The Intermittent Clinical Pharmacy specialist must be a licensed pharmacist preferably, with an accredited residency, or equivalent experience demonstrating competency. The clinical pharmacy specialist works within either the inpatient or outpatient practice setting to promote the optimal use of medications in view of patient disease state(s) and clinical response. This is an Intermittent Position. Applicants pending the completion of educational, or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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. Education: Graduate of an accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Licensure: Full, current and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia. The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full, current, and unrestricted licensure. A pharmacist who has, or has ever had, an license(s)revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16. Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency: Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English. Grade Determinations: GS-12 Experience. In addition to the GS-11 requirements, must have 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. -1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level OR -Completion of an ACPE accredited Pharm D program. Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following 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. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G15. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS12. Physical Requirements: he work involves prolonged periods of standing with some walking of generally short distances. There may be occasional lifting of weights up to 30 lbs. There may be mental fatigue due to repetitive screening and interpretation of medication orders. Light carrying (under 15 lbs.), Reaching above shoulder; use of fingers, both hands required; walking (up to 4 hrs.), standing (up to 4 hrs.),both legs required, both eyes required, ability to distinguish basic colors; ability to distinguish shades of colors, hearing (aid permitted). ["VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist works within the inpatient practice setting to promote the optimal use of medications in view of patient disease state(s) and clinical response. Clinical functions include but are not limited to: interpretation of providers orders, drug regimen review, therapeutic drug monitoring including ordering of appropriate laboratory tests, initiation and/or adjustment of drug therapy including changes in dose, dosage form and therapeutic substitution as per protocol or provider consultation. The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist supports the general operations of Pharmacy including non-formulary review, prescription/order processing, outpatient dispensing where required and patient consultation. The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist is required to perform all pharmacy related activities as assigned, including intermittent coverage in the outpatient pharmacy program(s). Distributive 1. Interprets medication orders (verbal & written) and transcribes to computerized patient medication orders accurately and according to established policies, procedures and protocols. Maintains accurate, complete medication profile. Maintains records as required by law Has the ultimate responsibility in facilitating the delivery of the correct drug in the correct dosage to the correct patient. 2. Evaluate drug therapy regimens for contraindications, drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, allergies and appropriateness of drug and dose within the context of the individual patients' medical conditions. 3. The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist will support the sterile products program which will include TPN and Chemotherapy programs. 4. The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist are responsible for resolving a variety of questions posed by physicians, nurses and co-workers related to drugs, pharmacy services and departmental policies and procedures. 5. The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacists will be able to interpret various VA, Federal (FDA, DEA), other regulatory agency compliance standards (i.e. Joint Commission, USP 797/ 800, etc.), Facility and Pharmacy Service policies and be able to apply the same to given situations. 6. The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist must have the ability to exercise sound judgment in a variety of situations and be able to refer matters of policy making to a supervisor. 7. Contributes to the quality and effective operation of the department Supervises and directs pharmacy support personnel in the absence of a supervisor. Verifies the daily activities of pharmacy technicians. Works independently with minimal supervision. Organizes and prioritizes work assignments. Ensures pharmacy services are provided in a timely and efficient manner. Keeps pharmacy area and equipment clean, neat and well-organized. Able to multi-task i.e. able to continue to process orders and answer questions from technical staff and/or patients (via phone or in-person). The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist is required to perform all pharmacy related activities as assigned, including intermittent coverage in the outpatient pharmacy program(s). Clinical 1. Inpatient Clinical Pharmacists are responsible for therapeutic drug monitoring on a daily basis for patients admitted to the hospital according to facility and departmental policy. This includes anticoagulation (heparin, warfarin), pharmacokinetic (aminoglycoside, vancomycin) and antibiotic monitoring programs. 2. Inpatient Clinical Pharmacists will monitor electrolytes for patients on parenteral nutrition and made recommendations for TPN orders based on laboratory values. 3. Provides consultative services to all professional staff regarding drug therapy. 4. The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacist is required to maintain a scope of practice through Credentialing. Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts including weekends, evenings and holidays Compressed/Flexible: Not eligible Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,298 health care facilities, including 171 medical centers and 1,113 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.