Pharmacy Clinical Specialist; S; Surgery & Critical Care

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Clinical Manager ensures optimum patient outcomes related to medication use by preventing or resolving drug-related issues and optimizing the drug therapy of patients. Provides drug information to patients and families, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professional. Integrally involved in education of pharmacists, residents and students. Serves as a resource and drug expert in one of the seven specialty areas.

Strives to increase knowledge through research and writing activities. The Clinical Specialist may also be involved, as necessary, in coordinating the acquisition, distribution and control of drug therapy for patients under the care of the pharmacist. The Pharmacy Clinical Specialist is responsible for the provision of direct patient care, training and education of other health care providers, contributing to formulary management activities, and participating in quality improvement projects.

Direct patient care activities include improving patient outcomes by optimizing pharmacotherapy, ensuring medication safety, and promoting effective transitions of care. The Pharmacy Clinical Specialist will be expected to take an active role in projects and activities beyond direct patient care that support the mission, values, and goals of the Department of Pharmacy and Boston Medical Center. This pharmacist will be expected to provide exemplary service to other internal customers at BMC, as well as embody BMC’S RESPECT standards in all interactions with patients and colleagues.

This position has rotating shifts and includes weekends and holidays. Position:
Pharmacy Clinical Specialist (S) Department:
Inpatient Pharmacy

Schedule:

Full Time

Distributive and operational responsibilities Ensures all medications are handled in the manner established by the Formulary Management Committee, applicable accreditation standards, state and federal regulations, and the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy. Reviews and verifies medication orders, reviews patient charts, evaluates applicable laboratory data to identify or prevent drug-related problems or toxicity. For each medication, the pharmacist evaluates the order for appropriateness including but not limited to dose, route and frequency for clinical indication and organ function, screening for drug interactions, therapeutic duplication, allergy history, and recommending use of formulary drugs or alternative cost-effective therapy when possible.

Works closely with the central pharmacist and technicians to ensure accurate and timely acquisition, distribution and control of all medications, including investigational drugs. Collaborates with the Pharmacy Purchasing team on special medication needs. Adheres to all protocols and policies related to controlled substances. Supervises the activities of supportive personnel including student interns and technicians. Uses designated pharmacy automation and/or barcoding systems to document checking of any medication or sterile product prior to dispensing.

Direct patient care Rotates through different clinical shifts with a specific core practice area Makes recommendations to optimize pharmacotherapy within the context of a multidisciplinary team Provides effective transition of care needs including, but not limited to, medication reconciliation, discharge counseling, facilitating medication to bedside, and completing post-discharge telephone calls. Prevents patient harm by promoting the safe use of medications Identifies and reports medication-related events Performs daily targeted interventions to decrease risk of readmission, optimize therapy, and improve medication safety Serves as a pharmacy liaison to the BMC staff by…