Clinical Pharmacist

JOB SUMMARY:

* Clinical pharmacists fill orders for medications, monitor patient medication therapies, provide drug information, and supervise and direct support personnel. In the absence of the pharmacy manager, a clinical pharmacist may be required to assume the essential responsibilities and perform the duties of the pharmacy manager. Experience, residency, or an interest in working with neonatal and/or pediatric patients would be preferred.
* Minimum of 37.5 hours per week, but additional hours may include evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary

QUALIFICATIONS:

JOB SPECIFIC CORE COMPETENCIES:

* Medications
* Pharmacology
* Sterile Compounding
* Pharmaceutical Calculations

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Interprets medication orders (verbal and written) and transcribes to computerized patient medication profiles accurately; maintains accurate, complete patient medication profiles.
* Prepares and dispenses medications, including sterile, chemotherapy, and parenteral nutrition preparations safely and accurately using appropriate techniques.
* Issues controlled substances to patient care areas and maintains records as required by law.
* Monitors medication therapy regimens for contraindications, drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, drug-laboratory test interactions, allergies, appropriateness of drug and dose, and therapeutic duplications.
* Assists with pharmacokinetics consult service and drug dosing per organizational protocol. Reviews/interprets culture and susceptibility data for antibiotic appropriateness and recommends changes as needed.
* Reads, extracts, and interprets information in patient charts accurately.
* Detects and reports suspected adverse drug reactions and medication errors accurately and in a timely manner.
* Sustains the formulary by minimizing nonformulary procurements, utilizing therapeutic substitution protocols, and promoting rational medication therapy selection.
* Provides clinical consultation and clarification to practitioners; recommends evidence-based medication therapy regimens and monitoring plans; and suggests appropriate, cost-effective therapeutic alternatives to medical staff as needed.
* Provides accurate, adequate, and timely drug information to the professional staff.
* Provides drug information to patients and their families.
* Documents all clinical activities and interventions accurately and completely.
* Participates in the quality improvement and medication-use review activities of the department; collects data; conducts quality monitors and inspections; and maintains logs, records, and other documentation as assigned.
* Participates in the development and presentation of orientation, education, and training programs to the pharmacy, medical, nursing, and other staffs.
* Supervises and directs pharmacy support personnel; verifies the daily activities of pharmacy technicians; and participates in the performance appraisal of pharmacy support personnel. Works independently with minimal supervision; organizes and prioritizes work assignments; and ensures pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner.
* Completes and documents inspections of all assigned medication storage areas at least monthly; identifies and replaces outdated and unusable medications.
* Answers the telephone, identifying self and department; directs calls to appropriate personnel; and answers requests at the retail counter.
* Keeps pharmacy areas and equipment clean, neat, and well-organized.
* Performs essential duties of the pharmacy director in his or her absence.
* Patient chart reviews and rounds
* Medication Reconciliation - this is a review of the home med list that is collected for each new admission.\
* Discharge medication review and education
* Clinical projects as assigned
* ADR monitoring and prevention development

EXPECTED BEHAVIORS:

* Maintains current pharmacist licensure.
* Attends pharmacy staff meetings, orientation, education, and training programs; reviews literature and other materials pertinent to the practice of pharmacy and completes all competence/skills assessment requirements.
* Is punctual and dependable; reports to work as scheduled; fulfills on-call obligations per prearranged schedule; absenteeism and tardiness are within policy guidelines.
* Maintains a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance; observes pharmacy dress code; and wears identification badge at all times.
* Performs work within specified time frames; adapts positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload and/or work schedule.
* Provides courteous, cooperative, and timely service to patients, visitors, and staff members; demonstrates good oral and written communication.
* Works cooperatively with all staff members; voices concerns and suggestions to appropriate persons in a positive manner.
* Demonstrates sound professional judgment consistent with clinical/academic background. Maintains strict confidentiality of patient, visitor, and employee information; complies with the HIPAA Privacy Rule standards.
* Fosters a team environment by providing orientation and training to new team members; assists coworkers in tasks, as time permits.
* Adheres to health-system and departmental policies and procedures; complies with all requirements related to risk management, safety, medication-use safety, security, fire safety, and infection control; and complies with all applicable federal/state/local laws, rules, and regulations.
* Performance demonstrates efforts to improve patient satisfaction, lower costs, improve quality, and promote safety.
* Understands and meets customers' needs and expectations; the patient and family members always come first.
* Demonstrates the ability to address problems in a group setting using tools and techniques for identification and resolution of problems.
* Demonstrates the values and behaviors of the organization.