Clinical Pharmacist

Kaweah Health is a publicly owned, community healthcare organization that provides comprehensive health services to the greater Visalia area in central California. With more than 5,000 employees, Kaweah Health provides state-of-the-art medicine and high-quality preventive services in our acute care hospital, specialized health centers and clinics. Our eight-campus healthcare district has 613 beds and offers comprehensive health services across a broad continuum of care.   

It takes a special person to work for Kaweah Health. We serve a region where the needs are great, which makes the rewards even greater. Every day, we care for people facing unique challenges and in need of healing. Throughout it all, our focus is to make a difference, and we do — in the health of our patients, our loved ones, and our community.

Benefits Eligible

Work Shift

Department

QUALIFICATIONS

License /Certification
Required: Current California Registered Pharmacist license

Education
Required: Pharm. D. degree

Experience
Required: Inpatient: Completed PGY-1 residency or at least two years clinical hospital pharmacist experience or current Kaweah Health Pharmacy Resident. Outpatient: Completed PGY-1 residency or at least two years clinical pharmacist experience or current Kaweah Health Pharmacy Resident.

Preferred: Three years experience.


Department Specific Requirements

If assigned as the Emergency Medicine Pharmacist Specialist: requires one year of Emergency Department pharmacy experience and/or one year of hospital based clinical pharmacist experience in the critical care setting. Prefer completion of a pharmacy residency program in Emergency Medicine.

If assigned as the Infectious Disease Specialist: requires one year of hospital based clinical pharmacist experience. Prefer completion of a pharmacy residency program in Infectious Diseases.

If assigned as the Anemia Management Specialist: requires one year of hospital based clinical pharmacist experience. Hospital or Ambulatory Care based anemia management experience is preferred.

If assigned to Home Infusion: requires Pharm D and one year of home infusion pharmacy experience and/or one year of hospital based clinical pharmacist experience; or five years or more of Home Infusion Pharmacy experience. Prefer completion of a residency program in home infusion pharmacy.

If assigned as the Critical Care Medicine Pharmacist Specialist: requires one year of hospital based clinical pharmacist experience and/or one year of hospital based clinical pharmacist experience in the critical care setting. Prefer completion of a pharmacy residency program in Critical Care.

If assigned as an Ambulatory Care Pharmacist Specialist: requires one year of Ambulatory Care pharmacy experience and/or completion of a pharmacy residency program in Ambulatory Care or General Practice with strong Ambulatory Care experience and certification, or eligibility to sit for certification exam (i.e. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, Certified Geriatric Pharmacist or Certified Diabetes Educator).

If assigned as the Family Medicine Pharmacist Specialist: requires completion of a pharmacy residency program in General Practice with strong Ambulatory Care experience and certification, or eligibility to sit for certification exam (i.e. Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist, Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist, Certified Geriatric Pharmacist or Certified Diabetes Educator). Preferred: PGY-1 General Practice and PGY-2 Ambulatory Care and BCPS, BCACP, and/or CGP with at least 1 year of clinical practice in an academic healthcare institution with interprofessional care teams.

If assigned as the Outpatient Oncology Pharmacist Specialist: requires completion of PGY 1 residency or at least two years of acute inpatient hospital pharmacist experience. Prefer completion of pharmacy residency in Oncology

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential

INPATIENT AREAS: For patients in the acute care setting, reviews orders for appropriateness, profiles/validates and dispenses medications, supplies or equipment orders accurately and efficiently. Follows federal and state law and approved hospital policies and procedures regarding medication use. Consults with other health care providers and information resources to optimize therapy and maximize safety for medication administration for assigned areas. Uses PYXIS units on the nursing units. Responsible for answering all inquiries from physicians and other staff regarding medication administration issues. Assures compounded medications meet standards for quality when performing or supervising compounding, performing quality reviews of the finished product and completes recordkeeping in accordance with department policy and procedures. Guides, directs, and assists in trainings pharmacy technicians , new pharmacist personnel, interns and/or residents and assumes responsibility for quantity and quality of their work. Provides training professional education in the form of in service training, platform presentation, didactic lecture or hands on learning activities to other healthcare providers , trainees and/or staff when appropriate. As assigned, participates in the transition of care process of targeted patient populations through the provision of services such as medication reconciliation, medication education, and care coordination in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team. Monitors and assesses patient's medication and nutritional therapies and maintains their clinical charts with complete and timely documentation; intervening in the patient’s care when indicated to optimize pharmacotherapy including management of medication therapies following hospital approved protocols and policies. Offers cost effective and safe alternatives when appropriate. Participates in interprofessional patient care rounds where applicable. Sets and reviews annual goals with manager.

