PHARMACIST STAFF

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE:

In addition to general pharmacist responsibilities and duties, a staff pharmacist coordinates clinical pharmacy services and ensures that the pharmacy provides optimal clinical services as outlined below on a daily basis. A staff pharmacist facilitates the development, implementation, and maintenance of systems that promote desirable patient outcomes through the use of safe, appropriate, cost-effective medication therapies. When the organization has multiple staff pharmacists, their activity will be coordinated by the Director of Pharmacy.

In outlying sites, the Staff Pharmacist has matrix reporting responsibilities to both the Director of Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Manager at respective site.

Travel to outside sites will be expected for this position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

A.  Ensure safe, appropriate, cost-effective medication therapies for patients according to established policies, procedures, and protocols

• Facilitate the development and implementation of treatment guidelines, protocols, formulary changes, and critical pathways as approved by appropriate committees

• Coordinate the selection and safe use of alternative medications in response to medication shortages

• Facilitate the identification, resolution, implementation, and communication of cost-effective medication use issues in collaboration with medical staff

• Provide clinical consultation and clarification to practitioners. Recommend evidence-based medication therapy regimens and monitoring plans. Suggest appropriate, cost-effective therapeutic alternatives to medical staff, as needed
• Monitor medication therapy regimens for allergies, contraindications, drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, drug-laboratory test interactions, and adverse drug reactions, appropriateness of drug and dose, and therapeutic duplications
• Support the pharmacy’s pharmacoeconomic efforts. Review the use of targeted medications for compliance with current cost-effective programs and budget constraints

B. Provide education and information on pharmaceutical care and medication therapy.   

• Provide accurate, adequate, and timely drug information to the professional staff
• Provide training and education to pharmacists regarding clinical pharmacy programs and issues
• Develop and implement complete pharmacy intern and resident programs and monitor progress and development. Programs will include orientation, education, practical training, required evaluations and reports to sponsoring educational institutions and State Board of Pharmacy
• Prepare and present drug reviews, adverse drug reaction reports, and pharmacy intervention summaries to the P & T committee
• Review and evaluate medical literature for studies supporting pharmaceutical care and pharmacoeconomic programs
• Collaborate with educational institutions and professional organizations to conduct research. Participate in the design, collection of data, and interpretation of results
• Assist grant writer in applying for grant funding as requested
• Participate in community education programs and outreach events (e.g. diabetes classes, health fairs, etc.)

C.  Contribute to the quality and effective operation of the department.

• Monitor performance and documentation of clinical activities including documenting the financial impact of clinical activities
• Assist in writing and implementing policies and procedures for clinical activities including but not limited to, therapeutic interchange, formulary additions/deletions, monitoring medication effects on patients, and all Joint Commission clinical elements
• Prepare reports on pharmaceutical care and clinical activities as requested by the Director of Pharmacy
• Participate in the quality improvement activities of the department including risk analysis and failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA). Collect and analyze data and maintain documentation of all clinical activities
• Establish productive, collaborative relationships with staff members and within the community

D.  Maintain competence required for current job title/position.

• Maintain current pharmacist licensure
• Attend pharmacy staff meetings
• Sustain professional competence and promote development through participation in in-services, workshops, seminars, and professional organizations pertinent to the practice of clinical pharmacy
• Complete all competence/skills assessment requirements

Departmental Standards

• Punctual and dependable; report to work as scheduled. Absenteeism and tardiness is within policy guidelines
• Maintain a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance. Observe pharmacy dress code. Wear identification badge at all times
• Perform work within specified time frames. Adapt positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload and/or work schedule
• Provide courteous, cooperative, and timely service to patients, visitors, and staff. Demonstrate good oral and written communication
• Work cooperatively with all staff. Voice concerns and suggestions to the appropriate persons in a positive manner
• Demonstrate sound judgment consistent with training/ academic background
• Maintain strict confidentiality of patient, visitor, and employee information. Comply with HIPAA Privacy Rule standards
• Foster a team environment by providing orientation and training to new team members. Assist coworkers in tasks, as time permits
• Adhere to Sun Life policies and procedures. Comply with all requirements related to risk management, safety, medication-use safety, security, fire safety, and infection control. Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of ACPE-accredited School of Pharmacy with a PharmD degree
• Current Arizona State Board of Pharmacy License
• Experience as a Pharmacist in a similar setting preferred