Pharmacist

Job Summary:

The Pharmacist must demonstrate strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and use interpersonal skills daily. He/She is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controlling all aspects of pharmacy services across the system to ensure safe, effective, and compliant medication management throughout the hospital. The Pharmacist promotes high standards of pharmaceutical care, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and clinical excellence. The Pharmacist represents the Pharmacy Department in a professional and respectful manner and collaborates closely with administration, physicians, nursing staff, and other departments. The Pharmacist should exhibit critical thinking, sound clinical judgment, innovation, accountability, and a commitment to quality improvement.

Qualified Candidate:

Educational and Licensure Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of Pharmacy, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), RPh required.
• Current, unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in the State of Texas.
• Experience: At least 3-5 years of experience in hospital pharmacy, with increasing responsibility in leadership roles.
• Skills: Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills; ability to handle high-stress situations effectively.

Essential Skills:

• Principles of organization
• Problem Solving & Collaboration
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to implement evidence-based practice guidelines
• Conflict Resolution
• Theories of Management
• Strategies of pharmacy management
• Financial management
• Familiar with software technologies
• Foundations of healthcare facility pharmacy laws and regulations

Reports to: Director of Nurses (DON)/Chief Nursing Officer (CNO)

Positions Supervised: Pharmacy Technicians, and pharmacy support staff

Responsibilities:

• Pharmacy Operations & Clinical Services:
• Direct and oversee all pharmacy services, including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency medication services as applicable.
• Ensure accurate dispensing, storage, preparation, and administration support of medications.
• Promote clinical pharmacy services to optimize medication therapy and patient outcomes.
• Medication Safety & Quality Improvement:
• Develop and maintain medication safety programs to reduce medication errors and adverse drug events.
• Lead medication-use evaluations and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in interdisciplinary patient safety and quality committees.
• Formulary & Medication Management:
• Manage the hospital formulary in collaboration with the Pharmacy & Therapeutics (P&T) Committee.
• Evaluate new medications for safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.
• Manage the hospital Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
• Ensure appropriate procurement, inventory control, and storage of pharmaceuticals.
• Compliance & Regulatory Readiness:
• Ensure pharmacy operations comply with all federal, state, and accrediting body regulations, including CMS, CIHQ, DEA, and Texas State Board of Pharmacy requirements.
• Maintain readiness for regulatory surveys and audits.
• Develop and enforce pharmacy policies and procedures consistent with current standards of practice.
• Staff Management & Education:
• Recruit, orient, train, and evaluate pharmacy staff.
• Ensure staff competency and ongoing education related to medication safety and regulatory standards.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional development.
• Financial & Resource Management:
• Develop and manage the pharmacy department budget.
• Monitor drug expenditures and implement cost-containment strategies without compromising patient care.
• Evaluate contracts, purchasing agreements, and vendor relationships.

Leadership & Management

Percent of time: 25%

• Oversight: Provide vision, direction, and oversight for all pharmacy services, including clinical, operational, and medication management functions. Mentor, support, and evaluate pharmacy staff to ensure high performance and professional development.
• Policy Implementation: Develop, implement, and enforce pharmacy policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure safe, effective, and compliant medication use throughout the organization.
• Strategic Planning: Create and implement strategic plans to improve pharmacy department efficiency, service delivery, and alignment with organizational goals.

Quality & Patient Safety

Percent of time: 25%

• Medication Safety: Drive continuous improvement in medication safety, patient outcomes, and satisfaction through evidence-based practices and medication-use oversight.
• Quality Improvement: Monitor, analyze, and improve pharmacy-related quality metrics, including medication errors, adverse drug events, and clinical outcomes.
• Clinical Oversight: Ensure appropriate medication therapy management, formulary compliance, and interdisciplinary collaboration to optimize patient care.

Operational Efficiency

Percent of time: 20%

• Daily Operations: Oversee and streamline daily pharmacy operations, including medication procurement, preparation, dispensing, and distribution processes.
• Resource Management: Optimize the use of pharmacy personnel, automation, technology, inventory, and supplies to ensure efficient workflows and uninterrupted patient care.
• Performance Metrics: Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to pharmacy operations, safety, turnaround times, and service quality to identify improvement opportunities.

Financial Management

Percent of time: 15%

• Budgeting: Develop and manage the pharmacy department budget, ensuring fiscally responsible and cost-effective medication management.
• Financial Reporting: Monitor drug expenditures, purchasing trends, and budget performance; report financial data and variances to leadership as required.
• Cost Control: Identify and implement cost-containment strategies, including formulary management, contract optimization, and waste reduction, without compromising patient safety or quality of care.

Compliance & Safety

Percent of time: 15%

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure pharmacy operations comply with all applicable federal, state, and accrediting body requirements, including CMS, Joint Commission, DEA, and Texas State Board of Pharmacy regulations. Maintain continuous readiness for inspections and surveys.
• Safety Protocols: Implement, monitor, and enforce safety protocols related to medication storage, handling, and controlled substances to protect patients and staff.
• Incident Management: Investigate medication-related incidents, variances, and near-misses; implement corrective actions and system improvements to prevent recurrence.

Work Location: In person