Clinical Staff Pharmacist, Correctional Health Services (Float)

General Overview:

The Clinical Staff Pharmacist is professionally responsible for the overall administrative, clinical and drug distribution activities of a satellite pharmacy. S/he performs related functions to assure the safety and quality of drug therapy which includes adherence with all federal, state and Correctional Health Services regulations and policies.

Organizational Responsibilities:

• Ensures proper functioning of the pharmacy as it relates as it relates to the assignment of duties, monitoring activities and the checking and approval of all functions performed by graduate pharmacists, technicians and assistants.
• Enters drug orders and/or utilizes CPOE to enter drug orders. Retrieves data from the computerized pharmacy profile system.
• Prepares, checks and dispenses all medication using accepted standards of pharmacy practice and departmental policies for unit dose, carry, out-patient and nursery distribution systems. Checks all work done by the pharmacy technician prior to dispensing. All carry medication bags are initialed by the approving pharmacist.
• Reviews and interprets all drug orders with regard to the patient profile, the formulary system, dosages, dosage schedules, routes of administration, rationale of therapy, incompatibilities, therapeutic duplications and any other ramifications in drug therapy prior to dispensing.
• Monitors and follows-up on patient drug therapy including compliance. Consults and follows-up on any problems/questions including non-formulary drug orders, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, side effects, incompatibilities, etc. with the medical team.
• Reviews and compares nursing DOT books with pharmacy records on at least a weekly basis. Reviews and compares nursing insulin books with pharmacy records on a weekly basis.
• When pharmacy technician notifies pharmacist that a patient has missed methadone, notifies SMD or designee so that patient can be evaluated.
• Provides routine drug information to the healthcare team.
• Monitors the quality of patient care through quality assurance/improvement mechanisms (chart reviews, medication use audits, etc.) Participates in clinic quality assurance projects as requested.
• Reviews patient electronic record when needed to ascertain physician rationale in ordering or discontinuing a medication.
• Checks Ascend patient transfer report and uses the report to fill patient cassettes or move them as needed. Checks email each day for daily turn around and patients readmitted after discharge reports to assure continuity of care. If patient was on methadone or DOT medications, contacts previous building to obtain needed medication records. If patient is on insulin, informs nurse so they can obtain a new order.
• Provides patient counseling pertinent to their drug treatment regimen.
• Prepares in-service education programs for presentation to pharmacy and/or clinic staff as well as monographs on drug therapy for the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.
• Maintains adequate inventory of drugs and supplies including controlled substances and IV solutions through use of par levels, inventory control and proper ordering. Assures preparation of weekly pharmacy stock order. Assures reconciliation of packing slip or invoice against items received. Assures notification of packaging supervisor of any discrepancies.
• Utilizes IDWhere to order medication on a weekly and daily basis and transmits on both a daily and weekly basis to packaging. Pharmacist has sole responsibilities in IDWhere.
• Utilizes Pxyis to manage floor stock usage. Controlled substances are the pharmacist responsibility. These records are maintained with all other controlled substances records.
• Prepares, checks, audits and dispenses controlled substances and methadone according to policy. Assures all inventories balance and all paperwork is appropriately completed by both pharmacy and nursing.
• Performs monthly Pharmacy/Clinic, Infirmary, Dental, Radiology area inspections including crash carts, emergency drug boxes, perk bags and seizure kits.
• Assures documentation of daily methadone and work activity statistics using the pharmacy statistical database. Prepares accurate monthly methadone and activity reports as per policy.
• Participates in various infirmary, CDU and mental health patient rounds.
• Has knowledge of policies and procedures in the packaging area.
• Performs routine compounding of drug products and sterile preparations.
• Allows new personnel to shadow them.
• Distributes medication on an individual client basis when necessary.
• Participates in clinic staff/team leader meetings.
• Prepares and logs discharge prescriptions for patients leaving the institution.
• Monitors and helps maintain the cleanliness and safety of pharmacy work areas.
• Performs job responsibilities in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources.
• Refers problems and steps already taken to resolve the specific problem at the clinical staff pharmacist level to the pharmacy assistant director-buildings.
• Maintains patient confidentiality of all pharmacy and clinical information. Disposes of all unneeded reports and labels in shredding containers only.
• Files all completed work in a neat and orderly fashion to assure that records can be easily accessed in the future.
• Performs or assumes other related duties as required.

Interpersonal Skills

• Assists other employees both within and outside the department when needed.
• Is responsible and cooperative with pharmacy managers, fellow associates, patients, visitors, Correctional Health Services staff and Department of Correction personnel.
• Maintains friendly working atmosphere.
• Maintains professional attitude.
• Maintains professional appearance and adheres to dress guidelines.
• Utilizes established channels of communication. Uses email on a daily basis.
• Recognizes, accepts, and respects people as individuals.

• B.S. in Pharmacy or Pharm.D.
• NYS license and registration
• Four salary levels for staff pharmacist exist. They are based upon experience. (0-2 years) (3-5 years) (6-9 years) and 10 years and greater. One year of experience is granted for each year of registered pharmacy hospital experience. One year of experience is granted for each 2 years of registered pharmacy retail experience.
• Demonstrated pharmacy competence, computer skills and leadership skills (decision-making ability, problem solving, good communication skills, priority setting and interpersonal relationships).
• Ability to read, write, hear, speak and understand English.
• Able to use email, scanners, and fax machines.

Contact (Patient and Public):

Routine contact with inmates, Department of Corrections personnel, NY State Corrections Health Care, outside pharmacies, outside agency personnel including auditors and regulatory inspectors (DEA, FDA, NYC DOHMH-CHS, etc.) and PAGNY and H+H associates.

Working Conditions:

Pharmacy and clinic/infirmary areas located in a jail setting. Frequent walking (sometimes long distances), standing, sitting, reaching and bending. Travel between all facilities on Rikers Island and borough facilities is required. Temperature control and ventilation is highly variable throughout the jail campus.

Physical Requirements:

Principally classified as medium duty work with frequent travel/walking between facilities. May be required to help push and/or pull medication carts weighing up to 300 lbs down long hallways and lift up to 35 pounds when needed.

When checking patient cassettes there is constant reaching, bending and twisting. Must have adequate range of motion with both hands. Must be able to reach forward and overheard. Must have manual dexterity to use computer keyboard, mouse and handheld scanner. Must be able to read labels and reports.