Staff Pharmacist II - Inpatient

Pharmacist Position at Cambridge Health Alliance

At Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA), the inpatient pharmacy has the best of both worlds - an innovative academic environment in a community hospital setting. The inpatient pharmacy at Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) is a dynamic department with cutting edge clinical services and state of the art automation and technology. We utilize EPIC for our Electronic Health Record (EHR), Pyxis technology for dispensing and have bedside barcoding implemented in all inpatient areas. All of the services we provide are performed with a focus on optimizing clinical outcomes and patient safety, increasing patient satisfaction and improving the financial sustainability of the organization. The staff in the inpatient pharmacy department at CHA is made up of a team of Clinical Specialists, Staff Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Interns. The staff pharmacists at CHA have much more than a traditional distributive role. Our pharmacists operate with collaborative practice agreements in place to carry out approved drug therapy protocols. The inpatient pharmacy team of pharmacists, technicians and interns work under the direction of the inpatient pharmacy manager to ensure safe medication dispensing, compounding and distribution.

Summary: Under the general supervision of the Supervisor / Manager, Inpatient Pharmacy Services, and within established organizational and departmental policies and procedures, the Staff Pharmacist dispenses medications and performs clinical functions related to medication use. Essential job functions are focused on customer satisfaction, efficient/effective use of resources, teamwork, innovation and continuous quality improvement

Responsibilities:

• Verifies in Epic physician-entered orders enters scanned physician orders into the computer system after checking for safety, accuracy, appropriateness and completeness with respect to drug, dose, route, frequency with consideration given to patient-specific data including laboratory values, age, gender, height, weight and BSA.
• Minimizes or prevents drug related problems through targeted, documented interventions.
• Performs direct patient education for a variety of patient populations (e.g. warfarin, CHF, COPD)
• Attends and participates in daily Multidisciplinary Rounds (MDR) on inpatient units. Participates in medical rounds.
• Effectively carries out P&T committee approved pharmacist dosing protocols for specific medications (e.g. warfarin, vancomycin)
• Monitors high-risk and/or other targeted drug therapies to ensure safe and appropriate use.
• Monitors selected aspects of drug therapy on an ongoing basis; intervenes as necessary to optimize drug use.
• Provides information / education to the medical and nursing staffs.
• Prepares controlled substances to be dispensed, completing the appropriate documentation while maintaining a perpetual inventory.
• Performs physical inventory and reconciliation of controlled substances according to policy and regulations. Notifies Manager, Inpatient Pharmacy Services, Director, Inpatient Pharmacy Services, and/or Senior Director of Pharmacy of any unexplained discrepancies.
• Prepares IV admixtures including cancer chemotherapy, using aseptic technique and following the guidelines for safe handling of chemotherapeutic agents in accordance with Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policies and the USP Chapter 797.
• Able to perform all standard Pyxis product (e.g., Connect, C-II Safe, MedStation, Console) functions and maintenance including basic troubleshooting.
• Performs daily oversight of all Technician activities; organizes and directs technicians' work flow, checks / reviews all Technician work according to regulatory requirements. Directly supervises the Technicians, coordinating the daily activities and checking the Technicians' work.
• Participates in the training of pharmacy staff pharmacists, technicians and students.
• Complies with state and federal drug laws as regulated by the Massachusetts state board of pharmacy (MBOP), the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Food and Drug Administration
• Uses communication methods appropriate for the patient developmental stage.
• Accurately assesses the patient's ability to follow directions for completion of treatment.
• Identifies and manages any special issues, concerns and risks for age specific populations.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications: Graduate of an accredited college/university with B.S. in Pharmacy or Pharm.D. Degree is required. Licensure: Must have a current license in good standing from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy. Work Experience: Minimum of three (3) years experience as a pharmacist is preferred

In keeping with federal, state and local laws, Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) policy forbids employees and associates to discriminate against anyone based on race, religion, color, gender, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to establishing and maintaining a workplace free of discrimination. We are fully committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not tolerate unlawful discrimination in the recruitment, hiring, termination, promotion, salary treatment or any other condition of employment or career development. Furthermore, we will not tolerate the use of discriminatory slurs, or other remarks or conduct, that in the judgment of CHA, encourage or permit an offensive or hostile work environment.

Cambridge Health Alliance brings Care to the People - including your neighbors, friends and family. Our local hospitals and care centers serve our vibrant, diverse communities, and play an integral role in improving health. As passionate advocates for the underserved, we actively partner with our communities to take on challenging public health issues, and conduct important research to help reduce barriers to care. We believe that everyone deserves access to high quality, convenient health care. This is why our employees believe in where they work and why many build long, rewarding careers at CHA.

Healthcare is changing rapidly. CHA has a strategic plan that charts a proactive course for our future. It is built on a vision of equity and excellence for everyone, every time. It also recognizes that our workforce is our most valuable asset and prioritizes competitive salaries, benefits and professional development opportunities for employees. The strategic plan is changing the way we provide care and improving the health and experience of our patients; we are looking for smart, committed, compassionate people who want to be part of making our vision of better health and equity a reality.

At CHA, you can believe in where you work and go home every day knowing you made a difference. Join our team and help us bring Care to the People.

Cambridge Health Alliance