Summary

A pharmacist in this assignment handles routine medication-related activities in accordance with local - Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) - and national policies and regulations. These include - but are not limited to reviewing - interpreting - and verifying medication orders for appropriateness; processing and filling medication orders; interacting with and making recommendations to other clinical staff regarding medication therapy ordered to ensure safe and effective care.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements:

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy
• Graduate of an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited College or School of Pharmacy with a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) and/or a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree
• Verification of approved degree programs may be obtained from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education - 20 North Clark Street - Suite 2500 - Chicago - Illinois 60602-5109
• phone: (312) 664-3575 - or through their Web site at: http://www.acpe-accredit.org/
• (NOTE: Prior to 2005 ACPE accredited both baccalaureate and Doctor of Pharmacy terminal degree program
• Today the sole degree is Doctor of Pharmacy.) Graduates of foreign pharmacy degree programs meet the educational requirement if the graduate is able to provide proof of achieving the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Commission (FPGEC) Certification - which includes passing the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
• Full - current and unrestricted license to practice pharmacy in a State - Territory - Commonwealth of the United States (i.e. - Puerto Rico) - or the District of Columbia
• The pharmacist must maintain current registration if this is a requirement for maintaining full - current - and unrestricted licensure
• A pharmacist who has - or has ever had - any license(s) revoked - suspended - denied - restricted - limited - or issued/placed in a probationary status may be appointed only in accordance with the provisions in VA Handbook 5005 - Part II - Chapter 3 - section B - paragraph 16 May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).Grade Determinations:GS-11: Experience - Education - and Licensure
• None beyond the basic requirements.GS-12: Experience or Education: In addition to the basic requirements - candidates must meet one of the following: 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level - or Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge - skills and abilities (KSAs): Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff
• Knowledge of laws - regulations - and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security
• Skill in monitoring and assessing the outcome of drug therapies - including physical assessment and interpretation of laboratory and other diagnostic parameters References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/55 PART II APPENDIX G15 The full performance level of this vacancy is 12
• The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of 11 and 12
• Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Duties

• Fosters productive and cooperative working relationships by showing understanding - courtesy - tact - and politeness to others Regularly cooperates with coworkers and others in meeting commitments and accomplishing assigned work on time Assists other employees in the work unit in accomplishing assignments including supporting co-workers when work is done
• Routinely displays courteous and tactful behavior
• Projects a positive and professional image of Pharmacy Service Provides courteous - cooperative - and timely service to patients - visitors - and staff - demonstrating good oral and written communication
• This includes identification of self and department - tact - self-control - patience - and discretion in dealing with the public - patients - fellow employees and management and projecting a positive image of Department of Veterans Affairs (i.e
• customer service - good communication with co-workers and veterans) Obtains medication histories from patients - provision of patient instruction regarding the safe and appropriate use of drugs - and documents findings in the medical record
• Monitor drug therapy regimens - including routine analysis of patients' drug therapy - medical problems - laboratory data - and specialized procedures - and correlates these analyses with others responsible for the patient's care as warranted
• Analyzes drug treatment regimens for potential adverse drug reactions (ADR) - drug interactions - or contraindications
• assesses the clinical significance of the analysis and identifies any drug-related problems that may be affecting the patient or contributing to the need for utilization of health care i.e. - (hospitalizations - clinic visits - additional drug therapies)
• Serves as the initial entry point for recording and reporting of medication errors and adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
• Addresses patient and staff concern - assisting with problem solving for all issues within their ability
• Reports feedback to supervisor in a timely manner Maintains good workflow patterns to insure the provision of prompt - accurate drug distribution services to patients
• Reviews prescription orders for completeness and adherence to Medical Center Policy - VHAs directives - and Federal Regulations
• Reviews data for correct patient - medications - strength - directions - quantity - day's supply and number of refills
• Screens for allergies - duplicate therapy - and Drug-Drug interactions
• Assures that all information is correct prior to finishing the prescription for dispensing Ensures that compounds are made and dispensed accurately and efficiently with pharmacists being final check prior to mixing or compounding
• All items are checked prior to mixing then are compounded in accordance with policy and are properly logged in the compounding log with all appropriate documentation included Oversees and evaluates work performed by pharmacy technicians - volunteers - or work/study students for accuracy - completeness - and appropriateness
• Inputs information into VistA and CPRS computer systems to maintain accurate patient medication records - write electronic progress notes - and document adverse reaction/allergy data/ medication errors Supports medication dispensing and administration processes through utilization of ScriptPro® technology Works to maintain good workflow by counseling patients who present to pharmacy for any pharmacy service
• Assesses patient medical record - history - and any current situations identified in counseling session
• Will intervene when necessary to contact prescribing health care provider for any issues with prescription order(s) Responsible order review - verification - and assessment of all IV admixture orders to determine order appropriateness for unit - and patient
• compatibilities - order duplication - cost savings - and completeness of orders prior to dispensing to the veteran Working knowledge of the operation and basic daily maintenance of all automated equipment in the pharmacy (e.g
• Omnicell - ScriptPro -) Knowledgeable about contingency plans and all departmental SOPs for automation Notifies Pharmacy ADPAC/Alternate ADPAC immediately - if interfaces are down VA Careers - Pharmacy: https://youtube.com/embed/Fn_ickNBEws Work Schedule: Rotating days - evenings - weekends and holidays Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position
• Functional Statement #: 000000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required