Clinical Pharmacist

The VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System (VASNHCS) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Clinical Pharmacist to provide comprehensive pharmaceutical care in the outpatient settings. This position plays a vital role in ensuring safe, effective, and evidence-based medication use for our Veteran population across Northern Nevada and Northeastern California.

The primary function of a clinical pharmacist is to assure the safe and appropriate use of medications and be an advocate of rational drug therapy through the following: Evaluation of the appropriateness of drug therapy based on patient specific factors Individualization of drug therapy Evaluation Dispensing and providing medications Drug information The incumbent performs duties that include, but are not limited to the following: Provides appropriate selection of drug therapy based upon the pharmaceutical principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; monitoring for efficacy, side effects and clinical outcome; and advises prescribers as appropriate. Provides patient-specific therapeutic drug monitoring and communicates relevant findings and/or recommendations to other health care providers in charge of the patient both orally and in writing. Performs continuous evaluation of prescribed medications to assure optimal drug therapy.

Provides and documents in the medical record medication counseling to patients. Completes medication histories including patient interviews. Serves as a drug information resource by providing up-to-date drug information to prescribers, other health care professionals, patients and caregivers. Participates in patient care rounds, review charts, evaluates pertinent laboratory data, drug-drug and drug-nutrient interactions, monitors for adverse drug effects, and screens for allergies.

Performs medication reconciliation at all transitions of care, including updating the medication profile to reflect an accurate, active list of VA and non-VA medications. Performs discharge medication reconciliation prior to patient's discharge and summarizes the significant findings, both documented in the medical record and appropriately reports to the responsible physician. Shares responsibility in providing education to patients regarding anticoagulation therapies and help facilitate patient enrollment into the outpatient anticoagulation clinics and communicate appropriate follow-up as necessary with the patient.

Assesses drug safety and efficacy, including evaluation of physical symptoms. Reports adverse drug events (ADE), near misses, and medication errors in alignment with VA ADERS reporting program. Reviews all medication orders for appropriateness, drug selection, dosage, route of administration and the amount, prior to dispensing.

Ensures all medication orders are entered into the electronic patient medical record. Fills all orders in a timely fashion; review of the patient's allergy history, drug-drug, drug-nutrient, drug-laboratory and drug-disease state interactions and assessment for clinical relevance should be performed and dealt with appropriately. Reviews medication profiles and monitors for compliance or potential abuse; problems encountered shall be resolved.

Maintains adequate drug stock, inspects drug storage areas, supervises repacking and the operation of automated dispensing equipment. Supervises the activities of support personnel. All controlled substances in the section are secured and controlled according to applicable laws (DEA; CFR 21, Part 1300), VA rules and regulations and department policy.

Accurate physical count, documentation, and administrative requirements (per VA Handbook 1108.01) are consistently and thoroughly maintained. Compliance is evidenced by supervisor review and reports of incidents provided to the supervisor. Controlled substance discrepancies are resolved in a thorough and timely manner. Unresolved discrepancies are reported immediately to the supervisory pharmacist for resolution and to the VA Police if still unresolved after supervisory review.

Compliance evidenced by supervisor review and review of Police reports submitted. Receives faxed, mailed, electronically prescribed, or delivered prescriptions written by Non-VA providers. Communicates with the pharmacy procurement team when specialty medications are needed.

Assumes an active role in the overall pharmacy-training program consisting of students, externs, interns, residents, and professional and non professional staff members. Conducts on-the-job training, in-services and provides guidance through designated programs. Provides education to health care providers regarding medication use.

When assigned, participates effectively as pharmacy representative for committees, task forces, etc., and perform other duties that are deemed essential to the pharmacy operation. Other duties as assigned by management. Work Schedule: Varies.

May include weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 03379-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized