Clinical Pharmacist

I. Position Function:

Responsible for supervising the filling and dispensing of medication orders including the proper handling, usage and storage of drugs. Provides clinical services and drug information to physicians, residents and nurses ensuring appropriate drug usage. Participates in the training of pharmacy technicians and co-op students. Engages in quality improvement projects which are specifically related to area of pharmacy expertise. Works relatively independently, under general supervision, and within the limits of established pharmacy policies and procedures.

II. Job Relationships:

Supervised and/or reportable to the following by job category:

• Director of Pharmacy
• Pharmacy Operations Manager
• Clinical Pharmacy Manager

Must be able to collaborate and effectively communicate with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals.

III. Authority:

Reviews and approves, prior to dispensing a drug, all initial and stat orders ensuring the therapeutic appropriateness of the medication order, and its relative cost effectiveness. Oversees the activities of the intravenous admixture area, and reviews and approves, prior to dispensing, all new orders prepared by the sterile products room.

IV. A. Responsibilities/Essential Functions:

• Provides superior service to internal and external customers and patients consistent with our CARES Values (compassion, accountability, respect, excellence and stewardship).
• Provide drug information to and consult with physicians and nurses regarding appropriate drug therapy.
• Supervises approximately two Pharmacy Technicians, and one to three Pharmacy Interns, who are responsible for filling and checking unit-dose medications carts, inventory control, initial interpretation and input into computer of medication orders.
• Participates in daily patient rounds to provide input as to the selection and rational approach to the pharmacotherapy of the patient's disease including pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic principles, toxic and side effects of drugs as well as individual dosage recommendations for the drug or drugs to be administered.
• Participates in the orientation, hiring and training of all new personnel.
• Participates on inter and intradepartmental committees in order to integrate and coordinate the activities of Pharmacy, Nursing, Unit Coordination and the physician staff.
• Participates in the orientation and training of all new personnel. Interviews patients to obtain accurate and comprehensive patient medical history for the patient's medical record including prescribed medications, over-the-counter medications regularly used, adverse reactions to drugs and allergies.
• Participates in investigational drug studies through assisting in the design of dispensing protocols, maintaining drug records and inventory control, formulating dosages, monitoring patients and ensuring compliance with FDA and DEA regulations.
• Prepares drug monographs and review of drugs requested for admission to Hospital's Formulary.
• Assists in reviewing the cost of drugs and making necessary adjustments, as required.
• Acts as a preceptor to pharmacy students. Conducts in-service education lectures for the medical staff, nurses, pharmacists, students, and other health care personnel regarding drugs, procedures and policies.
• Assists in the formulation and continual updating of departmental policies and procedures and pharmacy-nursing policies and procedures.

B. Responsibilities/Non-Essential Functions:

• Assists, occasionally, cleaning pharmacy delivery carts, medication bins, shelves, patient medication cassettes and drawers, and other pharmacy equipment.
• Performs related duties as needed.

V. Reporting Requirements:

• Reports immediately to supervisor of any deviation of normal operations.
• Reports immediately to supervisor of any unusual occurrences related to patients, other staff self or technology.
• Reports all incidents and breaches in the quality of care to the Clinical Pharmacy Manager, Pharmacy Operations Manager or Director of Pharmacy.

VI. Accountability:

• Shall be accountable for appropriate drug therapy monitoring.
• Shall be accountable for maintaining the confidentiality and security of all hospital-related, medical staff and patient related data and information.
• Shall be accountable for abiding by all relevant hospital policies and procedures.
• Shall be accountable for observing all policies and procedures of the department, including the Infection Control policies and procedures.

VII. Qualifications:

Minimum Education and Training:

• Doctor of Pharmacy or Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited col