The Clinical Pharmacist will lead the Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Initiative and provide clinical support to the Emergency Department. They are responsible for optimizing medication therapy, ensuring safety, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to improve clinical outcomes.
Requirements summary
Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Science or Pharm-D degree and possess at least three years of acute care pharmacy experience or a completed PGY1 residency. Strong leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills are essential, along with eligibility for Pennsylvania pharmacist licensure.
All Independence Health System clinical pharmacists are responsible for the standard operations of Independence Health System Pharmacy’s clinical services program. The goals of the pharmacy clinical services program are to improve clinical effectiveness of all treatment therapies, provide pharmacist support to medical staff during rounds and outside of rounding, and provide management of medication-directed therapies as seen fit by the hospital. This includes, but is not limited to, pharmacy intervention software, pharmacokinetic monitoring software, proper medication reconciliation, and various pharmacy consultations. The pharmacist in this position must adapt to the ever-changing needs of the system.
In addition to supporting the various clinical pharmacy programs, the Emergency Department (ED) Pharmacist is responsible for the development, implementation, documentation, and operation of the Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Initiative.
This will be accomplished through collaboration, coordination, and communication with the Pharmacy Managers, ED Medical Staff, Hospitalist Medical Staff, Nursing and Nursing Leadership, Informaticists and IT professionals, other staff at each facility, and healthcare personnel external to Independence Health System.
The goals of the Emergency Department Pharmacist program will be to design, implement, and coordinate the Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation initiative, to promote the optimal and safe use of medications within the Emergency Department and to continuously improve medication processes where ED clinicians and providers affect medication processes.
Additionally, the ED Pharmacist will add value by promoting and providing support and education to medical staff including pharmacists, nurses, and physicians involved in medication reconciliation and emergency medicine in order to increase therapeutic effectiveness in a cost-conscious manner.
The ED Pharmacist will ensure compliance with all regulations and standards through various regulating bodies and auditors including The Joint Commission, United States Pharmacopeia, Department of Health, and any other authority or National Patient Safety Goal/Standard.
Essential Job Functions
Develop and review evidence-based guidelines and protocols for the initiation and maintenance of the Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation Initiative. This will include a thorough review of current practice guidelines and national and neighboring health system practices for the management and oversight of Medication Reconciliation.
Take ownership of one’s own motivation, morale, performance and professional development (including attendance at national conferences and/or other educational opportunities).
Strive for behavior consistent with Independence Health System’s mission, vision, and values.
Assure appropriate drug utilization and perform drug utilization review, with a specific focus on therapies utilized in the Emergency Department, including: anticoagulation reversal, appropriate and timely antibiotic administration per indication, and antidotes.
Participate in collaborative care patient rounding when needed.
Assure medication safety including properly identifying and completing Medication Error and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting.
Oversee the pharmacokinetic monitoring program including performance improvements.
Participate in interdisciplinary committees which may include, but are not limited to, VTE committee, Medication Safety Committee, Nutrition Support Committee, Emergency Medicine, and various ERAS/Surgical Committee requirements
Responsible for developing and researching Pharmacy and Therapeutic (P&T) Committee Issues, attending monthly meetings, and presenting topics when necessary.
Support the goals of the pharmacy managers and complete various assignments in a self-driven manner.
Foster a team approach to promote clinical stewardship in the pharmacy and ED 24-7 by using tools and strategies to educate the pharmacy and ED staff, physicians, Nursing, Residents, students, and other ancillary staff.
Specialty Job Functions
Practice core elements of proper Medication Reconciliation and look for opportunities for improvement in the areas of: admission, discharge planning, perioperative services, and transitions of care. This will include development of various algorithms and protocols for system-wide use.
Establish and maintain protocols and efforts which engage providers, pharmacists, Nurses, and other staff to enhance Medication Reconciliation and arm them with the tools needed to provide efficient and accurate care at all hours of the day.
Proficient in dosing and monitoring anticoagulation medications, antimicrobials, and other medications requiring pharmacokinetic intervention.
Demonstrate the ability to adjust doses and choose an appropriate delivery system based on patient's age, condition and weight.
Control costs by obtaining and interpreting appropriate and timely serum drug levels and other laboratory monitoring parameters.
Dissuade unnecessary or redundant additions to the pharmacy formulary and support a strong, complete, and streamlined formulary to control costs and adequately support patient care needs.
Effectively communicate with the care transition team when a formulary alternative is indicated or when there are other complexities encountered during the medication history and reconciliation process.
Excel in documenting clinical interventions and presenting findings/trends to various committees including the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and the Medication Safety Committee.
Act as a liaison between staff pharmacists, pharmacy leadership, and emergency and other medical staff
Collaborate, coordinate, and communicate with the Pharmacy Management, staff pharmacists, medical staff, nurses, physicians, Informatics, and other key stakeholders at each facility to meet quality and safety metrics to control and prevent future occurrences and maintain an exceptional level of patient care.
