Discharge Clinical Pharmacist

Veterans Health Administration • Hampton, VA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

The Discharge Clinical Pharmacist coordinates transitions of care from inpatient to outpatient settings by promoting the safe and appropriate use of medications at discharge. The role includes medication reconciliation, evaluation and individualization of drug therapy, dispensing and delivery of medications, and medication counseling for patients leaving inpatient care. The pharmacist oversees the Hampton VAMC “Meds to Beds” discharge program and collaborates with pharmacy colleagues and clinical staff to support timely, accurate discharge medication services.

The pharmacist reviews medication orders for accuracy and clinical appropriateness, considering patient allergies, interactions, and other patient-specific factors. The position also provides drug information and education to patients, caregivers, prescribers, and healthcare staff; supports pharmacy personnel training; and performs other duties as needed to meet service requirements.

This is a GS-12 full-performance-level position. The work schedule is an eight-hour day shift, to be discussed with the supervisor during onboarding. Telework and remote work are not available. The position requires a full, current, unrestricted pharmacist license and an ACPE-accredited pharmacy degree or qualifying foreign pharmacy credentials. Candidates must meet the stated experience or education pathway and demonstrate the required pharmacy knowledge and skills. Physical demands include lifting and carrying, pushing and pulling, bending, reaching, walking, and standing.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required, subject to the stated VA exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited.
• Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and/or Doctor of Pharmacy degree, or qualifying foreign pharmacy education with FPGEC certification, including passing the FPGEE and TOEFL iBT.
• Full, current, and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; maintain current registration if required for licensure.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• Meet one of the GS-12 experience or education pathways: 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.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate orally and in writing with patients and healthcare staff.
• Demonstrate knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security.
• Demonstrate skill in monitoring and assessing drug therapy outcomes, including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters.
• Meet VA pre-employment requirements, including applicable drug screening, background/security investigation, pre-employment physical examination, influenza vaccination program participation, and onboarding requirements.
• Serve a one- or two-year trial period, as applicable, subject to the conditions described in the announcement.
• Submit a transcript with the application when relying on education to meet qualifications; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with the transcript.

Nice To Haves

• Discharge pharmacist experience is a plus.
• Outpatient experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review, interpret, and evaluate medication orders for accuracy and appropriateness, including assessment of allergies, interactions, and other patient-specific factors.
• Ensure medications are filled in a timely manner and correctly labeled and packed in compliance with applicable federal rules and regulations.
• Respond to drug information requests from prescribers and provide appropriate treatment alternatives when needed.
• Notify a supervisor or designated personnel of actual or anticipated medication and supply shortages.
• Oversee the Hampton VAMC “Meds to Beds” discharge program in accordance with the approved pharmacy standard operating procedure.
• Coordinate with pharmacy service colleagues to ensure timely processing, dispensing, and delivery of medications to patients being discharged.
• Complete and document medication reconciliation for each discharging patient in collaboration with the assigned clinical pharmacy specialist.
• Deliver discharge medications to the bedside and counsel patients on changes to their previous home medication regimens.
• Provide medication counseling and education in written or digital formats to patients or caregivers as needed.
• Treat patients, team members, facility employees, and visitors with professional courtesy and respect, responding to needs in a timely manner.
• Provide current drug information and education to patients, caregivers, and healthcare team members.
• Maintain current basic knowledge of pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacotherapeutics, and keep informed about developments in pharmacy practice and drug therapy.
• Participate in continuing education and train pharmacy personnel, including students, externs, interns, residents, and professional and non-professional staff.
• Perform routine medication-related activities, including medication order review and processing, clinical recommendations, medication history-taking, refill extensions and partial supplies, formulary support, adverse drug event documentation and assessment, assistance in medical emergencies, and oversight of technical staff in medication distribution.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to meet the needs of the service.

Benefits

• Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), subject to eligibility and program approval, with an award amount of up to $200,000 and an eligibility period of one to five years.
• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and other conditions.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual for prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval before appointment.

What This Job Offers

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