Clinical Pharmacist

SUMMARY:

The Department of Pharmacy has the responsibility for the implementation and coordination of drug control in the process of providing pharmaceutical care for patients of all ages within the Medical Center. The Clinical Pharmacist has the direct responsibility for the provision of quality and timely care to the patients of the Medical Center.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

*Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

*Utilizes and maintains patient profiles; monitors drug therapy for efficacy, drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, contraindications, allergies, sensitivities, and cost; practices in a proactive, self-directed manner.

*Ensures that medications and combinations of medications dispensed constitute rational drug therapy; if questions arise regarding the rational nature of drug therapy, the Staff Pharmacist shall contact the appropriate health professional(s) in the course of patient care.

*Participates in Pharmacy Department and Medical Center programs which evaluate the use of pharmaceuticals in the course of patient care.

*Encourages prescribers and other health professionals to use the Medical Center formulary; maintains control of the formulary system by contacting prescribers and other health professionals when a non-formulary drug is ordered and suggests appropriate formulary alternatives.

*Performs discharge medication teaching for patients receiving discharge medications from the Medical Center pharmacies and/or upon request.

*Performs pharmacokinetic dosage calculations and evaluations as determined by the therapeutic needs of the patient.

*Participates in Pharmacy Department and Medical Center quality assessment and improvement programs as requested.

*Assists in the orientation, training, and assessment of Department personnel.

*Participates in Pharmacy Department assisted investigational drug studies to ensure appropriate dispensing and required maintenance of research records.

*Is accountable for the timely, safe, and accurate distribution of medications, including the frequent use of professional judgment with regard to medication acquisition, storage, packaging, distribution, and use.

*Is accountable for the transcription and evaluation of physician medication orders, preparation of patient specific unit dose medications, preparation of sterile admixture solutions, extemporaneous compounding, controlled substance distribution, and outpatient medication preparation / dispensing.

*Ensures the quality of pharmaceuticals within the Medical Center by performing assigned patient care area inspections and removing from the assigned areas recalled, defective, expired, or inappropriately stored pharmaceuticals.

*Clinically supervises pharmacy technicians throughout their shift to ensure the completion of assigned tasks; responsible for the tasks completed by the pharmacy technician.

*Adheres to safety and security procedures to promote a safe and secure environment.

*Compounds and dispenses medication orders accurately using proper labeling and documentation according to Pharmacy policies and procedures, State law and Federal law.

*Uses available reference sources to respond to drug information requests and as appropriate refer questions to health professionals with a more extensive experience with the particular request.

*Reports and documents medication variances.

*Provides accurate drug information regarding drug therapy indications, dosage, administration, adverse effects, interactions, IV compatibility and formulary recommendations to physicians, nurses, patients, and

*Prioritizes workload and clinical interventions and assists Department and Medical Center staff as needed to ensure that optimal patient care is provided.

*Participates in Pharmacy Department education and training programs as requested.

*Attends all mandatory Medical Center inservices and meetings; attends Department staff meetings as schedules permit.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Entry-level degree (B.S., Pharm.D.) from a college of pharmacy required. Completion of a hospital pharmacy residency accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists preferred. Pharmacist licensure in the State of Nebraska required.