Specialty Pharmacist

Specialty Pharmacist

The duties of the UMC Specialty Pharmacist are to optimize patient outcomes by providing the safest and highest quality of care to patients within an assigned specialized area of content expertise. This patient-centered care will be provided by using the most cost effective and clinically effective means that will be in accordance with federal and state laws and other accepted and regulated standards of practice. The specialty pharmacist will align with interdisciplinary teams to provide medication therapy and to ensure pharmaceutical care initiatives are appropriately integrated throughout UMC. They will prospectively and retrospectively evaluate medication therapy for appropriate indications, dosages, routes, drug interactions, drug allergies, therapeutic duplications, and perform interventions as needed. The specialty pharmacist will interpret laboratory and other patient specific information to optimize drug therapy. They will identify Adverse Drug Events (ADE) including Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR) and assist in their management, prevention, and documentation. They will serve as a member on patient care committees related to their area of expertise throughout the hospital. They will not only perform these duties but will serve as a content expert on these topics in their designated area of specialty and will continually evaluate and implement new medication strategies in compliance with the most recent literature as needed. Specialty Pharmacists will provide medication and practice related training and education to staff as well as precept PharmD students and residents as needed. They may participate in research or quality improvement initiatives and serve as members of research oversight committees.

Reports To:

• Responsible for promoting and supporting the culture and values of UMC.

• Ensure medication orders are processed in a timely manner.

• Pharmacists will review physician orders and patient profiles for standard and appropriate therapy, including but not limited to: allergies, contraindications, interactions, duplicate therapies, drug/dosing misadventures, renal dosing, IV to PO conversions, therapeutic interchanges. These interventions will be documented electronically when possible.

• Pharmacists will report medication errors into the Med Error/ADR system and/or verbally when appropriate to their supervisor.

• Visually inspect and check medication to be delivered to the patient for accuracy. Ensure right patient, right dose, right frequency, right delivery modality, right route, etc..

• Pharmacists will follow compounding guidelines according to departmental policy and procedures, Texas State Board of Pharmacy rules and regulations, and as outlined in USP 795, 797, and 800 Guidelines. Pharmacists will assist in training and validating pharmacy technicians to ensure compliance. Guidelines include, but are not limited to: obtaining appropriate validations, personal cleansing and gowning, and evaluation of aseptic manipulation skills.

• Pharmacists will ensure that all pre-packed and/or compounded medications are appropriately labeled and that all required information including the pharmacists signature (initials) are recorded in the log book.

• Pharmacists will maintain a professional, ethical, and effective working relationship with all nursing staff, LIPs, the general public, and other hospital staff.

• Provide medication information/education for health care professionals. Information includes but is not limited to appropriate therapy, drug compatibilities, interactions, side effects, contraindications, dosing information, administration, etc...

• Help supervise the daily workflow and performance of pharmacy technicians.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy or a Doctorate of Pharmacy degree.

• 3-5 years of experience as a licensed pharmacist.

Required Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:

Registration and licensure as a registered pharmacist by the Texas State Board of Pharmacy within the first 90 days of employment.

Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of pharmacy practice and experience in designated area of expertise

• Proficient in the use of technology and clinical systems required in designated area of expertise

• Able to assess work activities and allocate resources appropriately

• Must be able to work independently

• Good verbal communication skills.

• A working knowledge of the hospital organization; a general knowledge of nursing and pharmacy theory, practice, and regulations; and familiarity with individual departmental functions, is required.

• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and supervisors.

Interaction with Other Departments and Other Relationships:

Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with nursing staff, LIPs, and the general public.

Physical Capabilities:

• Work is of medium demand; walking and standing a great deal of time.

• May occasionally be asked to lift objects weighing fifty 25 pounds.

• Near visual acuity required.

Environmental/Working Conditions:

• Hours of duty may be irregular to accommodate departmental requirements.

• Stable and secure working environment

• Some travel may be required