CVICU Clinical Specialist

The goal of the Pharmacy Clinical Specialist is to promote the safe and effective use of medications by working collaboratively with prescribers and the multidisciplinary health care team. This position contributes to the goals of the department by providing safe medication therapy within the Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU). Responsibilities include the complete assessment, recommendation, and monitoring of pharmacotherapy for specific patients ensuring that the highest quality and evidence-based standards for pharmacy practice are met. Along with other members of the health care team, this role is responsible for patient outcomes that meet the high standards of care provided by JHACH.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Supports the prescribing function of the medication use system through review and interpretation of provider orders to ensure the safe and appropriate provision of care to patients.
2. Provides supervision of pharmacy technician staff to ensure accuracy of medication preparation and dispensing, compliance with policies and procedures, and efficient completion of tasks in order to fulfill the dispensing component of the medication use system.
3. Assists patients, nurses, physicians, and other health care professionals in the administration of medications to provide the highest quality of clinical outcomes.
4. Provides clinical monitoring related to the management of drug therapy to optimize patient outcomes and prevent adverse medication events.
5. Fulfills all required responsibilities and processes as outlined in departmental policies, procedures and guidelines, including required documentation, to ensure that the highest quality standards for pharmacy practice are met.
6. Demonstrates understanding of safety literature and regulations, reports medication events and near misses and participates in pharmacy huddle and other safety initiatives in order to promote a safe culture.
7. Maintains at least one practice area where pharmacy can positively impact patient care by supporting evidence-based, cost effective therapy in order to provide superior patient outcomes and stewardship of resources.
8. Assists in the management of medications through regular participation in multidisciplinary rounds, daily huddles, and handoffs within their practice area to support the highest quality of clinical outcomes.
9. Serves as a pharmacy preceptor to pharmacy residents and students who are completing a learning experience within their practice area.
10. Participates in the provision of medication and practice-related education to pediatric patients, caregivers, and health care professionals.
11. Participates in Medication Use Evaluations (MUEs) and other quality improvement activities within the practice area to promote safe and cost-effective medication therapy.
12. Participates in the maintenance of the JHHS formulary through monograph preparation and presentation, drug class reviews, and medication restriction criteria in order to provide superior patient outcomes and stewardship of resources.
13. Participates in the development of clinical guidelines and pathways, order sets, and medication references to ensure the use of safe, and effective evidence-based practices in the care of pediatric patients.
14. Represents the pharmacy department on multidisciplinary committees to ensure that the highest quality standards for pharmacy practice are met.