Clinical Pharmacist - Med Surg

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing pharmacy related services in a hospital or retail setting. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Pharmacy Services duties: Delivers pharmaceuticals. Includes professionals who are trained and sometimes licensed to dispense medicine/controlled substances. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. An experienced level role that applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Works independently with general supervision, problems faced are difficult but typically not complex, and may influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies and practices.

Job Overview

Clinical pharmacists (CP) work closely with other health practitioners to meet the various needs of our patients by reviewing and approving medication orders, monitoring drug therapies, and providing drug information. This position improves the health of patients by providing pharmaceutical care to individual patients and by serving as a resource to physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. Provides leadership by facilitating the development, implementation, and maintenance of hospital and departmental systems that promote desirable patient outcomes. Educates students, interns, residents, nurses and patients and they participate in drug therapy research. Supervises and directs support personnel.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy.

2. Pharmacist License.

3. One (1) year of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).

2. Board Certification.

3. Four (4) years of related experience Clinical pharmacy expertise with direct patient care experience required, either through residency training or prior job experience.

4. Experience in drug utilization review and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Directs and coordinates the clinical activities of the assigned pharmacy service area. Responsible for preparing, compounding and dispensing medications to patients in accordance within state, federal laws.

2. Reviews and accurately interprets physician's orders checking for appropriateness of orders as to indication, clarity, accuracy of dose, drug allergy, potential drug interactions and duplication (two or more drugs with the same therapeutic action).

3. Contacts and confers with physicians if there are any questions or irregularities regarding medication orders. Interventions with outcome are routinely in the Meditech Clinical Intervention routine.

4. Ensures that medication is accurately prepared and labeled with all necessary and appropriate information. Supervises support staff (when applicable) during an assigned shift. Ensures the pharmacy is operated within the limits of State and Federal regulations.

5. Provides accurate, appropriate and timely drug information utilizing knowledge of pharmacology, reference books and scientific literature.

6. May conduct medication history interviews, reconcile patients' medication therapies and provide drug information to patients and their families.

7. Accurately anticipates controlled drug needs of each patient care area based on completed Controlled Drug Disposition Record.

8. Completes medication station inspections are completed by designated Pharmacy Assistants (or in the absence of a Pharmacy Assistant by the Pharmacist).

9. Participates in medication education by discussing medications with the patient and appropriately documenting in the patient's progress notes. Understands and participates in the Medication Use Evaluation.

10. Must be able to perform order entry and utilize all Registered Pharmacist functions of the Pharmacy computer system accurately and efficiently. All necessary information is entered including drug allergy information, information for pharmacists and nurses and information necessary for accurate charging.

11. Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, review discharge medication lists from skilled nursing facilities and inpatient hospitalizations, improve medication reconciliation process, and provide medication optimization consults for patients.

12. May conduct home visits for the identified patient population to review medications, help the patient understand how to take medications as prescribed and provide education such as inhaler teaching to optimize medication therapies.

13. Participates in Pharmacy Quality Programs that relate to: People; Clinical excellence; Operational excellence; Financial performance and growth; Safety and quality; and Research.

14. Collaborates with other pharmacists to provide operational support. This includes weekend, holiday, evening, night and on-call coverage as described in departmental policies and procedures.

15. Provides continuing education for the clinical staff (e.g., pharmacists, physicians, nurses), serves as preceptor for pharmacy student, interns, and residents.

16. May participate in the development and implementation of treatment guidelines, protocols, and clinical pathways.

17. May participate in the development of departmental drug-specific and population-specific initiatives.

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequent standing & walking, and lifting of 5-10 lbs.

2. May required lifting and carrying light loads, including boxes, equipment, and stooping or kneeling

3. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate prescription medications and computer keyboard.

4. Requires ability to see medications, computer screen, and reports.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of Pharmacy Laws, regulations and professional standards by keeping appropriate records (i.e., accurately maintains the Pharmacy Department perpetual inventory for controlled drugs).

2. Superior verbal and written presentation skills.

3. Superior communication skills, including developing and giving presentations, both 1-1 and group.

4. Knowledge of integrated health networks.

5. Knowledge of health plan drug formularies.

6. Project and resource management skills.

7. Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

8. Ability to understand importance of and respect for the confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.

9. Knowledge of clinical best practices and standards for optimizing medication use.

10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

11. Ability to work with all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and life experiences.

12. A robust understanding of chronic health condition management and population management.

13. Motivational Interviewing proficiency.

14. Ability to prioritize and resolve critical issues efficiently and effectively.

15. Detail oriented, with strong organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities.

16. Very strong working knowledge and proficiency with technology and business software (Microsoft Office).

17. Experience with Electronic Medical Records.

18. Willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that will continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

19. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at careers@tuftsmedicine.org.