OUTPATIENT AREAS: For patients in the outpatient setting, reviews prescriptions for appropriateness, profiles/validates and dispenses medications, supplies and/or equipment orders accurately and efficiently. Follows federal and state law and approved hospital policies and procedures regarding medication use. Consults with other health care providers and information resources to optimize therapy and maximize safety for medication administration for the patient. Responsible for answering all inquiries from physicians and other staff regarding medication issues. Guides, directs, and assists in trainings pharmacy technicians and new pharmacist personnel, interns and/or residents and assumes responsibility for quantity and quality of their work. Monitors and assesses patient's medication therapies and maintains their medical record with complete and timely documentation as appropriate; intervening in the patient’s care when indicated to address potential drug interactions and to optimize pharmacotherapyProvides patient specific dosing and monitoring information to patients and providers. Provides consultation and actively participates in collaborative management of referred patients. Offers cost effective and safe alternatives when appropriate. Provides in-service training to other healthcare providers and staff when appropriate. Sets and reviews annual goals with manager.

Addendum (essential for specific dept)

IF ASSIGNED TO HOSPITAL ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR: If assigned to fill outpatient prescriptions, does so in accordance with federal and state law and in accordance with hospital policies Patients shall be counseled upon receipt of prescription on the appropriate use, storage and potential adverse reactions. Responds to Emergency Alerts (e.g. Code Blue, Code White, Code Sepsis, Code Stroke, Cardiac Alert) as assigned as a top priority. Makes up all dilutions, IV's, etc., ordered by the physician or ordered under approved hospital protocols Anticipates patient drug needs and responds accordingly. Fills all narcotic requisitions as presented by the techs after ascertaining correctness of requisition. Maintains all appropriate records demanded by federal and state laws and KH procedures. Conducts monthly nursing station inspections, checking for cleanliness, outdates, orderliness, and unauthorized drugs as required by The Joint Commission and Title 22 and keeps all appropriate records. Organizes and plans monitoring of drugs encompassed by pharmacokinetics following all department procedures. Consults with physician on optimal drug therapy. Monitors patients following department procedures. Prices patient charges the day they accrue under direction of manager.

HOME INFUSION ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR: Provides information about products and services offered by Home Infusion Pharmacy in a professional manner. Inputs charges and assists with reimbursement and case management negotiations when appropriate. Assists billing personnel as needed. Maintains medication, supply and equipment inventories and record. Purchases items on contract whenever possible and maintains accurate records required by state and federal laws. Conforms to the accounting and record-keeping of controlled substance mandated by state and federal laws. Provides after hour on-call coverage as assigned. Maintains an accurate and timely delivery service. Must be available to make patient deliveries as necessary. Actively participates in the promotion of home infusion and related services. Responds to and anticipates needs of all customers.

OUTPATIENT ONCOLOGY PHARMACIST AT INFUSION CENTER ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR: Serves as the clinical pharmacy expert in the area of outpatient oncology services, integrating advanced knowledge and trainIng to ensure desired service and patient outcomes are achieved. Coordinates with Providers and other essential clinical staff to ensure medication regimens are reviewed and accurate prior to patient administration. Participates in the care of, and reviews & profiles medication orders for patients receiving oncology based treatment regimens. Collaborates with Oncology Pharmacist Lead to address timely review, order entry, medication preparation and administration to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Conducts in-person and telephonic pharmacotherapy reviews with patients referred by provider. Is familiar with and utilizes the EMR to document patient visits and recommendations. Reviews medications to identify areas and opportunity for cost reduction and savings through therapeutic equivalent alternatives and/or through the organization’s 340b program. Collaborates with Oncology Pharmacist Lead to help ensure regulatory compliance with patient referrals and with regards to the 340b program. Documents clinical interventions on an ongoing basis. Measures the clinical and economic effectiveness of the service provided on an ongoing basis with formal reporting of the data at defined intervals set by management. Participates in the formulary process for related medications within the specialty area by preparing and presenting drug monograph of requested non-formulary medications and/or class reviews and performing medication use evaluations (MUE's). Collaborates with Oncology Pharmacist Lead in helping to participate in the development and implementation of policy and procedures, order sets and/or institutional guidelines to promote safe and effective use of medications within the area of specialty. Collaborates with Oncology Pharmacist Lead in ensuring pharmacy representation on institutional committees as assigned and as it relates to the specialty area. Serves as preceptor for pharmacy residents and interns

