Pharmacist Staff - Heart Failure/Cardiology Clinical Pharmacist (Acute Care/Ambulatory) - St. Elizabeth Healthcare

Heart failure (HF) medication optimization aligning with guideline directed medication therapy, Medication management visits for HFrEF and HFpEF patients, LVAD evaluations, medication review/education, Anticoagulation management for LVAD patients, Rounds with advanced HF acute care team, Assist with post-discharge transition of care, Participate in departmental goals and projects associated with the clinic, Participate in education of pharmacy staff, nurses, and physicians including opportunities to precept pharmacy students and residents within the clinic, Coordinates and provides the pharmaceutical care of patients for an assigned clinical unit and participates in patient care rounds with medical staff personnel.

Medication Order Verification: Reviews/interprets medication orders from licensed prescribers or their agents, ensuring that they meet the requirements of a complete medication order. Ensures that the medication and the ordered dose are appropriate for the patient’s condition. Assesses drug interactions, allergy alerts, duplication of therapy and potential therapeutic interactions. Obtains clarification from the prescriber for any medication order that is incomplete or that has the potential to result in a suboptimal therapeutic outcome. Provide the prescriber with appropriate therapeutic alternatives.

Therapeutic Clinical Monitoring: Actively participates in the ongoing monitoring of medication therapy in compliance with approved Collaborative Care Agreements and medication management protocols. Directs medication therapy within the bounds defined by Collaborative Care agreements and protocols. Contacts prescribers as needed with therapeutic alternatives to optimize the patient’s care. Documents medication therapy assessments and recommendations in the patient’s chart using iVents and progress notes, keeping the interdisciplinary team apprised of pharmacy related assessments and interventions.

Compounds and Dispenses Pharmaceuticals: Ensures timely dispensing of appropriate quantities of the correct medication. Supervises compounding according to USP standards, verification of ingredient compatibility, verification of content, and verification of appropriate labeling including expiration dating. Checks all medication prior to final dispensing for direct patient administration, for distribution via automated dispensing cabinets and for floorstock dispensing. Uses barcode technology, when possible, to ensure accurate dispensing. Supervises the repackaging of medication including verification and documentation of lot numbers, expiration dates, and the names of individuals involved in the process.

Supervises and Directs Interns and Technicians: Provides active direct supervision and mentoring of Interns and Technicians as guided by ICARE values. This includes monitoring timely completion of tasks, redirection of staff to meet patient needs and encouraging use of the AIDET model in interaction with staff, patients and visitors.

Medication Use Safety Initiatives: Detects and reports, in a timely manner, variances in dispensing on internal variance report forms or in Midas as appropriate. Identifies opportunities and participates in departmental efforts to increase the safe use of medications (e.g. clear labeling, new SALA medications and Epic improvements / corrections). Identifies and reports suspected adverse drug reactions in Midas.

Contributes to the Positive Overall Financial Status of the Department: Encourages prescriber compliance with formulary restrictions and therapeutic interchanges. Assures formulary adherence and processes non-formulary requests in the appropriate manner. Suggests appropriate therapeutic alternatives for non-formulary requests.

Drug Information / Staff Development: Provides accurate and timely drug information to the medical staff, nursing staff, and patients. Serves as a preceptor or provides advice to Pharmacy Residents and Pharmacy Interns. Develops staff education programs.

Maintains Professional Competency: Maintains licensure. Completes all departmental competency/skills assessment requirements. Maintains current knowledge of pharmacy practice. Seeks to develop and maintain skills in areas of specialized practice.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Credentials, Licenses:

1. Graduate from ACPE accredited pharmacy college
2. Current US pharmacist license in the state where work is being performed

1. Certified in Pharmacotherapy (internal or BPS)
2. Registered Preceptor in applicable state
3. Applicable state pharmacist license

Specialized Knowledge:

1. Problem solving and critical thinking skills
2. Good communication skills
3. Familiar with Current Practice Standards (ASHP)

1. Knowledge of pharmacy computer systems used in the inpatient pharmacy
2. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office

Kind and Length of Experience:

Previous Hospital Experience

Five years of experience in an inpatient clinical setting or completion of an ASHP accredited PGY1 residency.