Clinical Pharmacist, Pediatrics-Clinical or Operations

The PRN pediatric pharmacist is responsible for delivering comprehensive pharmaceutical care to the pediatric acute care population. This role will support upholding the highest standards for a safe, effective, and efficient medication distribution system as well as clinical review and/or order verification of patient orders.

In Stead Family Children's Hospital, clinical pediatric pharmacists are integral to all facets of patient care, encompassing therapeutic drug monitoring, medication reconciliation, and patient education. This position ensures the highest standard of safe and effective patient care through meticulous clinical review and verification of medication orders. Collaboration is a key component of this role, as pharmacists work daily with the interdisciplinary team, including licensed independent practitioners, medical students and residents, nurses, social workers, and care coordinators.

In Stead Family Children's Hospital, operations pediatric pharmacists are integral to all facets of medication preparation and distribution and work as part of an integrated team in either the central pharmacy or perioperative pharmacy. This position ensures the highest standard of safe and effective patient care through meticulous preparation, checking, and distribution of medications prepared for pediatric patients. As an operations pediatric pharmacist, clinical review and order verification is on a limited basis.

Position Responsibilities

Provide Clinical and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

• Assess the appropriateness of all medication orders, including drug selection, dosage, route, and potential interactions
• Enhance pharmacotherapy regimens through the application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
• Identify and address drug incompatibilities, contraindications, and patient medication allergies as necessary
• Employ clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices to inform medication therapy decisions
• Engage in daily multidisciplinary rounds and review patient profiles
• Offer drug information and medication therapy recommendations to the multidisciplinary team
• Monitor patient responses to medications and suggest modifications as needed
• Ensure thorough clinical documentation in accordance with departmental policies and procedures

Responsible for medication preparation and dispensing

• Verify and dispense sterile, non-sterile, hazardous preparations, pre-packaged medications, automated dispensing cabinet restocks, emergency drug trays and ambulance kits in accordance with physician orders and hospital protocols.
• Oversee pharmacy technicians, providing guidance and ensuring compliance with all regulatory and hospital policies and procedures.
• Direct technician workflow to support timely preparation and delivery of medications, in coordination with area leadership as appropriate.
• Ensure accuracy and appropriateness of all medications dispensed.
• Assist with inventory control.
• Support quality control measures to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Address and resolve medication-related issues or discrepancies.
• Evaluate the performance of pharmacy technicians and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
• Maintain current knowledge and competency in USP regulations related to medications dispensed.

Effectively Communicate with Patients and the Multidisciplinary Team

• Conduct comprehensive medication histories and perform reconciliation for all inpatients
• Facilitate multidisciplinary educational sessions and patient teaching classes as necessary
• Support discharge processes by managing prescription drug pending, performing reconciliations, and providing counseling for high-risk patient populations

Participate in Ongoing Patient Care Initiatives

• Coordinate discharge planning activities, including referrals to patient assistance programs, financial assistance coordinators, and support with the prior authorization process

Education Requirements

• PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) or BS (Bachelor of Science) in Pharmacy

Experience Requirements

• Current pharmacist licensure by the Iowa Board of Pharmacy or eligibility to obtain licensure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Exhibit a strong commitment to service excellence, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace

Desired Qualifications

• Inpatient clinical pharmacy experience is highly desirable
• Working knowledge of Epic Electronic Health Record
• One (1) year of applicable pharmacy experience is desired. Years of applicable experience include the time spent completing an ASHP-accredited pharmacy residency.
• Satisfactory completion of an ASHP-accredited PGY1 and/or PGY2 residency in pharmacy
• Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) certification in a relevant specialty area
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification