Medication History Specialist PRN

Wellstar Health System•Dallas, GA

12d

About The Position

The Medication History Specialist (MHS) is an integral member of the Emergency Department team and obtains and documents the best possible medication histories for patients identified for hospital admission. This work supports safe, high-quality care by reducing medication duplications, omissions, and potential errors. Medication information is entered into the electronic medical record and used by physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare providers in treatment planning, medication orders, and discharge planning. The specialist gathers and clarifies medication histories through patient and family interviews, prescription bottle reviews, drug information resources, and contact with community pharmacies and physician offices. The role also involves updating the home medication record when a patient is admitted, monitoring the Emergency Department tracking board for potential admissions and complex patients, and working with clinical staff to resolve discrepancies. The specialist is expected to provide compassionate, professional service and meet medication reconciliation competency and annual quality-assurance requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Minimum of 2 years of pharmacy technician experience.
CPHT - Cert Pharmacy Tech certification required upon hire.
PHT - Registered Pharmacy Tech certification required upon hire.
Minimal typing skills.
Basic computer skills.
Good oral communication skills.
Basic management skills.
Good problem-solving skills.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to lift a minimum of 30 pounds.
Ability to push a transportation cart of approximately 100 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Retail experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Obtain and clarify patients’ home medication lists, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and herbals or supplements.
Use drug information resources, contact community pharmacies and physician offices, interview patients and family members, and review prescription bottles to verify medications and doses.
Enter all home medications into the electronic medical record.
Upon notification of admission, update the home medication record to match ordered and/or active prescription medications.
Monitor the Emergency Department tracking board for potential admissions and highly complex patients who need medication histories.
Provide medication histories and related patient information to nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and other medical professionals as appropriate.
Communicate with patients, families, pharmacists, nurses, and people outside the hospital to gather medication information.
Make rounds in the Emergency Department with nursing staff, physician staff, and patients.
Work under the direction of Pharmacy Leadership, ED Leadership, the Medication Safety Officer, and nurses as needed to resolve discrepancies or errors in home medication orders.
Provide professional, patient-centered service that demonstrates patience and compassion and helps put patients and families at ease.
Pass the Pharmacy Technician medication reconciliation competency test and annual competency and quality-assurance metrics.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.