SPECIALTY AREAS APPLICABLE: EMERGENCY MEDICINE, ONCOLOGY, INFECTIOUS DISEASE, ANEMIA MANAGEMENT, PAIN MANAGEMENT, CRITICAL CARE, ANTICOAGULATION, NICU/PEDIATRICS: Serves as the clinical expert in the area of specialty, integrating advanced knowledge and training in the respective specialty area to ensure desired service and patient outcomes are achieved. Participates in the care of and reviews/profiles medication orders for patients being admitted and awaiting an inpatient bed. With assistance from additional pharmacists during times of high census Coordinates with the pharmacist responsible for the inpatient unit any special medication-related needs and/or outstanding follow-up on issues identified during the ED stay (applicable to ED Pharmacist Specialists). Documents clinical interventions on an ongoing basis. Measures the clinical and economic effectiveness of the service provided on an ongoing basis with formal reporting of the data at defined intervals set by management. Participates in the formulary process for related medications within the specialty are by preparing and presenting drug monograph of requested non-formulary medications and/or class reviews and performing medication use evaluations (MUE's). Participates in the development and implementation of policy and procedures, order sets and/or institutional guidelines to promote safe and effective use of medications within the area of specialty. Participates as the pharmacy representative on institutional committees as assigned and as it relates to the specialty area. Works in conjunction with performance improvement, information systems support and key stakeholders to maximize regulatory, quality and safety outcomes in an efficient manner as it pertains to the specialty area.

FORMULARY MANAGEMENT PHARMACIST SPECIALIST, IN ADDITION TO THE HOSPITAL ADDENDUM ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Creates and maintains a closed formulary of medications by working with the medical staff and through the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee to help ensure the medication formulary meets the needs of each clinical specialty area.

Reviews formulary addition or deletion requests and makes formal recommendations to the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee on appropriate suggested changes.

Facilitates the development and implementation of treatment guidelines, protocols, formulary changes and critical pathways as approved by appropriate committees.

Monitors, develops and implements strategies to address medication shortages, including designating appropriate alternatives, identifying strategies for rationing available drug product, establishing use restrictions and implementing evidence-based review procedures in collaboration with key stakeholders. As appropriate, participates in the development and dissemination of medication shortage management communication.

Oversees and/or prepares/presents medication reviews and medication use evaluations.

Performs a periodic review of formulary and non-formulary medication use within the institution and makes formal recommendations to Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.

Facilitates the identification, resolution, implementation and communication of cost effective medication use in collaboration with the medical staff and key stakeholders.

As it pertains to formulary management, provides all medication education and training to Pharmacy staff and facilitates medication education and training of nursing and medical staff.

Participates in the development and implementation of policy and procedures to promote safe and effective formulary management.

At defined intervals set by management, formally reports on Formulary Management strategic planning, accomplishments and outcomes.

COMPOUNDING PHARMACIST SPECIALIST, IN ADDITION TO THE HOSPITAL ADDENDUM ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR (as it pertains to the specialty area):

Oversees the operations of compounded preparations within the inpatient pharmacy and in conjunction with the stakeholders of licensed Kaweah Health pharmacies to ensure quality of compounded preparations and compliance with regulatory and best practices involving compounding.

Participates in the development, implementation, and maintenance of policy and procedures and operational workflows to ensure optimal quality, safety, compliance and operational performance objectives are met.

Develops, implements, maintains and oversees the training, education and competency assessment of pharmacy personnel and other personnel to ensure compounding quality, safety standards and regulatory requirements are met.

Develops, implements, maintains and oversees all aspects of the Compounding Quality Assurance Program; ensuring education and training of staff relative to the program, ensuring required documentation, program administration and reporting at intervals set by practice standards, regulations and department policy.

Reviews and maintains quality assurance records for medications obtained from licensed Outsourced Compounding Pharmacies on an ongoing basis and annually prepares/presents a quality report to Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. Formally assesses alternate Outsourced Compounding Pharmacies as needed to ensure optimal quality, pricing and contract compliance.

Develops, implements, maintains and oversees environmental, personnel and performance monitoring program to ensure quality, safety, compliance and operational performance objectives are optimal.

Leads in the effort of continuous process improvement to maximize efficiency, safety and ongoing survey readiness. Works collaboratively with key stakeholders to design, implement and assure optimal quality, safety, compliance and operational performance.

