The Clinical Pharmacy Specialist works independently under the Associate Chief for Clinical Pharmacy Services and Chief of Pharmacy, or designee, and keeps them apprised of trends/problems associated with their assigned areas. The primary responsibility of the Clinical Pharmacy Specialist is the provision of evidence-based pharmaceutical care services through direct interaction with patients and providers.

Duties

Clinical: Designs, implements, and monitors therapeutic drug plans to achieve definite outcomes by direct interactions with patients and providers in assigned areas. Prescribes medications as per the pharmacist's approved scope of practice. Obtains medication histories from patients and summarizes significant findings in the medical record and/or to the provider as appropriate. Reviews patient medication regimens for cost effective drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic outcomes as required. Communicates findings with prescribers and provides appropriate alternatives to current treatment plans as needed. Monitors for and reports drug errors, adverse drug reactions, allergies, and patient compliance issues. Documents findings per facility and VA policy. Applies a knowledge of normal laboratory values in the evaluation of patient care and recognizes significant abnormalities. The pharmacist has expertise in the principles of clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and is able to make dose adjustment recommendations based on objective laboratory findings. Education and Training: Participates in the training and in-servicing of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy residents, pharmacy students, and other medical center personnel as required. Effectively instructs patients and family members in the appropriate use of medications and medical devices. Is skilled at using both written and verbal communication techniques in teaching others. Serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students and/or pharmacy residents. Has a good working knowledge of information resources such as Micromedex, Clinical Pharmacology, AHFS Drug Information, Facts & Comparisons, or other relevant pharmaceutical references, both written and electronic. Maintains a current knowledge of therapeutics and disease management. Provides timely and accurate responses to drug information inquiries from all customers. Administration: Acts as point-of-contact with Patient Care Services for resolution of time sensitive nursing/pharmacy issues. Participates in the medical center and pharmacy service quality improvement programs, including the ongoing professional practice evaluations. Serves on medical center and/or VISN committees as requested. Participates in the drug use evaluation process as needed. Research: Participation in research activities must be in accordance with FDA guidelines and regulations and VHA policy. Coordinates the receipt and distribution of all drugs in an investigational and/or clinical evaluation status and maintains appropriate records regarding their use as applicable. Serves as primary investigator for pharmacy resident and/or student research projects as necessary. Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 91616-A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Licensure: Full, current and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a State, Territory, Commonwealth of the United States (i.e., Puerto Rico), or the District of Columbia. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Completion of 52 weeks of experience equivalent to the next lower grade. As well as be able to meet the following KSAs: Ability to communicate orally and in writing to persuade and influence clinical and management decisions. Expert understanding of regulatory and quality standards for their program area. Ability to solve problems, coordinate and organize responsibilities to maximize outcomes in their program area or area of clinical expertise. Expert knowledge of a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice or specialty area of pharmacy. Advanced skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters. Preferred Experience: Completion of a PGY 2 pharmacy residency program, experience in internal medicine, critical care, ER, board certification. References: VA 5005/55 Part II Appendix G15 The full performance level of this vacancy is 13. Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting (up to 44 pounds); straight pulling and pushing; reaching above shoulder; walking, kneeling and standing up to 8 hours; repeated bending; simple grasping up to 4 hours; sitting up to 8 hours; and fine manipulation up to 8 hours.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Richard L Roudebush VA Medical Center 1481 West Tenth Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 US
• Name: Eileen Archer
• Phone: 463-867-6722
• Email: [email protected]