Clinical Pharmacist

Veterans Health Administration • Salem, VA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Clinical Pharmacist performs routine medication-related activities in accordance with local, Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN), and national policies and regulations. The role includes reviewing, interpreting, and verifying medication orders for appropriateness; processing and filling medication orders; and collaborating with clinical staff to make recommendations that support safe and effective medication therapy.

The pharmacist obtains medication histories, educates patients on safe and appropriate medication use, documents findings in medical records, and monitors drug therapy in relation to patients’ medical problems, laboratory data, and procedures. The pharmacist evaluates regimens for adverse drug reactions, interactions, contraindications, and other medication-related problems, and records and reports medication errors and adverse drug reactions.

The position supports accurate and timely drug distribution, verifies prescription details and patient information, oversees compounding and related documentation, and evaluates work performed by pharmacy technicians, volunteers, and work/study students. It uses VistA, CPRS, ScriptPro, Omnicell, and other pharmacy automation, and includes review and assessment of IV admixture orders. The role also provides patient counseling, addresses concerns, coordinates with prescribers when needed, and follows pharmacy procedures and automation contingency plans.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, with limited non-citizen appointments possible under VA policy.
• Graduate from an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy and/or Doctor of Pharmacy degree, or meet the foreign pharmacy education requirements through FPGEC certification, including the FPGEE and TOEFL iBT.
• Hold a full, current, and unrestricted pharmacist license in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia, and maintain current registration if required for licensure.
• For GS-12, meet one of the following in addition to the basic requirements: one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program.
• Demonstrate knowledge of professional pharmacy practice; oral and written communication with patients and health care staff; laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to drug distribution, controlled and non-controlled drugs, and pharmacy security; and skill in monitoring and assessing drug therapy outcomes, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and diagnostic parameters.
• Be proficient in written and spoken English.
• Meet applicable pre-employment requirements, including background/security investigation, drug screening, physical examination, onboarding, identification requirements, and seasonal influenza vaccination.
• Register for Selective Service if applicable to male applicants born after December 31, 1959.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, during which continued employment is evaluated.
• Submit a transcript if relying wholly or partly on education to qualify.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Omnicell, ScriptPro, sterile compounding, and automated dispensing cabinets.

Responsibilities

• Build cooperative working relationships, meet work commitments on time, assist coworkers, and maintain courteous and professional conduct.
• Provide timely, courteous service and clear oral and written communication to patients, visitors, staff, and management.
• Obtain medication histories, instruct patients on safe and appropriate drug use, and document findings in the medical record.
• Monitor medication regimens in light of patients’ medical problems, laboratory data, and specialized procedures, coordinating with other members of the care team as warranted.
• Assess regimens for adverse drug reactions, interactions, contraindications, and other drug-related problems, and evaluate their clinical significance.
• Serve as an initial entry point for recording and reporting medication errors and adverse drug reactions.
• Address patient and staff concerns, help resolve issues within the pharmacist’s ability, and report feedback to a supervisor in a timely manner.
• Maintain workflow that supports prompt and accurate medication distribution.
• Review prescription orders for completeness and compliance with medical center policy, VA directives, and federal regulations; verify patient, medication, strength, directions, quantity, days’ supply, refills, allergies, duplicate therapy, and interactions.
• Ensure prescription information is correct before dispensing.
• Ensure compounds are prepared, checked, dispensed, and documented accurately in accordance with policy, including maintaining compounding logs.
• Oversee and evaluate pharmacy technicians, volunteers, and work/study students for accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of work.
• Enter and maintain patient medication records, electronic progress notes, and adverse reaction, allergy, and medication-error data in VistA and CPRS.
• Support medication dispensing and administration processes using ScriptPro technology.
• Counsel patients presenting to the pharmacy, assess relevant medical records and circumstances, and contact prescribing providers when prescription issues require intervention.
• Review, verify, and assess IV admixture orders for appropriateness, compatibility, duplication, cost savings, and completeness before dispensing.
• Operate and perform basic daily maintenance on pharmacy automation, follow contingency plans and departmental SOPs, and promptly notify the Pharmacy ADPAC or Alternate ADPAC if interfaces are down.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for eligible employees and their families.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal employment or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree