Staff Pharmacist

Full Job Description

The Outpatient Clinical Pharmacist exercises full professional authority, knowledge, and judgment in delivering outpatient pharmacy services.

Key responsibilities include interpreting physicians' orders, filling and dispensing medications, managing drug availability, and ensuring optimal patient drug therapy.

The incumbent provides comprehensive medication management, conducts medication reviews, and offers patient education.

Applicants 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 Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency.

Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d).

(1) 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.) degree.

Verification of approved degree programs may be obtained from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, Illinois 60602-5109; phone: (312) 664-3575, or through their Web site at: http://www.acpe-accredit.org/.

(NOTE: Prior to 2005 ACPE accredited both baccalaureate and Doctor of Pharmacy terminal degree program.

Today the sole degree is Doctor of Pharmacy.) (2) Graduates of foreign pharmacy degree programs meet the educational requirement if the graduate is able to provide proof of achieving the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC) Certification, which includes passing the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT) Licensure(Supplied): 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.

The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full, current, and unrestricted licensure.

A pharmacist who has, or has ever had, any license(s) revoked, suspended, denied, restricted, limited, or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section B, paragraph 16.

Exception: Non-licensed pharmacists who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment at the entry level as a Graduate Pharmacist under the authority of 38 U.S.C.

7405(c)(2)(B). The appointing official may waive the requirement of licensure for a period not to exceed 2 years for a pharmacist that provides care under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

For grade levels above the GS-11, the candidate must be licensed.

NOTE: Individuals who have or have had multiple licenses and had any such license revoked for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, or who surrendered such license after receiving written notice of potential termination of such license by the State for professional misconduct, professional incompetence, or substandard care, are not eligible for appointment to the position unless such revoked or surrendered license is fully restored (38 U.S.C.

7402(f)). Effective November 30, 1999, this is a requirement for employment.

This requirement does not apply to licensed pharmacists on VA rolls as of that date, provided they maintain continuous appointment and are not disqualified for employment by any subsequent revocations or voluntary surrenders of State license, registration, or certification.

Licensed Pharmacist 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 EXPERIENCE OR EDUCATION: In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following: 1.

One year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS -11). OR 2. Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.

Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs): 1. Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice. 2.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff. 3.

Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security. 4.

Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.

Preferred Experience: Previous clinical experience in an inpatient setting or completion of a PGY1 pharmacy residency.

Reference: VA Handbook 5005/55, Part II, Appendix G15, Licensed Pharmacist Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12 .

The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.

Physical Requirements: The work requires regular and recurring physical exertion, involving stating or sitting for prolonged periods of time, typing, walking.

Additionally, occasional lifting/carrying of pharmaceutical supplies may be required, and bending, stooping or stretching. Major Duties:

Assigned duties but not limited to: Communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff.

Monitor and assure the outcome of drug therapies, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.

Review electronic medical records to monitor for appropriateness of drug therapy, evaluation for adverse drug reactions, drug-drug and drug food interactions.

Incorporates pharmacoeconomic consideration into clinical practice to promote cost effective and administration, duration of therapy, monitoring, and efficacy.

Effectively communicates with providers to establish positive inter professional relationships, influence clinical care decisions , and solve technical issues related to clinical practice independently.

Identifies reports and appropriately manages medication- related complications, adverse drug reactions or events , and medication errors.

Provide basic information on pharmacology ,therapeutics, drug-drug interactions, compatibility guidelines and aseptic techniques.

Provide clinically appropriate drug information to patients family members and medical center staff as appropriate. Coordinates medication orders with central pharmacy or CMOP when necessary.

Participates with pharmacy management in formulation and implementation of policies and procedures assure accurate compounding and dispensing of all therapeutic and diagnostic agents and other supplies furnished by Pharmacy Service.

Use aseptic techniques and proper safety precautions in mixing all IV solutions for all specialties (including Oncology, Cardiology, and PCA pumps).

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 1:00pm-9:30pm, Rotating holidays and weekends.(Subject to change based on agency need.) Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position.

Functional Statement #: 55346F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized