Lead Pharmacist

Purpose:

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is internationally recognized for its leadership in the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer and is the region's only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute.

As the preeminent institution in western Pennsylvania for the delivery of cancer care, the performance of basic, translational, and clinical research, and the education of the next generation of cancer researchers and physicians, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is exceptionally well-positioned to contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of cancer.

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is currently hiring for a Regular Full-Time Lead Pharmacist to support our Erie Network office located in Erie, PA. This position will work a Monday through Friday daylight schedule and may float to other local offices as needed.

The incumbent will ensure the timely provision of cost-effective drug therapy contributing to optimal patient outcomes, provide experimental education for present and future health care practitioners, and support drug-related research.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the daily activities of the pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in their area of practice/responsibility.

• Demonstrate a service orientation toward patients, staff and visitors.

• Coach and mentor their staff through feedback, positive discipline and performance evaluations.

• Direct and schedule personnel assigned to their team.

• Authorize extra hours and overtime as required.

• Develop workflow guidelines, policies and procedures, and other necessary tools (assignment sheets, scheduling, etc.) to maximize productivity and standardize practices in the department and/or practice area.

• Develop workflow guidelines, policies and procedures, and other necessary tools (assignment sheets, scheduling, etc.) to maximize productivity and standardize practices in the department and/or practice area.

• Work collaboratively with team members, other lead technicians, lead pharmacists and pharmacy managers to evaluate workflow and implement service ideas.

• Facilitate and/or assist with development of quality improvement and cost-reduction initiatives based on JCAHO indicators and department target drug monitoring projects.

• Maintain collaborative relationships with Clinical Director/Primary Care Nurses/Physicians via handling patient care issues as they arise.

• Consult with Pharmacy Manager as appropriate.

• Conduct necessary meeting with pharmacy team members and/or health care team members to facilitate service changes/improvements.

• Complete all staff competencies and perform duties of staff pharmacist as listed below..

• Evaluate each patient's medication order/prescription for appropriateness of drug selection, drug dosage and dosage form, taking into consideration patient specific factors such as disease state(s), age, weight, sex, eliminating organ function, diagnosis and allergies.

• Apply pharmacokinetic principles when appropriate. Consult with prescriber for corrections or clarifications if needed.

• Use computer skills to process patient medication orders/prescriptions and maintain all necessary patient information.

• Assure that the proper drug is dispensed to the correct patient for administration at the appropriate time, and that proper technique is used in the preparation of drugs.

• Supervise the daily activities and assist in training and education of pharmacy technicians and student interns.

• Provide timely, comprehensive and accurate drug information to physicians, nurses, patients and personnel of other departments.

• Participate in the education and training of present and future healthcare practitioners, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy residents and pharmacy students.

• Support drug-related research by assisting in the procurement, accountability, storage, preparation and distribution of study drugs. Design and coordinate research as appropriate.

• Audit and maintain accurate records for all controlled substances. Assure that all such drugs are stored and dispensed in compliance with Federal, State and Department Regulations.

• Assure adequate inventory of drugs and supplies necessary for proper patient care. Assist in the procurement as needed, by following established procedures.

• Maintain professional competency through participation in continuing education and staff development programs. Provide formal and informal in-service education activities.

• Participate in the departmental quality improvement program in order to continually improve and evaluate pharmaceutical care as reflected by operational and patient care indicators.

• Implement Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee policies including, but not limited to, drug usage evaluation, formulary restrictions, adverse drug reaction reporting and therapeutic and generic substitutions.

• Demonstrate the required attendance and punctuality as scheduled.

• Serve as an active team member, making positive contributions to patient care outcomes and department goals.

• Assure that the proper drug is dispensed to the correct patient in a timely manner, & that proper technique is used in the preparation of drugs.

• Verify NDC numbers of drug used to fill the prescription with the NDC number on the prescription.

• Supervise the daily activities & assist in the training & education of pharmacy technicians & student interns.

• Provide feedback when appropriate.

• Participate in the education & training of present & future health care practitioners, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy residents, & pharmacy students.

• Participate in the education & training of present & future health care practitioners, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy residents, & pharmacy students.

• Maintain the financial accountability of the department by assuring that proper procedures are used in the third party rejects in a timely manner.

• B.S. degree or a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited School of Pharmacy required.

• Post licensure experience preferred.

• Oncology experience preferred

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:

• Pharmacist

• Act 34

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran