Licensed Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist)

Pharmacy Specialist

The practice for the CPS consists of direct and indirect patient care, drug therapy monitoring, prescriptive authority, quality assurance/improvement, and staff/patient education. At least 25% of the CPS's time is spent performing these high-level practice activities. The CPS is specially prepared by education, training, (i.e. advanced degree, licensure, and clinical experiences to skillfully apply the knowledge of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmaco-economics and pharmacotherapeutics in the clinical management of patients. The CPS is able to effectively influence clinical decision-making through communication, both orally and in the electronic medical record. The CPS participates in a professional practice evaluation (PPE) program (ongoing and focused, as appropriate). The CPS is knowledgeable, competent, and able to perform all the clinical and dispensing functions listed in the Clinical Pharmacist functional statement however spends the majority of time working at the top of their license. The CPS is responsible to the Associate Chief, Clinical Pharmacy Programs and ultimately to the Chief, Pharmacy Service. Functions, Assigned Duties and Responsibilities include and not limited to the following:

• Functions independently under an individual scope of practice as defined by the health care system for chronic disease states with comprehensive medication management to provide pharmaceutical care to patients. This includes but is not limited to the design, implementation, and monitoring of therapeutic drug plans to achieve positive, definite outcomes through direct interactions with patients and providers in assigned areas.
• Obtains medication histories from patients and summarizes significant findings in the medical record.
• Reviews patient medication regimens for clinical effectiveness, drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic outcomes as required and communicates findings with other relevant staff when applicable.
• Monitors for and reports drug errors, adverse drug reactions, allergies, and medication adherence issues. Documents findings per facility procedures.
• Applies knowledge of normal laboratory values in the evaluation of patient care; recognizes and takes necessary and appropriate action on significant abnormalities.
• Has expertise in the principles of clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and is knowledgeable and able to make dose adjustments and/or recommendations based on objective laboratory findings.
• Performs patient care activities in working directly or indirectly with the health care team and patient, encompassing a variety of modalities and professional responsibilities.
• Reviews and evaluates requests for non-formulary and restricted drugs for appropriateness and compliance with established criteria where applicable.
• Reviews literature routinely to provide an evaluation of efficacy, safety, and cost effectiveness for routine patient care and projects as assigned. Maintains a current knowledge of therapeutics and disease management. Assists with Medication Use Evaluations (MUE) and other Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee related activities.
• Documents clinical interventions in a timely and professional manner as appropriate.
• Promotes and monitors compliance for established drug therapy policies in accordance with VHA/DoD guidance or latest evidence-based practice.
• Works with providers to ensure compliance with national, VISN, and local initiatives.
• Uses appropriate references to research drug information and serves as an expert on drug usage, interactions, over-dosages, and compliance to medical staff, nursing staff, technicians and students.
• Provides timely and accurate responses to drug information inquiries from all customers.
• Serves on medical center and/or VISN committees as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:00pm

Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized

Telework: Ad-Hoc

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

This is Bargaining Unit Position

US Department of Veterans Affairs