Clinical Pharmacist

Summary

Clinical pharmacists are responsible for ensuring safe provision of medications and other pharmaceuticals as needed for adequate patient care according to professional standards and practices. Additionally, clinical pharmacists monitor drug therapies, counsel patients, and advise medical providers and nursing staff concerning drug therapy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed daily. Other duties may be assigned as needed to drive to the vision, fulfill the mission, and abide by the values of the organization.

• Review and verify prescriptions and medication orders for appropriateness, including safety and efficacy

• Perform prospective drug utilization reviews, assessing for proper dosage, use directions, drug interactions, duplicate therapies, and any other regimen-related considerations and make interventions as needed

• Manage pharmacotherapeutic services in accordance with institutional practice standards and/or protocols

• Monitor pharmacotherapeutic regimens for safety and efficacy and make interventions as appropriate, including the use of pharmacokinetic principles when warranted

• Provide education to physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, pharmacy staff, and other stakeholders as needed

• In conjunction with the buyer, assist with inventory management and compliance with inventory processes

• Maintain appropriate records for all medications in the pharmacy

• Perform medication product verification, filling and review of all hospital kits, IV admixtures, unit dose medications, and other medications

• Follow established department policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance programs, and safety, environmental, and infection control protocols

• Support pharmacy resident and pharmacy student learning, including but not limited to precepting learning experiences and assignments as needed

• Advise and/or consult with patients and families and/or caregivers regarding all aspects of medication use, dangers, side effects, and/or drug composition as needed

• Demonstrate competency in pharmacy automation, medication distribution, and technology as applicable to work area

• Contribute to departmental cost reduction and/or revenue-generation efforts

• Contribute to or lead departmental quality improvement efforts (at least 1 medication use evaluation, presentation, or other quality improvement project annually with inpatient pharmacy manager approval)

• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services

• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy

Preferred Education: Doctor of Pharmacy from an ACPE-accredited pharmacy school, completion of ASHP-accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Residency

Preferred Experience: 1 year of inpatient pharmacy practice

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Minimum Required: Applicant must be licensed as a Pharmacist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certifications required within 6 months of hire.

Preferred: Relevant certificates or board-certification(s) from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties are encouraged