Pharmacist II

Pharmacist II

Are you looking to make a difference by improving the health of our patients? Here you will find an innovative culture that is patient-focused and dedicated to making a difference. We are committed to helping the population we serve, and our communities, achieve optimum health and enjoy the best quality of life possible.

The Pharmacist II will work various shifts & weekends and will prepare and dispense medication orders per physician request according to established policies, procedures and protocols. The Pharmacist ensures safe, appropriate, cost-effective medication therapies for patients according to established policies, procedures and protocols and direction of leadership. The Pharmacist II gives input to leadership as requested for review or creation of departmental policies, procedures and protocols, and contributes to the quality and effective operation of the department. The Pharmacist supervises and directs pharmacy support personnel in a respectful manner and in accordance with NYS Board of Pharmacy regulations and departmental guidance. The Pharmacist verifies the daily activities of pharmacy technicians and points out errors in filling in a non-punitive constructive manner as observed by co-workers and Pharmacy Leadership.

The Pharmacist maintains a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance and wears identification badge at all times as observed by the Supervisor. Performs work within specified times and prioritizes the order in which work needs to be completed for both patient safety and patient satisfaction. Adapts positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload and/or work schedule, as observed by the Supervisor and co-workers. The Pharmacist works cooperatively with all network staff including pharmacy management, providers and Network or Entity Leadership.

The Pharmacist demonstrates the ability to address problems in the appropriate setting using tools and techniques for identification and resolution of problems. Success measured by feedback from staff and observation by the Supervisor and pharmacy leadership team. Pharmacist is receptive to changes that enhance the services the Pharmacy department provides. They are proactive, forward thinking and open to instruction by Leadership. Performs other assigned tasks as directed or performs tasks not assigned when a need arises. Able to identify and resolve immediate needs as well as direct ancillary staff on the resolution of immediate needs. Demonstrates an understanding of appropriate and timely escalation of issues or concerns as well as the appropriateness and need to resolve issues in the moment when patient safety is at risk.

Pharmacist II (Inpatient)

• Performs and supervises sterile compounding according to Hospital policy and USP 797 standards
• Performs and supervises Hazardous Sterile compounding according to Hospital policy and USP 800 standards
• Review and verification of prescriber's orders, ensuring appropriateness and accuracy as well as adherence to hospital standards for administration and formulary
• Direct interaction with practitioners, nursing, and ancillary staff regarding a broad range of topics that impact patient care and satisfaction as well as network and entity policy and formulary adherence
• Ordering, receiving, managing, and securing of medication and ancillary product inventories including controlled and non-controlled substances in accordance to all applicable regulations and Network or entity policies
• Accurate and complete dispensing of medications in accordance with all departmental policy, accreditation, and regulatory standards. Accurate and complete documentation associated with interventions and interactions with providers, nursing and ancillary staff
• Distribution of medications within Bassett Healthcare Network healthcare clinics, operating rooms, and other clinical service areas in accordance with regulations and policies
• Direct interaction with patients including but not limited to obtaining medication therapy histories, providing medication counseling and instruction as required
• In both network and local entity capacities works on development of BHN policy and/or procedures
• Participates in local entity and/or BHN committees as assigned by pharmacy supervisor and Pharmacy leadership
• Participates in staff development, education and support

Pharmacist II (Oncology)

• All of the duties on Pharmacist II Inpatient plus the following
• Performs duties within the Cancer Treatment Center
• Performs compounding of sterile preparations (both hazardous and non-hazardous) in accordance with USP 797 and USP 800 standards, accreditation standards, state regulations and departmental policy
• Provides direct oversight of technicians in the same areas. Educates and informs technicians and staff of regulations
• Provides clinical support to the Cancer Treatment Center team including providers, nurses and ancillary staff
• Works with Pharmacy Leadership and CTC leadership on initiatives and projects as well as day to day operations
• Provides Clinical support to patients as requested including drug review and education
• Participates in local entity and/or BHN committees as assigned by pharmacy supervisor and Pharmacy leadership
• Participates in staff development, education and support

Pharmacist II (Outpatient)

• Using Clinical judgement and available resources, prepares and dispenses prescriptions according to safe practices, and established policies and procedures
• Reviews prescriptions for appropriateness and accuracy and ensure accurate and safe labeling
• Maintain accurate and complete patient profiles and pharmacy records in accordance to Network policies and procedures, state and federal regulations
• Maintains accurate and complete inventory of controlled substances and follows Network policies, NYS BNE and Federal DEA requirements for inventories, recordkeeping, dispensing and safeguarding controlled substances
• Interacts with providers and other healthcare professionals to monitor, review and evaluate effectiveness of medications and provide input on therapies and regimens of individual patients
• Educates and counsels patients on medications, side effects and drug interactions, as well as the proper use of OTC medications and supplements
• Answers medication related questions from patients and providers, and provides patient counseling on proper medication use
• Supervises pharmacy technicians according to network policies and state regulations
• Ensures full compliance with NYS laws and regulations as well as network policies and accreditation guidelines
• Resolves problem prescriptions independently and appropriately in a timely manner. Processes/validates prescriptions utilizing current information system technology to create and maintain accurate patient profiles
• Communicates verbally to all hospital staff and patients in an effective and professional manner. Checks all products requiring a pharmacist approval prior to dispensing. Participates in departmental Q/A processes such as reporting and following up on medication incidents, reconciling medical administration records (MARs), reporting medication adverse events and errors
• Proactive in identifying barriers to patient discharge when practicing in Hospital setting, including financial barriers that are handed off and resolved in a thorough manner. Problem solving will often go beyond patient-specific issues, and may require participation on interdisciplinary teams or revising hospital or departmental policy, procedures or treatment guidelines
• Provides immunizations to patients according to CDC recommendations and Network procedures. This may include off site clinics and locations as well as on site vaccination during the workday
• For Pharmacist II (Outpatient) certified in a specific area (i.e. Diabetes Education, Medication Therapy Management) works within the department and possibly off site to provide services to patients at the request of Pharmacy Leadership. May be asked to provide follow up to patients regarding disease state or medications at the request of providers or departments
• Assists Pharmacy leadership in developing programs to provide care to patients in their area of certification including identification of patients requiring service, documentation needs, revenue possibilities and program policies and procedures In both network and local entity capacities works on development of BHN policy and/or procedures
• Participates in local entity and/or BHN committees as assigned by pharmacy supervisor and Pharmacy leadership
• Participates in staff development, education and support

Pharmacist II (Specialty)

• Support timely access to specialty therapies by supporting prior authorizations, benefits investigations, and appeal processes.
• Provide disease-specific and medication-related education in accordance with departmental standards to support patient understanding, engagement, and adherence.
• Conduct comprehensive medication therapy reviews to assess safety, efficacy, and optimal use of specialty medications.
• Reviews approves and enters medication orders in the computerized pharmacy information system including appropriate product formulation, dosage, frequency, and duration of therapy. Ensures relevant patient specific parameters are included on the patients medication profile (i.e. diagnosis known allergies weight age etc.). Reviews and approves all medication orders and patient specific parameter computer entries if delegated to technician staff.
• Dispenses ordered medications in the appropriate quantity to ensure patient receives the correct medication in the right dosage and dose form at the proper time.
• Reviews and approves formulations for medications requiring compounding or manipulation prior to dispensing. Checks the final product prior to dispensing medication if preparation is delegated to technician staff in accordance with established procedures.
• Maintains appropriate documentation and retains records regarding drug purchasing, storage, preparation, and distribution