Pharmacotherapy Specialist

Job Overview

Responsible for ensuring the safe and effective administration of medication therapies through collaboration with the healthcare team. Evaluates physician orders for pharmaceutical treatments and monitors these therapies for medication selection, dosage, potential drug interactions, adverse reactions, and adherence to formulary guidelines. Acts as a vital drug information resource for nursing staff, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Analyzes and reviews pertinent biomedical literature, formulates appropriate responses, and delivers timely and concise answers to drug information inquiries. Employs effective patient education strategies to counsel patients and their caregivers, providing essential information on medication therapy, side effects, adherence, proper usage, handling, and administration of medications. Ensures accurate communication during shift transitions regarding unresolved issues that require follow-up actions. Gathers necessary information to develop medication therapy plans and identify any medication-related issues with current treatments. Designs, recommends, monitors, and assesses individualized pharmacotherapeutic plans. Implements recommendations effectively, adhering to established clinical intervention policies and procedures, and documents appropriately in the medical record. Engages in the management of medical emergencies. Mentors pharmacy students and residents. Prepares and dispenses medications in accordance with best practices, institutional policies, and state and federal regulations. Manages medication therapies utilizing clinical guidelines. Verifies the accuracy of work performed by pharmacy support staff or others in compliance with organizational policies and procedures. Physical Demands
Primarily operates within the pharmacy environment. Delivers medications to nursing units, necessitating considerable walking, standing, and the ability to push a mobile cart weighing up to 50 pounds and lift materials weighing up to 25 pounds. May frequently require stretching, bending, squatting, or kneeling to fulfill job responsibilities. Utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to hazardous substances. Takes necessary precautions to prevent inadvertent needle sticks, minor cuts, or bruises. Exposed to various conditions throughout the workday, including walking on hard surfaces, climbing stairs, and fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Must possess manual dexterity for tasks such as writing, typing, and data entry into computers and automated dispensing systems. Must have the ability to see clearly and read small print on unit-dose medication packages and syringes. Effective verbal communication skills are essential for clear interaction with others. Must be able to hear normal sounds amidst moderate background noise. Involves rotating shifts.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's Degree in Pharmacy or a Pharm D. from an accredited pharmacy school is required. Must be licensed in the state of North Carolina or eligible for reciprocity. Previous experience in a hospital pharmacy setting is preferred. Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills are necessary to establish effective working relationships with patients, visitors, and other healthcare team members to ensure optimal patient care. Certification in Immunization is required.

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