General Summary

• Under limited supervision, supervises and manages the daily operations and personnel of the assigned pharmacy service program.
• May supervise clinical pharmacy specialists, clinical pharmacists and/or pharmacy technicians.
• Assists in implementing pharmacy department goals and objectives as they apply to the mission of the department and the UMMS for quality pharmaceutical care services.

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.

Management Responsibilities

Manages daily operation of an assigned pharmacy area or clinical pharmacy service. Provides oversight pharmacy personnel with respect to the goals and objectives of the Pharmacy department in collaboration with the Pharmacy Director and pharmacy leadership team in accordance with generally accepted pharmacy practice. Reviews department performance, effects changes in collaboration with the Director, to improve services provided and assures compliance with regulatory requirements.

• In consultation with the Technical Staff Coordinator, develops work schedules and assign staff to specific areas of responsibilities.
• Hires, evaluates work performance, disciplines and fires, if necessary, subordinate staff in accordance with established Medical Center personnel policies and procedures.
• Provides required staff training and development as determined by Pharmacy management.
• Assists employees as needed in the performance of their duties by providing technical guidance and direction, as needed.

Communicates with nursing and medical staff concerning prescriptions, orders, drug and pharmaceutical detail, patient reactions, errors, complaints and various related information in order to provide optimal patient care.

Interprets and enforces established department policies, procedures and objectives, performance improvement program initiatives, safety, environmental, and infection control.

• Maintains quality assurance standards (and records for reporting purposes) and quality techniques for the performance of Pharmacy services and general departmental operations. Evaluates pharmacy functions, practices, and reporting and record keeping, and use of drugs in the clinical setting.
• Introduces and demonstrates new techniques and equipment to staff.

Performs various specialized responsibilities within assigned area and initiates specialized programs and services deemed appropriate for that area.

Assists with and ensures the maintenance and care of department equipment and supplies if applicable. Maintains department records and files.

Attends meetings as required; participates on various committees as directed.

Clinical Pharmacy Services

• Participates in direct patient care with a medical or surgical team.
• Assists with therapeutic decisions such as drug product selection, drug dosing and therapeutic drug monitoring.
• Develops patient care plans in concert with the medical team.
• Recommends therapy or alternative approaches based on interpretation of relevant medical literature and clinical experience.
• Makes verbal or written recommendations in a clear, succinct and appropriate manner.
• Considers age, weight and organ function (e.g. renal, hepatic) when evaluating patients and patient's therapies when making recommendations.
• Interviews patients and conducts physical assessments to determine medical history, previous medication condition and response to therapy.
• Interprets laboratory and other patient-specific data to develop treatment plans and to monitor response to therapy.
• Applies pharmacokinetic principles in order to achieve efficacious, safe and economical pharmacotherapeutic regimens.
• Responds to therapeutic queries posed by physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Identifies and corrects drug-related problems such as complications resulting from drug therapy (ineffective therapy, allergic reactions and adverse drug reactions).
• Establishes procedures for detecting significant drug-drug, drug-laboratory and drug-food interactions. Makes recommendations to avoid such interactions.
• Performs basic cardiac life support and participates in drug therapy management during medical emergencies.
• Ensures a continuum of care by cooperating with other health professionals and outside health organizations.
• Counsels' patients and/or caregiver as to the proper administration, potential adverse reactions, storage of medications, etc.