Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at University of Maryland Medical System in Largo, Maryland

Job Description:

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under limited supervision, provides advanced comprehensive pharmaceutical care for an assigned, specialized patient population. Collaborates with patients, families, patient care professionals to deliver safe, cost-effective patient-centered care. Responsible for development, implementation, and maintenance of clinical pharmacy services at the designated practice area. Serves as a subject matter expert in the assigned therapeutic area and works directly with the nursing and medical staff on patient care and quality improvement processes. Monitors drug therapy verifies care area medication orders and suggests alternatives as needed in line with the organizational formulary. Assists providers in determining drug strengths, dosages, and effects of drug interactions. Conducts drug utilization reviews and medication use evaluations and prepares drug review criteria for medical staff approval with a focus on area of specialization. Participates in drug use and outcome management programs within specialty area to improve pharmacy practice. Instructs and trains pharmacy residents and students; assists in overseeing and directing the clinical services provided by pharmacists. Acts as a mentor to expand the clinical knowledge and expertise of the clinical pharmacists.



PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks:

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
Clinical Pharmacy Services:
1. Develop an independent clinical practice site in area of assigned specialty with responsibility for clinical interventions, evaluation of data and development of clinical and performance metrics.
2. Provides direct cost-effective pharmaceutical care to optimize drug therapy for patients through the development, implementation, monitoring, and modification of individualized treatment plans in collaboration with the patient care team.
3.Performs accurate and timely medication order verification for practice site patients as needed ensuring accuracy and appropriateness.
6. Recommends therapy or alternative approaches based on interpretation of relevant medical literature and clinical experience.
7. Interprets laboratory and other patient-specific data to develop treatment plans and to monitor response to therapy.
9. Makes verbal or written recommendations in a clear, succinct and appropriate manner.
10. Effectively searches and integrates data obtained from appropriate references to derive a conclusion or develop a patient care plan.
11. Applies pharmacokinetic principles in order to achieve efficacious, safe and economical pharmacotherapeutic regimens.
12. Provides concise, applicable and timely responses to drug information requests from health care providers and patients.
13. Monitors the medication pipeline and anticipates changes in medication therapy and the potential impact it will have on the clinical and financial delivery of patient care.
14. Prevents, detects, monitors, documents, and reports adverse drug reactions and medication errors.
15. Ensures a continuum of care by conducting medication history and reviewing/assessing medications at admission, transfer and discharge.
16. Counsels patients and/or caregiver as to the proper administration, potential adverse reactions, storage of medications, etc.
17. Maintains a well-rounded knowledge of all patient populations and facets of pharmacy practice while concentrating on areas of specialty.
18. Responsible for cross coverage of other specialty patient care areas as needed for appropriate levels of clinical support.

Drug Use, Outcome and Formulary Management:

1. Ensures and enforces compliance with established clinical protocols and guidelines with the multidisciplinary care providers.
2. Works with the clinical pharmacy manager to identify and establish programs that improve drug therapy outcomes and overall quality of patient care.
3. Works to implement, monitor and optimize drug use management programs.
4. Participates in clinical pathway development and other related managed care initiatives such as disease management programs.
5. Participates in the formulary management process including development of drug monographs, treatment protocols, drug use policy, algorithms and guidelines for use.
6. Documents pharmaceutical care interventions conscientiously as part of the departmental documentation program.
7. Proactively identifies issues and collaborates with medical and nursing staff to establish or modify medication-related policies and procedures, protocols and order sets to support safe and effective medication practices.

Staff Development, Education and Training:

1. Develops training and educational programs as needed for clinical pharmacists, members of the patient care teams, residents (medical and pharmacy), nurses and pharmacy students.
2. Provides education to physicians, nurses, pharmacy staff, and other healthcare professionals.
3. Serves as a primary preceptor for pharmacy students and residents.
4. Attends hospital, medical and pharmacy department conferences and meetings.
5. Actively participates as a presenter in departmental staff development programs.
6. Orients and trains new personnel in assigned areas.

Scholarly Activities:

1. Formulates and conducts departmental projects aimed at addressing the institutional and departmental advancements in clinical and operational practice. Participates in process redesign.
2. Conducts and/or participates in research/quality improvement projects. Ability to identify issues, opportunities or problems for investigation.
3. Serves as primary preceptor for Capital Region pharmacy residents and pharmacy students.

Operational Responsibilities:

19. Provides front-line management of service areas such as unit-based practice models.
20. Oversees, directs and participates in order entry, preparation, dispensing and distribution of medication in compliance with the operational policies and procedures.

Leadership:

21. Displays conduct and behaviors that model the mission, vision and values of the pharmacy department.
22. Maintains and complies with established department, state, federal and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures and generally accepted pharmacy practice.
23. Responsible for committee participation, annual drug class reviews, annual order set clinical reviews, drug/medication use evaluations, formulary monograph development as assigned by the Clinical Pharmacy Manager and/or Pharmacy Operations Manager.
24. Assist in preparation for regulatory surveys including State Board of Pharmacy, Department of Health, CMS, the Joint Commission and other regulatory agencies.
25. Models sound organizational and teamwork skills to accomplish departmental and institutional goals and objectives.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.
2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.
3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.
4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.
5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department.

Self-Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.
2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.
3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.
4. Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.
5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.
6. Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct, professional behavior standards and attendance. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.
7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.


Company Description
Located in Largo in the heart of Prince George's County, our new state-of-the-art regional medical center (UM Capital Region Medical Center) will provide improved access to primary and ambulatory care services, and serve as a tertiary care center for critically ill patients. In addition, our new space will allow us to expand our offerings as a community partner to help improve the health status of Prince George's County residents.


Qualifications

Licensure/Certification/Registration

• 
  Required: Current Maryland license in good standing as a Pharmacist. Successful completion of ASHP accredited PGY1 Pharmacy Residency.


• 
  Preferred: PGY2 Pharmacy Residency in Critical Care or Emergency Medicine. BCPS Board Certification in Critical Care, Pharmacotherapy or Emergency Medicine preferred.


• 
  Other: Combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of residency qualifications.


• 
  Life Support Certification:
  
  Basic Life Support - Health Care Provider (BLS-HCP)

Education/Knowledge

• 
  Attained Level: Expert


• 
  Preferred: Completion of Pharmacy residency program


• 
  Completed Course Work/Program: Pharm. D. degree required and ASHP-accredited residency in critical care is desirable. Additional training or certification (i.e., specialized residency and/or board certification in area of practice) is also desirable.
  

Applicable Experience

• 
  Experience (years): Required: 2 Years Preferred: Not applicable


• 
  Experience (describe required & preferred): Minimum of 2 years experience as a pharmacist in a hospital with clinical pharmacy responsibilities in intensive care. Completion of ASHP accredited Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) Pharmacy residency program is equivalent to 3 years of work experience.

Technical/Clinical Skills

Microsoft Office Suite Skill Level

• Word: Intermediate


• Excel: Intermediate


• PowerPoint: Intermediate

Other: User proficiency in hospital pharmacy automation and application systems preferred.



Communication Skills & Abilities

Select highest applicable level: Conflicting Issues; Mediate; Strong Writing Skills



Problem Solving/Analytical Skills & Abilities

Advanced: Management/Professional

Level of Supervision Required

Work Product is Reviewed Periodically

Contacts Inside & Outside Facility/Corporation

Outside the Department but Within the Company



Working Conditions

• Lifting and/or carrying objects weighing 11 to 20 pounds


• Reaching and grasping objects


• Grasping and fine manipulation with hands


• Using a keyboard to interact with computer system


• Proofreading and/or reviewing documents


• Sitting for extended periods of time


• Walking for extended periods of time


• Ability to communicate verbally


• Color Vision


• Ability to hear


• Exposure to hazardous materials requiring the use of protective dress

Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.



Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.
2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.
3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).
4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).
5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and
title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.
6.. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).



Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.
2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.
3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.
4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.
5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.
6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.


All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.



Compensation

• Pay Range: $60.76-$92.00


• Other Compensation (if applicable):


• Review the 2024-2025 UMMS Benefits Guide

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