Clinical Pharmacist Anticoagulation

JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Manager, facilitates the safe and effective use of medication therapies involved in chronic disease state management and anticoagulation management by providing patient education, consultation, therapeutic monitoring for efficacy, safety, evaluating drug interaction potential, making appropriate dosage adjustments and effectively communicating to the patient and/or care-provider, physician and the healthcare team.

Working Conditions

• Works inside in a clean, well-light environment.
• Fast paced; exposed to frequent interruptions, variability in workload, and multiple demands.
• Sitting, Standing, Bending 

• Reaching, Pulling, Stooping

• Walking, Lifting 0-25 lbs.

• Working at a computer terminal

• Occasional contact with bodily fluids (bloodborne pathogens) Contact with ionizing radiation?  

• Exposure to infection, biochemical, hazardous waste 

•  

  Position requires use protective equipment, including latex-free gloves. 

  This job description identifies the general nature and scope of work to be performed. UM UCH reserves the right to revise all or any part of this job description/performance appraisal and to add or eliminate essential job functions. Designation of any job duty as an "essential function" is not intended as an assurance or guarantee that a team member has any right to perform the particular job duty, except as required by UM UCH.

1. Provides direction to Phlebotomists and students. Serves as a professional role model and mentor; assists with training new clinical pharmacist specialists working in the Outpatient Pharmacy Services. Also provides direction to technical and clerical supportive team members to assure patient needs are met in a timely manner, with high productivity and open communication among team members. Fosters a team environment.

2. Utilizes pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic knowledge to appropriately manage the therapies of patients in the outpatient setting. Considers all patient-related and drug-related variables, along with current available literature, when making treatment decisions. Triages patients to appropriate care, such as primary care physician or emergency room when needed.

3. Ensures safe, appropriate, cost-effective medication therapies for patients according to established policies, procedures and protocols, taking into consideration patient and medication related variables, drug interactions, allergies, duplicate therapy, dosing, formulary status, etc. to assure therapeutic optimization and prevention of adverse medication outcomes.

4. Advises patients, care-givers, physicians and nurses about matters pertaining to the optimum use of anticoagulation therapy and therapies related to chronic disease state management. Provides drug information and education to physicians, nurses and other healthcare providers and patients correctly, expeditiously, and in a professional manner. Efficiently and effectively utilizes pharmacy references. Assimilates patient's medical conditions into the context of their care plan. Effectively communicates information to healthcare team members.

5. Works closely with other departments in the hospital including Medicine, Emergency Dept, Admitting, Legal Compliance, Finance, Lab, Medical Records (QHIM) and others as they relate to the day-to-day operation of the Anticoagulation Services

6. When applicable, contributes to the revision of the clinical and operational policies, procedures and forms which will serve to improve patient care within the Anticoagulation Services.

7. Assures appropriate, complete and accurate documentation in the Patient's Medical Record. Performs and documents significant clinical interventions and performance improvement data.

8. Cross trained and proficient in point of care equipment to provide support to Phlebotomist as necessary.

9. Assures all work areas are maintained in an orderly manner. Performs work within specified time frames. Works independently with minimal supervision. Organizes and prioritizes work assignments; delegates appropriately to ensure pharmacy services are provided in a timely manner. Adapts positively to frequent interruptions and changes in workload or schedule.

10. In compliance with HIPAA, communicates with other area pharmacies when necessary to assure the continuity of patient's optimal drug therapy and minimize adverse sequelae. Maintains confidentiality of information related to patients, team members and the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health System

11. Keeps abreast of the current professional literature and attends continuing education programs and conferences in order to develop expertise in chronic diseases state management and anticoagulation therapy management Maintains competence required for meeting the therapeutic needs of patients served by UM UCH. Attends training programs, completes all mandatory competence/skills assessment requirements. Reviews literature and other materials pertinent to the practice of pharmacy. Demonstrates knowledge of (or proficiency with) references to determine usual dosage, effects of, and monitoring parameters for the safe use of medications.

12. Involved in daily appointment management and follow up to ensure continuity of care and to avoid circumstances which lead to loss of patient follow up. This is accomplished through the daily surveillance of the UM UCH Hospital Admission Report and the Standing Stone Software Missed Appointment Report.

13. Actively strives to promote and achieve Outpatient Pharmacy Services Departmental Goals and Performance Improvement Program to improve services.

14. Fosters a Culture of Excellence atmosphere that contributes to a healing and compassionate environment.  Presents a professional appearance and manner to patients, team members and physicians. Presents a professional appearance and manner to patients, team members and physicians.

15. Demonstrates the ability to address issues/concerns in a group setting using tools and techniques for identification and resolution of problems. Voices concerns and suggestions to appropriate individuals in a positive manner.

16. Complies with organizational safety and infection control policies to eliminate harm to self, fellow team members and patients. Complies with all applicable hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

17. Performs other duties as assigned.

18. Demonstrates skills and competencies for the following age groups as appropriate; adjusts techniques to meet age specific needs and uses interpersonal skills congruent to the age/developmental stage of the patient and/or family: Adolescent, Adult, Elderly

Education & Training: Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy from an accredited college of pharmacy; Doctorate of Pharmacy, Residency experience desirable. Licensed, or eligible, to practice pharmacy in the State of Maryland. Applicants whose Maryland licensure is pending, either by reciprocity from another state or recent Pharmacy Graduate, will work under direct supervision of a licensed staff pharmacist (for a period not to exceed 6 months) until Maryland licensure is obtained.

Pharmacist will be required to pursue certification through the National Certification Board for Anticoagulation Providers (NCBAP) or to complete the Anticoagulation Therapy Management Certificate Program (e.g. University of Florida program or University of Southern Indiana School of Nursing and Health Professions) within one year of employment if not already obtained upon employment.

Work Orientation & Experience: Prior anticoagulation clinic setting experience highly preferred. Previous experience in disease state management is preferred (anticoagulation).

Skills & Abilities: Excellent written and oral communication skills. Interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with patients, physicians, nurses and health-care team members regarding prescription use and obtaining or exchanging relevant patient information. Ability to communicate with patients of various ages. Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships and open lines of communications. Ability to collaborate with peers. Ability to concentrate, prioritize work assignments and complete duties within prescribed time frames. Ability to organize and manage time effectively. Ability to make independent decisions. Ability to use good judgment in implementing and planning pharmaceutical care. Ability to react calmly and effectively in urgent or emergency situations.

Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, and ability to become proficient with UM UCH's Electronic Medical Record , various modules within Meditech and point-of-care devices.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:  Supervised by: Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Anticoagulation Services. Indirect reporting to the Medical Director providing oversight regarding medical management issues directly involving patient care.