Clinical Pharmacist - 40 hrs/wk, 1st shift

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The purpose of this position is to provide pharmaceutical care at our Cancer Center through the review, preparation, dispensing, and monitoring of medications to patients receiving treatment. This position will work closely with the physicians and nursing staff to coordinate the daily care of our patients as well as providing cost effective therapy. Other areas of involvement include:

• Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting

• Drug Use Evaluation 

• Quality Improvement

• Pharmaceutical Education

JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Duty 1: Reviews and interprets chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and supportive care orders for appropriateness, interactions, and toxicities.

• Duty 2: Works with our medical providers to adjust a patient’s treatment dose based on lab values, organ function, and clinical response.

• Duty 3: Ensures accurate, safe handling and compounding of injectable medications according to protocols and regulatory standards

• Duty 4: Ensures an aseptic process is followed when preparing sterile products in the pharmacy cleanroom suite and through the verification of another pharmacy associate’s work.

• Duty 5: Counsels patients and families on medication regimens, administration, side effects, adherence strategies, and supportive care.

• Duty 6: Advises providers and nursing staff on dosing, drug interactions, toxicity mitigation, and emerging oncology therapies.

• Duty 7: Participates in patient rounds, tumor boards, and interdisciplinary clinics, contributing pharmacotherapy insights.

• Duty 8: Manages therapy-related toxicities (e.g., nausea, electrolyte imbalances, pain) in collaboration with the care team.

• Duty 9: Assists in developing institutional protocols, guidelines, and order sets for medications administered at the Cancer Center and oncology treatment at Blanchard Valley Health System hospitals.a

• Duty 10: Participates in medication-use evaluations, audits, safety committees, and continuous improvement programs.

• Duty 11: Stays current on treatment advances; share knowledge through presentations or training sessions.

• Duty 12: Complies with all state and national guidelines concerning the practice of pharmacy, including but not limited to the State Board of Pharmacy and JCAHO. Is knowledgeable about legal changes concerning the practice of pharmacy and takes an active role in communicating and implementing these changes.

• Duty 13: Provides direction and is a strong role model for all pharmacy technicians and pharmacy interns. Understands the function of the technician/intern and is capable of teaching and performing these duties.

• Duty14: Engages in activities to advance personal education, beyond mandatory CE. Attends and takes an active role in pharmacy leadership meetings and is involved in professional associations. Is involved in multidisciplinary committees within the hospital. Is willing to take on extra projects.

• Duty 15: Supports fellow staff members; Maintains a positive attitude regardless of workflow; Follows through on problem resolution to the satisfaction of all involved; Promotes good relations between all pharmacy staff members; Maintains a professional attitude when dealing with other healthcare professionals, patients etc. Always provides upward support of leadership within the organization.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Registered pharmacist in the State of Ohio

• Maintain current state licensure

• Completion of ASHP-accredited PGY-1 residency or 5 years related clinical experience.

• Expertise in chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents

• Strong clinical judgment under pressure

• Excellent communication for patient counseling and interdisciplinary collaboration

• Knowledge of USP , safe handling, and aseptic protocols

• Ability to develop clinical guidelines, lead quality initiatives, and manage multiple projects

• Familiarity with formulary management, reimbursement processes, and cost containment

• Typing and computer skills required

• Positive service-oriented interpersonal and communication skills required.

• Individual must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on his/her assigned unit/department. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient status.  Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to their age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the area’s policies and procedures

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PGY-2 Oncology or Hematology/Oncology residency.

• Board Certification in Oncology Pharmacy

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires a full range of body motion with intermittent walking, lifting, bending, climbing, squatting, kneeling, twisting, sitting and standing. The associate will be required to walk for up to two hours a day, sit for three hours a day and stand for three hours a day. The individual must be able to lift fifty pounds and reach work above the shoulders. The individual must have good eye-hand coordination and fine finger dexterity. The associate must have excellent verbal communication skills to perform daily tasks. The associate must have corrected vision and hearing in the normal range.

***This position is classified “at risk” for possible occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens (HBV, HIV, etc.)