Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California is recruiting a Per Diem Clinical Pharmacist to join its hospital pharmacy team within the Desert Care Network — a three-hospital system serving the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin regions of Southern California. This role spans clinical, distributive, supervisory, and educational functions in a facility that houses a Level 1 Trauma Center, a comprehensive stroke program, a cancer center, and the only Level 3 NICU in the Coachella Valley. The position operates on a rotating shift schedule and offers a high-acuity, technology-forward practice environment for pharmacists who thrive in complex, multidisciplinary care settings.
Perks and Benefits
- Per diem employment with rotating shift flexibility
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (eligibility determined by employment status)
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
- Generous paid time off
- Health savings accounts; healthcare and dependent flexible spending accounts
- Career development and continuing education opportunities
- Employee Assistance Program and employee discount program
- Voluntary benefits: pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long-term care, elder and childcare assistance, auto and home insurance
Practice Highlights
- Part of Desert Care Network — a three-hospital system including Desert Regional Medical Center (Palm Springs), JFK Memorial Hospital (Indio), and Hi-Desert Medical Center (Joshua Tree)
- Level 1 Trauma Center on campus, supporting high-acuity and time-sensitive medication management
- Comprehensive stroke program and dedicated cancer center requiring specialized pharmacotherapy support
- Level 3 NICU — the only one in the Coachella Valley — with potential neonatal pharmacotherapy involvement
- Clinical pharmacist responsibilities include drug therapy assessment, therapeutic planning, ADR documentation, and medical record intervention documentation
- Oversight and mentorship of pharmacy technicians, pharmacy students, and pharmacy interns; contribution to department research for students and residents
- Compliance responsibilities encompass USP standards, California State Board of Pharmacy, DEA, CDPH, and Joint Commission medication management requirements
- Formulary management duties including awareness of hospital formulary, inventory, and drug shortage protocols
- Electronic documentation environment with familiarity in CPOE, Cerner, or equivalent systems preferred
- Rotating shifts including weekend availability; critical care staffing may require advanced life support certifications
Qualifications
- Pharm.D. degree from an accredited university required; RPh with extensive hospital experience may be considered
- Valid California Pharmacist license, maintained current at all times
- Minimum six months of hospital pharmacy or equivalent clinical practice experience
- Current American Heart Association BLS certification required within 30 days of hire
- If routinely assigned to critical care areas, one or more of the following certifications required within 90 days of hire: AHA ACLS, PALS, NRP, or S.T.A.B.L.E. (all maintained current)
- ASHP residency program completion preferred
- Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) certification or equivalent preferred
- Collaborative practice experience with protocol management skills preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and familiarity with CPOE or Cerner preferred
About the Community
Palm Springs sits at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains in the Coachella Valley — a desert resort community known for its year-round sunshine, mid-century modern architecture, world-class golf, and vibrant arts and dining scene. The region offers a lower cost of living relative to coastal Southern California metros, with easy access to Los Angeles (approximately two hours west) and San Diego. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, skiing at nearby Mountain High, and recreation along the Salton Sea, making the Coachella Valley a compelling destination for clinicians seeking both professional depth and quality of life.