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.