Medication Safety Officer

Department: Pharmacy 340B SVH
Exempt: Yes
Schedule: DAYS - VARIABLE
Position Type: Full Time 0.6 FTE or More
FTE: 1.000000
Base Wage: $ 70.25 to $ 105.37

Location: Skagit Valley Hospital

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
Responsible for management of medication safety and quality assurance program throughout Skagit Regional Health (SRH), preparing reports, and providing effective presentations to a diverse audience. Monitoring and evaluating the provision of pharmacotherapy with an emphasis on the patient and with the end point focused on outcomes such as treatment efficiency, morbidity, mortality and safety. Serves as the Pharmacy medication safety liaison to Quality, Risk, Nursing, and Providers. Participates in ongoing clinical monitoring activities and provides administrative and clinical support for regulatory compliance readiness, drug use evaluations, and operations support activities in conjunction with the Director of Pharmacy. Provides expertise and oversees the implementation of the overall medication safety program, including expertise and leadership of the High Reliability Organization programming. The Pharmacy department values teamwork, commitment to patient centered care, and clinical excellence. Works effectively and cooperatively within the workplace. Location/Department specific tasks and competencies may apply. The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Essential Functions
Review all medication safety events (Midas eQMMs) and participate in Root Cause Analysis to proactively identify opportunities to improve medication safety and reduce patient risk. Perform routine chart audits to ensure appropriate Pharmaceutical care is provided. Serve as a content expert and internal consultant for medication safety concerns across the health system, and participates in medication safety activities, and works to assure initiatives are completed within established timeframes. Use trended data to make recommendations to the Pharmacy leadership team regarding system improvements, and perform follow-up analysis of changes to ensure effectiveness. Participates or facilitates assigned committees related to patient safety, Quality, or Pharmacy. Develops, utilizes, and evaluates patient safety dashboards, performance metrics, and data trends to determine programmatic priorities and drive associated performance improvement activities. Prepare medication safety and quality reports for Pharmacy and Quality departments, and present this data to hospital committees as assigned. Evaluates and understands publicly reported metrics and value-based programs, including WA state DOH and WSHA reporting requirements. Provides expertise and supports the implementation of the HRO Roadmap, including leader rounding, safety huddles, safety stories, etc. Assist with the annual review of the Pharmacy policies. Assist with new employee orientation and training of staff in coordination with the pharmacy managers. Assist with Controlled Substance management, sterile compounding quality assurance, IV Pump library maintenance, and regulatory compliance programs. Develop and maintain effective communications with staff throughout the health system. Promote an image of service and goodwill to patient, public, and health system staff. Must be willing to fill the role of Pharmacist to maintain an understanding of daily Pharmacy operations. Ensure appropriate dosing of medications in neonatal, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients. Assists in orienting new staff members and precepting students as required. Interacts with patients and families in a compassionate manner, respecting their right to privacy and confidentiality. Assists co-workers, patients, vendors, providers and others in a respectful and courteous manner, and ensures that service deficits are resolved in a courteous and professional manner. Provides information to hospital staff and Providers regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage and storage of pharmaceuticals. Organizes job functions and work area(s) to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frames. Attends and actively participates in all department, team and/or committee meetings. Contributes to the achievement of Quality Improvement and participates in QI activities. Ensures compliance with established standards, and all SRH policies and procedures. Complies with SVH Safety and Infection Control policies and procedures. Utilizes proper body mechanics and protective equipment (PPE). Reports and/or resolves all safety issues/incidents in a timely manner. Maintain ability to effectively utilize Microsoft Office (Outlook) and department specific software applications to perform work. Communicate effectively and cooperatively in the workplace. Actively contribute to the achievement of Quality Improvement and Lean Process Improvement activities. Complete all mandatory learning requirements in a timely manner. Attend and actively participate in all department, team and/or committee meetings. Performs other duties as assigned by Pharmacy Director or Executive Leadership Team.

Education
B.S. Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD is highly preferred) required. An advance degree (MBA, MHA, or similar) is highly preferred. Knowledge of High Reliability Organizations, DNV, performance improvement, Pharmacy regulations, and USP 797 and 800. Advanced knowledge of current hospital pharmacy practice, clinical drug and therapeutic literature.

Experience/Training
Five, or more, years of hospital pharmacy experience is required. Experience and/or training in hospital pharmacy administration is desirable; a prior leadership role is highly preferred. Prior experience with clinical management or quality/safety program management in a hospital or health care setting is highly preferred. Prior experience with providing high quality presentations to leadership, executives, providers, and health care staff is required.

License/Certifications
Washington State Board of Pharmacy licensure required. Patient Safety or Quality certification is highly preferred. USP 797 and 800 certification within 18 months of hire.

Other Skills
Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required. Superior understanding of pathophysiology and pharmacotherapeutics. Able to read and interpret standards in compliance with regulatory agencies. Demonstrated good judgment. Ability to direct and instruct others. Customer service oriented.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; when working in office. Repetitive tasks such as typing, sitting, answering phones, and interacting with computers and computer systems most of the day is a function of the position. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment when in the office.Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.