Aid in the development of order sets, Power Plans, and other Protocols to improve Computer Physician Order Entry (CPOE).
Support the initiatives of a teaching pharmacy by promoting the growth and education of pharmacy students on Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE and APPE) either by acting as a Preceptor or aiding others in precepting pharmacy students.
Educate and assess pharmacist knowledge by compiling and administering competencies as necessary.
Able to act in the capacity of a staff pharmacist when needed including availability to work daylight, afternoon/evening, and night shifts seven days a week.
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Graduate of an accredited school of pharmacy with a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree or Pharm-D
Three (3) years’ experience in an acute care setting of pharmacy or completion of a PGY1 Residency
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and knowledge of legal aspects and liability of pharmacy practice.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Preferred Qualifications
Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.) from an accredited U.S. School of Pharmacy.
Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)
Residency, PGY2, with Emergency Medicine concentration preferred.
Board Certified Emergency Medicine Pharmacist (BCEMP)
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) approved curriculum of the American Heart Association (CPR and AED) program required with AAI license.
Current Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Authorization to Administer Injectable Medications license from the State of Pennsylvania.
Mastery of Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Excel (Pivot Tables, Data Mining, etc.)
Experience with development and implementation of drug therapy protocols and Pharmacist-Led Medication Reconciliation programs.
License, Certification & Clearances
Current licensure to practice as a Pharmacist in the State of Pennsylvania or be eligible for licensure within 90 days of hire.
Act 34-PA Criminal Record Check from the PA State Police system
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
Incumbent will be scheduled based on operational need (rotate shifts, standby, on-call, etc.).
AAP/EEO
Independence Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of Independence Health System to prohibit discrimination of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, non-job related disability, veteran status, or genetic information, or any other protected class. Independence Health System will conform to the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Ability to perform the Essential Functions listed on the Physical Conditions and ability to perform the Essential Functions on the Working Condition chart below.
Work Environment
Effective March 2020 or during pandemic: goggles, face shield and mask are required according to CDC guidelines
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never
Extreme Heat: x
Extreme Cold: x
Heights: x
Confined Spaces
X: Extreme Noise(>85dB)
X
Mechanical Hazards
X: Use of Vibrating Tools
X
Operates Vehicle
X
Operates Heavy Equipment
X: Use of Lifting/Transfer Devices
X
Rotates All Shifts
X: 8 Hours Shifts
X: 10-12 Hours Shifts
X
On-Call
X: Overtime(+8/hrs/shift; 40/hr/wk)
X
Travel Between Sites
X
Direct Patient Care
X
Respirator Protective Equipment
X
Eye Protection
X: Head Protection (hard hat)
X
Hearing Protection
X
Hand Protection
X: Feet, Toe Protection
X
Body Protection
X
Latex Exposure
X
Solvent Exposure
X: Paint (direct use) Exposure
X: Dust (sanding) Exposure
X
Ethylene Oxide Exposure
X: Cytotoxic (Chemo) Exposure
X
Blood/Body Fluid Exposure
X: Chemicals (direct use) Exposure
X
Mist Exposure
X: Wax Stripper (direct use)
X
Non-Ionizing Radiation Exposure
X
Ionizing Radiation Exposure
X
Laser Exposure
X
Physical Demands
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required.
Essential – Absolute Necessity.
Marginal – Minimal Necessity.
Constantly – 5.5 to 8 hours or more or 200 reps/shift.
Frequently – 2.5 to 5.5 hours or more or 32-200 reps/shift.
Occasionally – 0.25 to 2.5 hours or 2-32 reps/shift.
Rarely – Less than 0.25 hours or less than 2 reps/shift.
Physical Condition
Essential
Marginal
Constantly
Frequently
Occasionally
Rarely
Never: Bending (Stooping)
X: x
Sitting
X: x
Walking
X: x
Climbing Stairs
X: x
Climbing Ladders
X: x
Standing
X: x
Kneeling
X: x
Squatting (Crouching)
X: x
Twisting/Turning
X: x
Keyboard/Computer Operation
X: x
Gross Grasp
X: x
Fine Finger Manipulation
X: x
Hand/Arm Coordination
X: x
Pushing/Pulling(lbs. of force)
X: x
Carry
X: x
Transfer/Push/Pull Patients
X: x
Seeing Near w/Acuity
X: x
Feeling (Sensation)
X: x
Color Vision
X: x
Hearing Clearly
X: x
Pulling/Pushing Objects Overhead
X: x
Reaching Above Shoulder Level
X: x
Reaching Forward
X: x
Lifting Floor to Knuckle
X: 10-19
20-29
30-49
>50
Lifting Seat Pan to Knuckle
X: 10-19
20-29
30-49
>50
Lifting Knuckle to Shoulder
X: 10-19
20-29
30-49
>50
Lifting Shoulder to Overhead
X: 10-19
20-29
30-49
>50
When lift requirement is in excess of 50#, lift assistance (2 person) and/or transfer device is required
