Pharmacist (Clinical Specialist)
Duties include, but not limited to:
DISPENSING Assures the accuracy and appropriateness of drug dispensing and compounding of medications, based on patient history and medication profile review. This includes data entry into the computer, screening orders for drug and drug-food interactions, dosing errors, allergies, incompatibilities, contraindications, formulary availability and final verification of the order Consult with providers, nurses, dieticians, and other ancillary personnel, when necessary (outpatient, unit dose, IV admixtures, ward stock, and other pharmacy services. Fills and issues ward or clinic orders for drugs, supplies, and narcotics as necessary, and maintains proper records of all transactions. Fills prescriptions by selecting the correct drug and dosage form, reducing the drug from bulk to the quantity prescribed, compounding when necessary, then packaging and labeling the drug in an appropriate manner. Consults with patients and medical center staff whenever there are questions concerning therapeutic or policy matters regarding outpatient prescriptions and inpatient provider orders. Provides quality control analysis for dispensing activities of automated dispensing equipment and Pharmacy Technicians. Exercises care in the dispensing of drugs, especially controlled substances, investigational and cytotoxic drugs, to assure that legal and agency regulations and instructions are followed, that proper and complete recordkeeping is maintained, and that the drug storage areas are stocked, safe, and secure. CLINICAL Monitors the use of restricted and nonformulary medications, assures medications are ordered and dispensed in accordance with VA guidelines, criteria for use and other applicable regulations. Conducts drug usage evaluations, and monthly reviews of drug regimens for long term care patients/residents in accordance with medical center/pharmacy policy and JCAHO standards. Accurately reviews charts, evaluates pertinent laboratory data, drug-drug and drug-nutrient interactions, monitors for adverse drug effects, and screens for allergies and provides medication counseling. Accurately provides pharmacokinetic consultation, including dosing vancomycin and aminoglycosides, in accordance with local policy. Provides cost effective pharmaceutical care services to assigned patient care areas including monitoring drug usage, resolving clinical issues, recommending appropriate drug therapy and utilizing therapeutic interventions. Participates in Pharmacy and Medical Center quality assurance and improvement activities. DIRECT PATIENT CARE The Clinical Pharmacist provides rational and cost-effective drug therapy in assigned patient care areas. This includes monitoring drug usage, resolving clinical issues, recommending appropriate drug therapy, and solving other pharmacy-related issues. Develops therapeutic alternative plans utilizing the most effective, least toxic, and most economical medication treatments, recognizing the special drug considerations of the age and stage of life for the patient, and communicates this plan to the patient's primary provider. Analyzes laboratory test data so as to modify drug dosing when necessary in an effective manner and rule out drug interferences. Develops rational alternative medication treatment plans in cases where the initially selected plan fails to achieve the desired therapeutic result and communicates this information to the patient's primary provider. Coordinates and carries out polypharmacy reduction efforts, effecting therapeutic changes through treatment recommendations to the patient's primary provider. Schedule:
Multiple Rotating Shift Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education:
(Pharm.D. preferred) (1) 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.) (2) 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). Licensure. 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. Grandfathering Provision. All licensed pharmacists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-660 occupational series may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (3) If a licensed pharmacist who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). GRADE REQUIREMENTS Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Professional Pharmacy Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with professional pharmacy practice. Professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional or unlicensed graduate pharmacist as defined by the appropriate licensing board. (2) Residency and Fellowship Training. Residency and fellowship training programs in a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice may be substituted for creditable experience on a year-for-year basis. The pharmacy residency program must be accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). A fellowship program that is not accredited by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) will need to have comparable standards for experience to be creditable (Professional Standards Board refers to the Deputy Chief Consultant for Professional Practice for the determination). (3) Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to pharmacy experience at the next lower level. Experience as a Graduate Pharmacist is creditable provided the candidate was used as a professional pharmacist (under supervision) and subsequently passed the appropriate licensure examination. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-12 Clinical Pharmacist (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following:
1. 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or 2. Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program. Preferred Education:
Pharm.D. Assignment. 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; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems; contacting providers as appropriate; documenting recommendations and interventions; providing refill extensions and partial medication supplies; taking health and medication histories; performing medication reconciliation; providing drug information; assisting in formulary management including therapeutic substitutions, nonformulary reviews and medication usage evaluations; documenting and assessing adverse drug events (ADEs); assisting in medical emergencies; providing oversight of technical staff in all aspects of medication distribution. Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
1. Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff. 3. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security. 4. 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 Physical Requirements:
Incumbent may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Manual dexterity, visual acuity required for differentiation between medications as well as review of compounded products. Potential requirement to lift up to 40 lbs. when filling and or completing prescriptions.
