Unit Based Clinical Pharmacist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Unit-Based Clinical Pharmacist functions to provide comprehensive patient care services, both clinical and operational.  Practice areas include, but are not limited to general medicine, surgery, intensive care, emergency medicine, and antimicrobial stewardship.  The Unit-Based Clinical Pharmacist will operate a majority of their time in a clinical position. 

The Unit-Based Clinical Pharmacist has responsibilities that go beyond, but may also include, providing routine pharmacy services (retrospective order review, verification of medication orders, and dispensing of medications for patients). 

The Unit-Based Clinical Pharmacist will be involved in patient care activities supporting a variety of patient populations, ranging from geriatrics to pediatrics.

The Unit-Based Clinical Pharmacist may also rotate into other clinical roles as determined by Manager.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy required.
2. Doctor of Pharmacy degree preferred

Experience:

1. Completion of PGY1 residency required or 3 years hospital experience required
2. Advanced practice certifications preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Knowledge of all current state and federal laws pertaining to the practice of pharmacy
2. Ability to positively interact with other pharmacy technicians, pharmacists, providers, nurses, other health system employees, and medical sales representatives.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Current license issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy or eligible for reciprocation in Pennsylvania within 90 days of hire
2. Board of Pharmacy Specialties Board Certification preferred
3. If rotating through Antimicrobial Stewardship:
   1. SIDP certification required (or started within 1 year of hire) or BCIDP certification required
4. If rotating to the Emergency Department or Critical Care Services: 
   1. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.
   2. Within four months of the hire/transfer date, meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and renews ACLS every two years. 
   3. Within nine months of the hire/transfer date, meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) and renews PALS every two years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision from the Pharmacy Manager and Supervisors. 

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Supervises the activities of the Pharmacy Technicians and Graduate Pharmacy Externs.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provide comprehensive pharmacy services to assigned Unit(s), including, but not limited to: medication order entry and verification, medication profile review for appropriateness, clinical services as needed by the specific patient population, and drug information.
   1. Mentor pharmacy students and/or residents to facilitate ongoing teaching programs and support Department and School of Pharmacy missions.
   2. Participate in development, implementation and/or maintenance of Department of Pharmacy and Therapeutics initiatives by reviewing literature, policies, preparing educational materials, determining implementation strategies, designing informatics, creating outcome measures and monitoring forms, and/or designing competency assessment tools.
   3. Develop and implement initiatives that enhance patient safety in their area(s) of responsibility.
   4. Document monitoring and evaluation through the pharmacy computer system and clinical surveillance program.
   5. Demonstrate continuous professional development by maintaining a portfolio of items of interest for educational and professional growth interests.
   6. Participate in multi-disciplinary teams and/or rounds as assigned per practice area
   7. Perform drug therapy monitoring or other pharmacist-managed consults per protocol.
   8. For ED/critical care services, participate in acute patient scenarios such as cardiac arrest, stroke, sepsis, trauma, etc.
2. Performs supervisory duties.
   1. Supports an environment of teamwork and cooperation to accomplish quality pharmaceutical patient care and departmental goals.
   2. Directly supervises all Pharmacy Technician and Graduate Pharmacy Extern positions.
   3. Assumes shift supervisory role in the absence of the Manager and Supervisors.
3. Communicates effectively with others. 
   1. Interacts with patients, providers, nurses, other health system personnel, and community.
   2. Provides pertinent information during department meetings and shift reports. Promotes a positive work environment by providing constructive ideas and feedback to improve services and the department
4. Utilizes available technology proficiently and to full extent, in their area of practice.
5. Assists with inventory control.
   1. Promotes proper and efficient use of pharmaceuticals.
   2. Manages assigned departmental and other health system drug inventories.
6. Conducts ongoing education and training.
   1. Provides medication use education to patients, providers, nurses, other health system personnel, and the community.
   2. Provides departmental pharmaceutical education programs 
   3. Acts as a training resource for all Pharmacists (as appropriate), Graduate Pharmacy Externs and Pharmacy Technician positions Performs competency validation.
7. Participates in and supports DUE, performance improvement and quality control activities. 
   1. Supports the continuous review of the medication use process and departmental procedures.
   2. Identifies opportunities for improvement.
   3. Participates in monitoring activities and data analysis.
8.  Follows rules and regulations. 
   1. Maintains a working knowledge of all laws pertaining to the practice of pharmacy.
   2. Fulfills a pharmacist's duty to uphold all rules and regulations.
   3. Appropriate management of controlled substances.
9. Complies with the safety program in accordance with health system policies.
   1. Attends assigned safety training sessions.
   2. Complies with health system safety policies and encourages persons under his/her direction to do the same.
   3. Documents attendance at required training on Staff Development/Education and Training Record.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.