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VA
Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Outpatient Pharmacist
Career Insights for Hospital Pharmacist
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Based on Michigan data
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What they do
A Hospital Pharmacist provides medications to patients and educates patients on the proper use of medications. Works within a hospital settings. May consult with physicians about correct dosage and appropriate administration as well as discuss adverse reactions. The types of medications and their dispersal may differ significantly from those handled by retail pharmacists.
$137,375 / year median in Michigan
-14% projected decline
Job Description
Summary The primary function of this clinical pharmacist is to assure the safe and appropriate use of medications and be an advocate of rational drug therapy through the following: evaluation of the appropriateness of drug therapy based on patient specific factors; individualization of drug therapy; evaluation, dispensing and providing medications, and drug information; responsible for analyzing real and potential drug-related medical problems to ensure that patients receive optimal drug therapy. Responsibilities Major duties include, but are not limited to: Clinical Reviews patients' medication profiles and medical records as necessary for appropriate drug selection, dosing, contraindications, side effects, potential drug interactions, and therapeutic outcomes as required. Able to interpret routine laboratory values and to apply that knowledge in the evaluation of drug therapy and patient care. Communicates findings with prescribers and provides appropriate alternatives to current treatment regimens as needed. Provides timely responses to drug information requests from patient care providers and nurses. Provides counseling to patients on drug-drug interactions, adverse effects, food-drug interactions, product availability, and pharmacy policies. Processes patient prescriptions to maintain a timely discharge from Urgent Care or inpatient units. Processes prescriptions in the outpatient queue at a regular and reoccurring daily basis. Participates in multidisciplinary review of patients, evaluates pertinent laboratory data, drug and drug-nutrient interactions, monitors for adverse drug effects, and screens for allergies. Reports adverse drug events (ADE), near misses, and medication errors in alignment with local policies and procedures. Reviews and evaluates orders for non-formulary and restricted drugs for appropriateness and compliance based on established criteria and/or clinical judgement. Participates in the medical center medication utilization evaluation (MUE) program as assigned. Has expertise in the principles of clinical pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and is knowledgeable and able to make dose adjustment recommendations based on objective laboratory findings and local policy. Manages various actions, as appropriate, for medication orders to include, but not limited to: alerts, consults and queue management. Dispensing Reviews all medication orders for appropriateness, drug selection, dosage, and route of administration prior to dispensing. Ensures all medications orders are entered into the electronic health record. Reviews medication profiles and monitors for compliance, potential abuse or diversion. Concerns will be addressed with provider as appropriate. Provides oversight and maintains knowledge of technical staff in all aspects of pharmacy and pharmaceutical care. Ensures that all orders are verified and filled in an accurate, timely manner. Responsible for the preparation of compounded sterile products according to USP standards and local policy and procedures. Maintains adequate drug stock, inspects drug storage areas, supervises prepacking and the operation of automated dispensing equipment. Ensures drugs dispensed are completely and accurately labeled and packaged in full compliance with Federal rules and regulations. Responsible for proper handling of hazardous substances in full compliance with USP standards and local policy and procedures Maintains appropriate records and completes reports as necessary. Process outpatient medication orders and discharges as required. Inputs medication allergy data when information is provided by patient/care giver/provider. Enters or removes non-VA medication data when information is provided by patient and/or caregiver. Education Completes all required training in a timely manner. Responsible for maintaining his/her professional competency by keeping abreast of current medical and pharmaceutical literature, new drugs and therapies. Effectively instructs patient and family members in the appropriate use of medications and medical devices. Is skilled at using both written and verbal communication techniques in teaching others. May serve as a preceptor for pharmacy students and/or pharmacy residents. Assumes an active role in staff development of peers and provides educational in-services to nursing, medical staff and to other ancillary services, as requested. Green Environmental Management System (GEMS): Ensure compliance with applicable environmental requirements, to prevent pollution and conserve resources. Enhance our image with regulators, patients, the public, and stakeholder groups through the careful handling of medications throughout the dispensing process and through the appropriate handling/sorting/routing of outdated medications to be set aside for destruction or routed for credit. Shall follow all policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all applicable environmental regulations and requirements and be a good steward of the environment through pollution prevention, waste minimization and resource conservation.
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/. (
Work Schedule:
Monday-Friday 0730-1700. Tour rotates.Telework:
Ad-hoc Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. Qualifications 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.Education:
(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 accreditedBenefits
- Dental Insurance