Clinical Pharmacist

Overview

A pharmacist in this assignment handles routine medication-related activities in accordance with local VISN and national policies and regulations. The primary functions will be the review, interpretation, and verification of medication orders for appropriateness; patient medication profile review (allergies, drug interactions, labs, etc.); providing drug and policy information to patients and VHSO staff; and participation in educational programs.

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship:
  Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• English Language:
  Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d) and 7407(d)
• Education
• Graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.
  
  D.) degree
• Graduates of foreign pharmacy degree programs meet the educational requirement if the 2 graduate is able to provide proof of achieving the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC) Certification, which includes passing the FPGEE and the TOEFL iBT
• Licensure
• Full, current and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia
• The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full, current, and unrestricted licensure
• NOTE:
  
  Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetence or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the State for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored
• Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment
• This requirement does not apply to licensed pharmacists on VA rolls as of that date, provided they maintain continuous appointment and are not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration or certification
• May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
• Grade Determinations:
  Clinical Pharmacy - GS-12 Experience
• In addition to the GS-11 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
• Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate
  
  Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  
  Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security
• Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters
• Preferred Experience:
  
  none
• Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Standards/
• The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12
• Physical Requirements:
  
  Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation
• May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
• May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment
• Work Environment:
  Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated
• However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations

• Order Entry/Review Process/Drug Distribution: accurately processes medication orders in a timely manner including correct patient, drug, dose, form, quantity, directions, route, and conformity to current policies and procedures
• Accurately verifies and dispenses completed prescriptions to patients ensuring correct medication, patient identification, patient documentation, and signature or other documentation of dispensing
• Interacts with and makes recommendations to patients and medical center staff regarding policy matters and medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective care
• Provides and appropriately documents patient counseling
• Fills outpatient prescriptions, refill extensions, partial medication supplies, inpatient medication orders and issues ward or clinic orders for drugs, supplies and narcotics in accordance with scopes of practice and current VHA pharmacy and hospital…