COMPUNDING PHARMACIST AT THE OUTPATIENT ONCOLOGY INFUSION CENTER:

Assures compounded medications meet standards for quality when performing or supervising compounding performed at the outpatient oncology infusion center, performing quality reviews of the finished product and completes recordkeeping in accordance with department policy and procedures.

AMBULATORY CARE PHARMACY SPECIALIST, IN ADDITION TO THE HOSPITAL ADDENDUM ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Serves as clinical expert in the area of ambulatory care pharmacy services providing pharmacotherapy recommendations and direct patient care services.

Provides both consultative and direct patient care services with prescriptive authority for referred patients via collaborative practice agreements in the ambulatory clinic setting.

Orders pertinent labs and patient assessments for the purposes of monitoring and managing the pharmacotherapy regimens of patients to assess efficacy, safety and toxicity.

Provides in-person and telephonic Medication Therapy Management (MTM) services for identified patients that include Complete Medication Reviews and Targeted Medication Reviews to both patients and prescribers.

Ongoing participation in multidisciplinary patient care rounds with transition of care team.

Provides transition of care pharmacotherapy consults and patient education and monitoring and helps to facilitate and coordinate the pharmacotherapy needs of the patient at discharge under Kaweah Health approved protocol.

Reviews medication profiles for high-risk patients to ensure appropriateness of therapy with interventions to the prescriber when necessary.

Provides timely and effective communication with referring prescribers and allied healthcare staff regarding patient care activities according to Kaweah Health policy.

Participates in the development and implementation of proactive population management programs for high-risk patient populations.

Documents clinical interventions on an ongoing basis. Measures the clinical and economic effectiveness of the services provided on an ongoing basis with formal reporting of the data at defined intervals set by management.

Guides, directs and trains pharmacy technicians assigned as patient care managers to ambulatory care services.

Participates in the development and implementation of policy and procedures, order sets and/or institutional guidelines to promote safe and effective use of medications.

Serves as primary Ambulatory Care preceptor for pharmacy residents and interns.

Participates as the pharmacy representative on the following committees:

Integrated Delivery Network Clinical Oversight Committee: Participation includes protocol and process development for the provision of ambulatory services that contain costs, improves pharmaceutical care in the transitional and chronic setting and reduces hospital admissions and readmissions for at-risk patients.

Chronic Disease Management Center Committee: Attends meetings serving as the Department of Pharmacy representative.

FAMILY MEDICINE PHARMACY SPECIALIST, IN ADDITION TO THE HOSPITAL ADDENDUM ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR:

Serves as clinical expert in the area of Family Medicine pharmacy services providing pharmacotherapy education to physician and pharmacy residents, students, staff, faculty and patients.

Ongoing participation in the planning and development of the integration of pharmacy and family medicine training programs to maximize synergy and promote interprofessional models of care.

Ongoing participation in interprofessional patient care rounds with Family Medicine team.

Expands access to care by providing consultative and direct patient care services with prescriptive authority for referred patients via collaborative practice agreements in the Family Medicine clinic.

Recommends and/or orders pertinent labs and patient assessments for the purposes of monitoring and managing the pharmacotherapy regimens and disease states of patients to assess efficacy, safety and toxicity.

Provides didactic lectures and facilitates patient case discussions related to pharmacotherapy to family physician and pharmacy residents, students, staff and faculty.

Identifies opportunities for improvement in the area of pharmacotherapy and provides education, training and clinical services.

Documents clinical, fiscal and educational interventions on an ongoing basis.

Measures, quantifies and qualifies the effectiveness of the services and interventions provided in terms of quality, clinical and economic improvements on an ongoing basis with formal reporting of the data at defined intervals set by management.

Participates in the research projects as assigned that relate to Family Medicine and Pharmacy practice.

Participates in the development and implementation of policy and procedures, order sets and/or institutional guidelines to promote safe and effective use of medications.

Serves as preceptor for pharmacy residents and students.

Participates as the pharmacy representative on committees as assigned.

Additional

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care and services appropriate to the population served on the assigned unit or work area. Knowledgeable of growth and development for all patient/family cultural, linguistic, spiritual, gender, and age specific needs. Able to effectively communicate and care for patient and family as reflected in the Plan for Provision of Care.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Range

If you want to use your talents alongside people who face each day with courage and purpose, in an environment that empowers you to do your absolute best, this is where you belong.