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
DISPENSING Assures the accuracy and appropriateness of drug dispensing and compounding of medications, based on patient history and medication profile review. This includes data entry into the computer, screening orders for drug and drug-food interactions, dosing errors, allergies, incompatibilities, contraindications, formulary availability and final verification of the order Consult with providers, nurses, dieticians, and other ancillary personnel, when necessary (outpatient, unit dose, IV admixtures, ward stock, and other pharmacy services. Fills and issues ward or clinic orders for drugs, supplies, and narcotics as necessary, and maintains proper records of all transactions. Fills prescriptions by selecting the correct drug and dosage form, reducing the drug from bulk to the quantity prescribed, compounding when necessary, then packaging and labeling the drug in an appropriate manner. Consults with patients and medical center staff whenever there are questions concerning therapeutic or policy matters regarding outpatient prescriptions and inpatient provider orders. Provides quality control analysis for dispensing activities of automated dispensing equipment and Pharmacy Technicians. Exercises care in the dispensing of drugs, especially controlled substances, investigational and cytotoxic drugs, to assure that legal and agency regulations and instructions are followed, that proper and complete recordkeeping is maintained, and that the drug storage areas are stocked, safe, and secure. CLINICAL Monitors the use of restricted and nonformulary medications, assures medications are ordered and dispensed in accordance with VA guidelines, criteria for use and other applicable regulations. Conducts drug usage evaluations, and monthly reviews of drug regimens for long term care patients/residents in accordance with medical center/pharmacy policy and JCAHO standards. Accurately reviews charts, evaluates pertinent laboratory data, drug-drug and drug-nutrient interactions, monitors for adverse drug effects, and screens for allergies and provides medication counseling. Accurately provides pharmacokinetic consultation, including dosing vancomycin and aminoglycosides, in accordance with local policy. Provides cost effective pharmaceutical care services to assigned patient care areas including monitoring drug usage, resolving clinical issues, recommending appropriate drug therapy and utilizing therapeutic interventions. Participates in Pharmacy and Medical Center quality assurance and improvement activities. DIRECT PATIENT CARE The Clinical Pharmacist provides rational and cost-effective drug therapy in assigned patient care areas. This includes monitoring drug usage, resolving clinical issues, recommending appropriate drug therapy, and solving other pharmacy-related issues. Develops therapeutic alternative plans utilizing the most effective, least toxic, and most economical medication treatments, recognizing the special drug considerations of the age and stage of life for the patient, and communicates this plan to the patient's primary provider. Analyzes laboratory test data so as to modify drug dosing when necessary in an effective manner and rule out drug interferences. Develops rational alternative medication treatment plans in cases where the initially selected plan fails to achieve the desired therapeutic result and communicates this information to the patient's primary provider. Coordinates and carries out polypharmacy reduction efforts, effecting therapeutic changes through treatment recommendations to the patient's primary provider. Schedule:
Multiple Rotating Shift Financial Disclosure Report:
Not required BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
Citizenship. Citizen of the United States. (Noncitizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3g, this part.) Education:
(Pharm.D. preferred) (1) 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.) (2) 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). Licensure. 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. Grandfathering Provision. All licensed pharmacists employed in VHA in this occupation on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series and grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements required in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed to it, the following provisions apply:
(1) Employees grandfathered into the GS-660 occupational series may be reassigned, promoted up to and including the full performance (journey) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. (2) Employees who are appointed on a temporary basis prior to the effective date of the qualification standard may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed, on a temporary or permanent basis, until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration, that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. (3) If a licensed pharmacist who was retained under this provision leaves the occupation, the employee loses protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry to the occupation. English Language Proficiency. Pharmacists must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). GRADE REQUIREMENTS Creditable Experience (1) Knowledge of Professional Pharmacy Practices. To be creditable, the experience must have demonstrated the use of knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with professional pharmacy practice. Professional practice means paid/non-paid employment as a professional or unlicensed graduate pharmacist as defined by the appropriate licensing board. (2) Residency and Fellowship Training. Residency and fellowship training programs in a specialized area of clinical pharmacy practice may be substituted for creditable experience on a year-for-year basis. The pharmacy residency program must be accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). A fellowship program that is not accredited by the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) will need to have comparable standards for experience to be creditable (Professional Standards Board refers to the Deputy Chief Consultant for Professional Practice for the determination). (3) Quality of Experience. Qualifying experience must be at a level comparable to pharmacy experience at the next lower level. Experience as a Graduate Pharmacist is creditable provided the candidate was used as a professional pharmacist (under supervision) and subsequently passed the appropriate licensure examination. Grade Determinations. In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-12 Clinical Pharmacist (Full Performance Level) Experience or Education. In addition to the basic requirements, candidates must meet one of the following:
1. 1 year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, or 2. Completion of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program. Preferred Education:
Pharm.D. Assignment. 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; reviewing the patient's medications, allergies, labs, and other pertinent information from the medical record to identify and solve medication-related problems; contacting providers as appropriate; documenting recommendations and interventions; providing refill extensions and partial medication supplies; taking health and medication histories; performing medication reconciliation; providing drug information; assisting in formulary management including therapeutic substitutions, nonformulary reviews and medication usage evaluations; documenting and assessing adverse drug events (ADEs); assisting in medical emergencies; providing oversight of technical staff in all aspects of medication distribution. Pharmacists assigned to this position must demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs):
1. Knowledge of professional pharmacy practice. 2. Ability to communicate orally and in writing to both patients and health care staff. 3. Knowledge of laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to the distribution and control of scheduled and non-scheduled drugs and pharmacy security. 4. 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 Physical Requirements:
Incumbent may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Manual dexterity, visual acuity required for differentiation between medications as well as review of compounded products. Potential requirement to lift up to 40 lbs. when filling and or completing prescriptions.
- Department:
0660 Pharmacist - Salary Range:
$92,639 to $112,493 per year
Estimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.
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