CLINICAL PHARMACIST, EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

Job Summary

 All Independence Health System clinical pharmacists are responsible for the standard operations of Independence Health System Pharmacy’s clinical services program. The goals of the pharmacy clinical services program are to improve clinical effectiveness of all treatment therapies, provide pharmacist support to medical staff during rounds and outside of rounding, and provide management of medication-directed therapies as seen fit by the hospital.  This includes, but is not limited to, pharmacy intervention software, pharmacokinetic monitoring software, proper medication reconciliation, and various pharmacy consultations.  The pharmacist in this position must adapt to the ever-changing needs of the system. 

In addition to supporting the various clinical pharmacy programs, the Emergency Department (ED) Pharmacist is responsible for the development, implementation, documentation, and operation of the Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Initiative.  This will be accomplished through collaboration, coordination, and communication with the Pharmacy Managers, ED Medical Staff, Hospitalist Medical Staff, Nursing and Nursing Leadership, Informaticists and IT professionals, other staff at each facility, and healthcare personnel external to Independence Health System.  The goals of the Emergency Department Pharmacist program will be to design, implement, and coordinate the Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation initiative, to promote the optimal and safe use of medications within the Emergency Department and to continuously improve medication processes where ED clinicians and providers affect medication processes.  Additionally, the ED Pharmacist will add value by promoting and providing support and education to medical staff including pharmacists, nurses, and physicians involved in medication reconciliation and emergency medicine in order to increase therapeutic effectiveness in a cost-conscious manner.  The ED Pharmacist will ensure compliance with all regulations and standards through various regulating bodies and auditors including The Joint Commission, United States Pharmacopeia, Department of Health, and any other authority or National Patient Safety Goal/Standard.

 Essential Job Functions

 Develop and review evidence-based guidelines and protocols for the initiation and maintenance of the Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Initiative. This will include a thorough review of current practice guidelines and national and neighboring health system practices for the management and oversight of Medication Reconciliation.

• Take ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development (including attendance at national conferences and/or other educational opportunities).
• Strive for behavior consistent with Independence Health System’s mission, vision, and values.
• Assure appropriate drug utilization and perform drug utilization review, with a specific focus on therapies utilized in the Emergency Department, including: anticoagulation reversal, appropriate and timely antibiotic administration per indication, and antidotes.
• Participate in collaborative care patient rounding when needed.
• Assure medication safety including properly identifying and completing Medication Error and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting.
• Oversee the pharmacokinetic monitoring program including performance improvements.
• Participate in interdisciplinary committees which may include, but are not limited to, VTE committee, Medication Safety Committee, Nutrition Support Committee, Emergency Medicine, and various ERAS/Surgical Committee requirements
• Responsible for developing and researching Pharmacy and Therapeutic (P&T) Committee Issues, attending monthly meetings, and presenting topics when necessary.
• Support the goals of the pharmacy managers and complete various assignments in a self-driven manner.
• Foster a team approach to promote clinical stewardship in the pharmacy and ED 24-7 by using tools and strategies to educate the pharmacy and ED staff, physicians, Nursing, Residents, students, and other ancillary staff.

Specialty Job Functions

 Practice core elements of proper Medication Reconciliation and look for opportunities for improvement in the areas of: admission, discharge planning, perioperative services, and transitions of care. This will include development of various algorithms and protocols for system-wide use.

• Establish and maintain protocols and efforts which engage providers, pharmacists, Nurses, and other staff to enhance Medication Reconciliation and arm them with the tools needed to provide efficient and accurate care at all hours of the day.
• Proficient in dosing and monitoring anticoagulation medication