Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist)

Clinical Pharmacy Specialist

The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS) functions at the highest level of clinical pharmacy. Under an advanced scope of practice, the CPS works independently at least 25% of the time, providing expertise and direct patient care. The CPS is responsible for the clinical and program management of pharmacy services in the Specialty Clinic practice areas, including, but not limited to Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Medicine (Cardiology, Pulmonary, Gastroenterology, Rheumatology, Nephrology, Allergy/Immunology). Duties may include:

1. Clinical
   • Provides comprehensive medication and disease state management services and prescribing medications and treatments in accordance with their individualized scope of practice and in collaboration with healthcare professionals responsible for the Veterans' care.
   • Functions as mid-level provider to design, implement, and monitor therapeutic drug plans to achieve definitive outcomes through direct interactions with patients and providers in assigned areas.
   • Obtains comprehensive health history including but not limited to medication therapy, medical history, laboratory and diagnostic study results, and limited physical assessment.
   • Orders, performs, reviews and/or analyzes appropriate laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies necessary to monitor and support the Veteran's drug therapy as a member of the treatment team.
   • Identifies patient-specific medication issues including, but not limited to, drug interactions, adverse effects, efficacy, appropriateness, medication safety concerns and adherence problems.
   • Educates the Veteran and caregivers on disease state management and proper use of prescribed medications. Evaluates patient's ability to understand medication instructions, and provides oral and written counseling on their drug therapy.
   • Orders consults (i.e. dietician, social work) as appropriate to maximize positive drug therapy outcomes.
   • Completes pharmacy consults applying clinical knowledge in accordance with established policies and procedures. Assures that all prescriptions and actions meet eligibility criteria on a patient specific basis, and the National Formulary and Non-Formulary procedures are followed; this includes adherence to all national, VISN and local criteria for use treatment algorithms and guidelines.
   • Participates in developing criteria for use, medication use evaluations, data collection for pertinent reports, and other quality assurance activities, as required to ensure appropriate and safe drug utilization.
2. Program Management
   • Serves as a resource and expert in drug therapy knowledge and demonstrates skills in utilizing the evidence as it pertains practice area(s).
   • Serves as a primary point of contact between the Pharmacy Service and the assigned practice area(s).
   • Responsible for developing and managing all clinical pharmacy services within the assigned practice area(s).
   • Captures workload, documents clinical activities, and maintains productivity consistent with applicable performance measures and monitors.
   • Maintains an expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards pertaining to pharmacy within the assigned practice area(s).
   • Assists in the development of policies, guidelines, and protocols in practice area assuring they are consistent with current standards of practice, VHA Guidelines and Directives
3. Education and Personal Competence
   • Communicates effectively with Veterans, co-workers, hospital staff and pharmacy management.
   • Remains current with all required training, e.g. licensure, BLS, TMS, certification.
   • Maintains and improves professional competency by keeping up with information on new medications, new medication therapies, and innovations in pharmacy practices. The CPS continually applies current drug information and program techniques in their daily practices.
   • Maintains updated and current scope of practice and complies with requests from credentialing office. Completes all pertinence review by established deadlines in alignment with clinical practice evaluations.
   • Provides pharmacy related education and reference materials to medical staff, nursing staff, residents, students, and other healthcare professionals in the assigned practice area(s).

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30M to 4:00PM

Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 72325F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Learn more