Clinical Pharmacist Lead-Central Operations, Full-time Rotating - Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Clinical Pharmacist Lead reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Under the direction of the Pharmacy Practice Coordinator and Manager Pharmacy, the Clinical Pharmacist Lead assists in facilitating the daily operations and delivery of quality service within designated practice areas. The Clinical Pharmacist Lead is an advocate and a voice for pharmacy staff, and works closely with pharmacy leadership. The Pharmacist Lead is responsible for assisting with staff questions, working with the Practice Coordinator to troubleshoot and resolve daily issues, facilitating pharmaceutical educational programs and new personnel training, and providing expert recommendation on workflows, policies, and procedures.
 

Responsibilities:

Legal and Regulatory

• Facilitate compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, statutes and regulations governing pharmacy practice in areas of responsibility
• Supports the maintenance of regulatory compliance requirements within designated practice areas

Pharmacy Services

• Assists with implementation and maintenance of pharmacy services that are an integral part of the care delivery systems of Northwestern Medicine
• Utilization of new technology and the provision of pharmacy services that will improve patient care, patient safety and economic outcomes
• Fulfills all the responsibilities, qualifications, license/certification, and education/experience of a Clinical Pharmacist
• Assists with daily preparation, distribution and control of all medications used, including those that are investigational
• Works with Practice Coordinator to improve patient care and workflow efficiencies.
• Works along frontline pharmacy staff to ensure that medications are appropriately provided to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome consistent with patient parameters and disease states
• Works cooperatively with fellow pharmacists to oversee and direct the activities of the work area, to assign work to technicians, and to assure that the established Department objectives are accomplished
• Facilitates a team-based approach to patient care problem solving and service delivery
• Serves as the first-line escalation 

Leadership and Management

• Uses communication skills of persuasiveness and assertiveness, as well as sensitivity to the other person’s point of view, to influence the behavior and opinions of professional and technical colleagues
• Supports talent development in technical and clinical positions
• Assists practice coordinator in management of schedule
• Assists in facilitating necessary arrangements for coverage along with management of productivity based on patient care
• Supports trainees, including fellows, residents, and students
• Creates an environment of high morale and engaged motivated staff
• Maintains interdepartmental relationships by acting as a subject matter expert resource between the pharmacy department and other disciplines
• Assists Practice Coordinator in meeting organizational goals
• Serves as a role model and resource to Pharmacy staff

Safety/Quality Management

• Assists with implementation of medication safety initiatives within the hospital and outpatient settings
• Participates in and supports medication use quality initiatives through various NM committees, including the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees
• Participates in quality initiatives as indicated by the annual quality plan
• Supports the practice of evidence-based medicine through the coordination of staff education, as well as participation in collaborative practice agreements and policy creation 
• Assists with monitoring and evaluating policies and practices to suggest operational changes

Education/Staff Development

• Actively participates in post-graduate training in pharmacy that meets the ASHP accreditation standards
• Assists in coordination of technical and pharmacist staff participation in educational programming to promote continued professional development
• Provides/facilitates training of new Clinical Pharmacists
   

Required:

• Graduate of an accredited college of Pharmacy – Bachelor’s or Doctor of Pharmacy Degree
• Licensed Clinical Pharmacist in Illinois 
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Clinical Pharmacist, preferably in a health care institution
• Experience in managing operations, personnel, quality functions, and the professional aspects of pharmacy practice
• Evidence of effective communication skills both oral and written with all levels of internal and external customers

Preferred: 

• Experience normally acquired through at least 3 years of pharmacy experience in a health care institution 
• Completion of an accredited Pharmacy Residency

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.