Pharmacist I

What You'll Do

• Prepare and dispense medication orders per physician request according to established policies, procedures and protocols
• Ensure safe, appropriate, cost-effective medication therapies for patients according to established policies, procedures and protocols and direction of Leadership
• Give input to Leadership as requested for review or creation of departmental policies, procedures and protocols; contribute to the quality and effective operation of the Department
• Supervise and direct pharmacy support personnel in a respectful manner and in accordance with NYS Board of Pharmacy regulations and departmental guidance
• Verify the daily activities of pharmacy technicians and point out errors in filling in a non-punitive constructive manner
• Maintain a neat, professional, well-groomed appearance and wear identification badge at all times
• Perform work within specified times and prioritize the order in which work needs to be completed for both patient safety and patient satisfaction
• Adapt positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload and/or work schedule
• Work cooperatively with all network staff including pharmacy management, providers and Network or Entity Leadership
• Demonstrate the ability to address problems in the appropriate setting using tools and techniques for identification and resolution of problems
• Remain receptive to changes that enhance the services the Pharmacy department provides; be proactive, forward thinking and open to instruction by Leadership
• Perform other assigned tasks as directed or perform tasks not assigned when a need arises
• Identify and resolve immediate needs as well as direct ancillary staff on the resolution of immediate needs
• Demonstrate understanding of appropriate and timely escalation of issues or concerns as well as the appropriateness and need to resolve issues in the moment when patient safety is at risk

Pharmacist I (Inpatient)

• Perform and supervise sterile compounding according to Hospital policy and USP 797 standards
• Perform and supervise Hazardous Sterile compounding according to Hospital policy and USP 800 standards
• Review and verification of prescriber's orders, ensuring appropriateness and accuracy as well as adherence to hospital standards for administration and formulary
• Direct interaction with practitioners, nursing, and ancillary staff regarding a broad range of topics that impact patient care and satisfaction as well as network and entity policy and formulary adherence
• Ordering, receiving, managing, and securing of medication and ancillary product inventories including controlled and non-controlled substances in accordance to all applicable regulations and Network or entity policies
• Accurate and complete dispensing of medications in accordance with all departmental policy, accreditation, and regulatory standards
• Accurate and complete documentation associated with interventions and interactions with providers, nursing and ancillary staff
• Distribution of medications within Bassett Healthcare Network healthcare clinics, operating rooms, and other clinical service areas in accordance with regulations and policies
• Direct interaction with patients including but not limited to obtaining medication therapy histories, providing medication counseling and instruction as required

Pharmacist I (Outpatient)

• Using Clinical judgement and available resources, prepare and dispense prescriptions according to safe practices, and established policies and procedures
• Review prescriptions for appropriateness and accuracy and ensure accurate and safe labeling
• Maintain accurate and complete patient profiles and pharmacy records in accordance to Network policies and procedures, state and federal regulations
• Maintain accurate and complete inventory of controlled substances and follow Network policies, NYS BNE and Federal DEA requirements for inventories, record-keeping, dispensing and safeguarding controlled substances
• Interact with providers and other healthcare professionals to monitor, review and evaluate effectiveness of medications and provide input on therapies and regimens of individual patients
• Educate and counsel patients on medications, side effects and drug interactions, as well as the proper use of OTC medications and supplements
• Answer medication related questions from patients and providers and provide patient counseling on proper medication use
• Supervise pharmacy technicians according to network policies and state regulations
• Ensure full compliance with NYS laws and regulations as well as network policies and accreditation guidelines
• Resolve problem prescriptions independently and appropriately in a timely manner
• Process/validate prescriptions utilizing current information system technology to create and maintain accurate patient profiles
• Communicate verbally to all hospital staff and patients in an effective and professional manner
• Check all products requiring a pharmacist approval prior to dispensing
• Participate in departmental Q/A processes such as reporting and following up on medication incidents, reconciling medical administration records (MARs), reporting medication adverse events and errors
• Proactively identify barriers to patient discharge when practicing in Hospital setting, including financial barriers that are handed off and resolved in a thorough manner
• Problem solving will often go beyond patient-specific issues and may require participation on interdisciplinary teams or revising hospital or departmental policy, procedures or treatment guidelines

Pharmacist I (Oncology)

• Perform duties within the Cancer Treatment Center
• Perform compounding of sterile preparations (both hazardous and non-hazardous) in accordance with USP 797 and USP 800 standards, accreditation standards, state regulations and departmental policy
• Provide direct oversight of technicians in the same areas; educate and inform technicians and staff of regulations
• Provide clinical support to the Cancer Treatment Center team – including providers, nurses and ancillary staff
• Work with Pharmacy Leadership and CTC leadership on initiatives and projects as well as day to day operations
• Provide Clinical support to patients as requested including drug review and education
• Participate in local entity and/or BHN committees as assigned by pharmacy supervisor and Pharmacy leadership
• Participate in staff development, education and support

Pharmacist I (Specialty)

• Support timely access to specialty therapies by supporting prior authorizations, benefits investigations, and appeal processes
• Provide disease-specific and medication-related education in accordance with departmental standards to support patient understanding, engagement, and adherence
• Conduct comprehensive medication therapy reviews to assess safety, efficacy, and optimal use of specialty medications
• Review, approve and enter medication orders in the computerized pharmacy information system including appropriate product formulation, dosage, frequency, and duration of therapy; ensure relevant patient specific parameters are included on the patient's medication profile
• Review and approve all medication orders and patient specific parameter computer entries if delegated to technician staff
• Dispense ordered medications in the appropriate quantity to ensure patient receives the correct medication in the right dosage and dose form at the proper time
• Review and approve formulations for medications requiring compounding or manipulation prior to dispensing; check the final product prior to dispensing medication if preparation is delegated to technician staff in accordance with established procedures
• Maintain appropriate documentation and retain records regarding drug purchasing, storage, preparation, and distribution in accordance with established policies and procedures and existing federal and state rules and regulations
• Ensure proper handling, storage, distribution, and delivery of prescription pharmaceuticals, including those prescription that require cold chain handling
• Support enrollment and on-going adherence monitoring for patients referred by care team and pharmacy liaison for Specialty Care Management
• Collaborate with prescribers, nurses, case managers, and payers to ensure smooth initiation and continuity of therapy
• Monitor clinical outcomes, adverse events, and adherence patterns to evaluate therapeutic outcomes and identify opportunities for intervention
• Document all clinical activities, interventions, and outcomes to support quality improvement, regulatory compliance, and accreditation needs
• Ensure all specialty pharmacy operations meet URAC/ACHC standards as well as manufacturer and payer requirements
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting to support audits and ongoing accreditation readiness
• Contribute to the development of clinical protocols, therapeutic management pathways, and formulary strategies
• Lead or support initiatives aimed at improving workflow efficiency, enhancing patient experience, and contributing to overall program growth
• Provide in-service education to pharmacy staff, students, nurses, physicians and other healthcare practitioners, as needed
• Maintain own professional and specialized competency through continued education
• Meet hospital-wide standards in the following areas: conform to hospital standards of performance and conduct, including those pertaining to patient rights, so that the best possible customer service and patient care may be provided

Education/Qualifications

• 5 year degree in Pharmacy or PharmD, required
• Must maintain all requirements including continuing education as mandated for by the New York State Board of Pharmacy, required

Experience

• Minimum one year experience as a registered pharmacist, preferred
• Compounding and dispensing medications
• Monitoring medication therapies
• Providing medication advice and counseling
• Verifying prescription and orders
• Overseeing pharmacy technicians and staff
• Conducting and overseeing inventories
• Safeguarding controlled substances

Licensure/Certificates

• Licensed and currently registered in the state of New York to practice pharmacy, required

Skills

• Adaptability
• Clinical Skills
• Communication
• Decision Making
• Maintain Confidentiality

Physical Requirements

• Medium Work - Exerting up to 50 lbs. for force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects
• Occasional balancing, climbing, crouching, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, stooping, walking
• Frequent grasping, hearing, repetitive motion, seeing/monitor/computer use, standing, talking, visual acuity (color, depth, perception), fit testing

Hazards

• Occasional bodily fluids/bloodborne exposure, chemical

Working Conditions

• Occasional extreme temperatures, vibration, wet and/or humid, dust, fumes, gases, mists, odors

Travel

• Occasional Travel - The job may require travel from time-to-time, but not on a regular basis