your interview, make a list of all the skills and experiences that make you an ideal candidate for this role. Consider including any certifications or education credentials you have as well as any past work experience.

Example: “I am passionate about helping others through my career in pharmacy. I believe that I would be a great fit for this position because I have extensive knowledge of medications and treatments. In addition, I am highly organized and detail-oriented which makes me a great choice for working with patients who need help managing their medication regimens.”

Which areas of pharmacy are you most passionate about?

This question can help the interviewer determine if your interests align with those of their facility. It also helps them understand what you might be most excited to talk about in an interview and how passionate you are about your work. When answering this question, it can be helpful to mention a few areas that you enjoy working in and why.

Example: “I am passionate about helping patients find solutions to their health issues. I love being able to use my knowledge of medications and drug interactions to create personalized treatment plans for each patient. In my last role, I helped a patient who was struggling with depression find the right medication for them. After two weeks on the new medication, they were feeling much better and had even started going out more often. Seeing improvements like that makes me feel good about my job.”

What do you think is the most challenging part of being an inpatient pharmacist?

Interviewers may ask this question to see if you are aware of the challenges that come with being an inpatient pharmacist. They want to make sure you understand what it’s like working in this role and whether or not you’re prepared for these challenges. When answering this question, try to be honest about your thoughts on the most challenging aspects of this job.

Example: “The most challenging part of being an inpatient pharmacist is having to work under pressure. In my previous position as a community pharmacist, I rarely had to worry about patients missing their medication doses. However, when working in an inpatient setting, there are often many factors that can cause stress, such as patient confusion and emergencies. I am ready to handle these situations and do whatever it takes to ensure patients receive the care they need.”

How often do you communicate with outside vendors to ensure that the hospital has an adequate drug supply?

Inpatient pharmacists often work with vendors to ensure that the hospital has an adequate supply of drugs. This question helps employers determine how you handle working with outside vendors and suppliers. In your answer, explain what steps you take to communicate with vendors and suppliers.

Example: “I have a vendor management system where I can track all incoming shipments from our primary supplier as well as any other vendors we use. If there is ever a shortage or delay in shipment, I contact the vendor immediately to find out why. Sometimes it’s just a matter of rescheduling delivery times, but sometimes it means finding a new supplier. Either way, I always make sure that my team has enough supplies to meet patient needs.”

There is a nationwide shortage of a certain medication that a patient needs. How would you address the issue?

This question is a great way to test your problem-solving skills and ability to work with other healthcare professionals. When answering this question, it can be helpful to explain the steps you would take to find an alternative medication or solution that works for the patient.

Example: “I have had this situation happen in my previous position as an inpatient pharmacist. The shortage was of a certain type of insulin, which meant we could not give our patients their usual dosage. I worked closely with the hospital’s medical team to come up with a plan to administer smaller doses of insulin until we were able to get more supplies. This helped ensure that our patients did not experience any complications from the shortage.”