CLINICAL PHARMACIST SPECIALIST

Job Description Summary

Under the direction of the Clinical Pharmacy Manager, the Clinical Pharmacist Specialist optimizes patient medication therapies by providing comprehensive clinical pharmaceutical care. With a primary focus on Critical Care, the Clinical Pharmacist Specialist is also responsible for the clinical development of pharmacy staff and provides similar developmental opportunities for other clinical staff of the institution. Works collaboratively with health care providers to improve medication safety, practices the core responsibilities of the medication use process, and maintains standards set by the department and translates policies and procedures into the daily operation of the Pharmacy.

Job Description

Essential Functions

1. Works collaboratively and cooperatively with pharmacy, nursing, administration and medical staff to ensure safe and cost-effective management of the medication use process. Actively participates in the accomplishment and ensures the implementation of the pharmacy service’s scope of practice.

2. Performs all functions associated with the Staff Pharmacist Job Description as needed and assigned.

3. Guides, oversees, assesses and reviews the work of assigned clinical staff pharmacists and other personnel for productivity, efficiency and quality.

4. Provides age appropriate care for all ages of patients serviced through the continuum of our care network.

5. Develops, implements and actively participates in clinical research projects and other scholarly activities as appropriate. Precepts clinical clerkship students in Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Precepts and mentors Pharmacy Residents and Pharmacy Students.

6. Develops, designs, coordinates and implements clinical case conferences and other staff development programs with pharmacy and/or other health care providers. Develops, coordinates, implements and teaches the department’s competency programs including competency modules.

7. Effectively manages own practice and self development.

8. Is responsible for department’s operational excellence; assures department delivers quality services in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and professional standards.

9. Technology – Embraces and seeks technological solutions for the advancement of clinical practice.

10. Safety Awareness – Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

11. Is a member of and participates regularly in committee work associated with practice setting.

12. Responsible for intradepartmental communication by various means. Maintains a working knowledge of the Pharmacy Policy and Procedure Manual.

Essential Functions (Cont.)

I. Technology and Learning

a. Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

b. Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.

Non-Essential Functions

1. Other duties as required.

2. Maintains and updates the hospital formulary system according to Hospital policy and suggests alternative medications to the prescriber when non-formulary drugs are ordered.

3. Assists in the formation and continual updating of departmental policies and procedures.

4. Responsible for special projects pertaining to specific areas of interest and/or expertise; for conducting in-depth and highly specific research reviews of drug-related literature and ability to make presentations on rational drug therapy.

5. Responsible to maintain, inventory and handle all investigational drugs according to federal, state, hospital and departmental policies.

6. Prepares and writes in-depth drug administration guidelines for the hospital.

7. Participates in providing an environment conducive to learning for students from the professional schools utilizing the Hospital for clinical experience.

8. Participates in active Hospital committees as assigned or designated.

9. Performs other related duties as required to promote and otherwise develop the Pharmacy department. May also perform work of a higher or lesser degree when workload of the department so requires.

Work Experience:

Five years of pharmacy practice in the Critical Care setting or PGY2 Critical Care Pharmacy Residency required.