Pharmacist, FT

Pharmacist, FT

About City of Hope,
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas.

Staff pharmacists will provide patient-centered care and integrated pharmacy services in a decentralized and centralized practice setting. The staff pharmacist is responsible for reviewing and interpreting providers’ orders for all medications, screening for therapeutic incompatibilities, and ensuring cost-effective medication use that complies with the COH Enterprise Formulary. In addition, pharmacists will assist with the monitoring of drug therapy, with an emphasis on chemotherapy, and is responsible for providing and educating on drug information to providers and other clinical staff. The pharmacist will be responsible for oversight of technician staff as it relates to sterile intravenous compounding, using centralized and decentralized medication-use systems, including chemotherapy and TPN, medication refilling, and unit dose drug preparations. Staff pharmacists will also be expected to participate in quality improvement projects with an emphasis on patient safety and will engage in multi-disciplinary initiatives as requested. Professional development is also required.

The successful candidate:

• Must be able to work FT, 7 on/7 off (Thursday-Wednesday) rotation with hours as listed as follows: Monday-Friday: 1000-2130, Saturday: 1030-2130, Sunday:  0900-2130.

• Verifying and Assessing Medication Orders: Ensure medication orders align with patient-specific factors like lab values, vitals, symptoms, disease states, and medication history. This includes assessing appropriateness and safety of prescribed medications.

• Optimizing Medication Therapies: Utilize established clinical guidelines to optimize medication therapies for patients, ensuring safety and efficacy.

• Clinical Documentation: Document all pharmacist interventions accurately, ensuring clear communication and continuity of care within the healthcare team.

• Discharge Education: Provide comprehensive education to patients and caregivers regarding their medication therapies upon discharge from inpatient units, ensuring understanding and adherence.

• Supervision of Pharmacy Technicians: Direct and supervise pharmacy technicians in their duties, ensuring adherence to protocols and guidelines.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Participate in interdisciplinary rounds with medical teams, contributing expertise in medication management and patient care.

• Oncology Collaboration: Collaborate with medical oncology teams, providing support in treatment plans, oral chemotherapy counseling, and symptom management.

• Communication Liaison: Act as a liaison between providers and pharmacy, addressing medication orders and resolving drug-related issues promptly and effectively.

• Resource and Support: Serve as a resource for providers and clinical staff, answering drug-related questions, providing drug information, and assisting with electronic health record (EHR) drug order workflow.

• Sterile Compounding: Competently prepare and supervise the preparation of sterile compounded products according to USP 797 and USP 800 guidelines, ensuring safety and quality standards are met.

• Quality Assurance and Patient Safety: Participate in departmental and hospital quality assurance programs, emphasizing patient safety and regulatory compliance.

• Education and Assessment: Collaborate with the Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator in educating and assessing various stakeholders, including pharmacy staff, providers