Kettering Health is a not-for-profit system of 13 medical centers and more than 120 outpatient facilities serving southwest Ohio. We are committed to transforming the health care experience with high-quality care for every stage of life. Our service-oriented mission is in action every day, whether it’s by providing care in our facilities, training the next generation of health care professionals, or serving others through international outreach.

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Specialty Pharmacist collaborates with and serves as a resource for nurses, physicians and other clinicians who participate in the management of the patients receiving care at Washington Township and Troy Non-Oncology Infusion Centers. The pharmacist is responsible for coordinating and delivering pharmacy services in compliance with all applicable policies, regulatory agency requirements, state and federal laws and participating in the quality improvement process to ensure safe, effective and efficient delivery of quality care.

PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF THE SPECIALTY INFUSION PHARMACIST:

• Monitor's patient treatment (immunotherapy, specialty drugs, chemotherapy and supportive care) medications daily for appropriateness based on current clinical guidelines.
• Assesses all medication orders to ensure they meet established standards and practice guidelines of Kettering Health Network and Infusion Centers. Reports order discrepancies to appropriate staff promptly.
• Utilizes computerized systems to process medication orders, document interventions and safety reports to maintain and support safe and consistent medication administration.
• Correlate's patient laboratory results to prescribed therapy assessing need for dosing changes based on pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic alterations in drug disposition. Reports concerns and suggestions to clinical staff in a timely and effective manner to ensure patient safety and positive clinical outcomes and documents interventions in the medical record as appropriate.
• Reviews/updates medication profiles and is cognizant of patient charges.
• Evaluates/reconciles all current patient medications including over-the-counter and herbal medication for drug interactions.
• Educates patients and their families to ensure their understanding of the goal, administration schedule and potential adverse reactions to treatment and documents the activity and interventions in the medical record.
• Rigorously maintains current patient information files and records in the pharmacy department to maintain and support safe and consistent drug administration.
• Completes required training and competencies as defined by leadership.
• Advises clinicians on drug selection based on current clinical guidelines.
• Participates in nursing education activities.
• Prepares documents for Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee review as needed.
• Participates in performance improvement activities to evaluate the safety, effectiveness and outcome of services delivered.
• Orders and stocks medication and supplies following 340B protocols.
• Supervises the preparation and distribution of medication.
• Supervises the activities of the pharmacy technician.
• Identifies, recommends treatment of and reports adverse drug reactions.
• Identifies and reports therapy errors.
• Trains other pharmacists, technicians, and students.
• Assists in the development of policy and procedures.
• Seeks out and applies new pharmaceutical concepts and information as available. Disseminates current information to support other professional staff.
• Compounds sterile products according to current guidelines (ASHP, USP, NIOSH).
• Attends any infusion-related reactions and assists with managing any acute symptoms.
• Adheres to safety requirements in the handling and preparation of chemotherapy and other hazardous agents.

SKILLS / ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Computer literacy
• English proficiency
• Ability to work independently as well as supervise others
• Effective communication (both written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Organizational ability with attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to work well on a team.
• Ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to pass area-specific competencies.

LICENSES

Current pharmacy licensure by the state of Ohio

Maintenance of continuing education as required by law

EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited college of pharmacy (BS Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy)

EXPERIENCE

Preferred completion of PGY1 residency or 3 years of hospital pharmacy experience

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Minimizes drug waste
• Dispenses medications according to accepted standards of practice and evidence