Pharmacist

SummaryThe inpatient pharmacist interprets physicians' orders - dispenses medications and is responsible for drug availability and accountability - patient drug therapy - the informational needs of physicians and nurses for safer drug prescribing and administration - and for the review of drug use to enhance patient outcomes.QualificationsApplicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.Basic RequirementsUnited States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA PolicyEducation: 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.) degreeVerification of approved degree programs may be obtained from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education(TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) 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(COPY OF LICENSURE REQUIRED) English Language Proficiency: Must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 USC 7402(d) and 7407(d)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: GS-12: (a) Experience or EducationIn addition to the basic requirements - candidates must meet one of the following: One (1) year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - or Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program(b) AssignmentA pharmacist in this assignment handles routine medication-related activities in accordance with local - Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) - and national policies and regulationsThese include - but are not limited to: reviewing - interpreting - and verifying medication orders for appropriatenessprocessing and filling medication ordersinteracting with and making recommendations to other clinical staff regarding medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective carereviewing the patient's medications - allergies - labs - and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problemscontacting providers as appropriatedocumenting recommendations and interventionsproviding refill extensions and partial medication suppliestaking health and medication historiesperforming medication reconciliationproviding drug informationassisting in formulary management including therapeutic substitutions - nonformulary reviews and medication usage evaluationsdocumenting and assessing adverse drug events (ADEs)assisting in medical emergenciesproviding oversight of technical staff in all aspects of medication distributionPharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge - skills - and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of professional pharmacy practiceAbility to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staffKnowledge of laws - regulations - and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy securitySkill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies - including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parametersReference: For more information on this qualification standard - please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/The full performance level of this vacancy is 12Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion - involving stating or sitting for prolonged periods of time - typing - walkingAdditionally - occasional lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies may be required - and bending - stooping or stretching.DutiesMajor duties include - but are not limited to: Receives - interprets - processes - and fills medication ordersCompletes order entries of chemotherapy protocols with scheduling of long-term therapy for both oral and I.VmedicationsPrepares chemotherapy products utilizing aseptic technique and trained protective guidelinesAssists in drug procurement by reporting needed items to the unit's pharmaceutical procurerPrepares parenteral nutrition products following a patient assessment of medical and nutritional needsReviews the patient's medication profile for any possible drug allergies - incompatibilities - interactions - duplications - or compliance problemsActively participates in the Medical Center's medication use reviews/studies to assess our medication use patterns including treatment of painAlso participates in evaluating new drug requests and non-formulary requests for the inpatient pharmacyWork with the discharge team and Pharmacy to ensure a smooth and timely discharge processAssumes an active role in the professional education pharmacy students and provides guidance through designate programsContributes to continuing education by providing presentations or in-services on current pharmaceutical issues to both the professional and technical staffParticipates in quality assurance audits and drug utilization reviewsActs to ensure that Medical Center and Pharmacy policies and procedures are consistently followedWork Schedule: Monday - Friday - 10:00am - 6:30pmWork Schedule subject to change based on agency needsTelework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual positionFunctional Statement #: 508-54824-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized