Clinical Staff Pharmacist, Correctional Health Services (Float)

Position details

• Position type: Full-Time
• Department: Pharmacy
• Location: NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services, 200 Construction Way, Flushing, NY 11371
• Salary range: $130,513-143,247

Overview

The Clinical Staff Pharmacist is professionally responsible for the overall administrative, clinical and drug distribution activities of a satellite pharmacy. S/he performs related functions to assure the safety and quality of drug therapy which includes adherence with all federal, state and Correctional Health Services regulations and policies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure proper functioning of the pharmacy as it relates to the assignment of duties, monitoring activities and the checking and approval of all functions performed by graduate pharmacists, technicians and assistants.
• Enter drug orders and/or utilize CPOE to enter drug orders. Retrieve data from the computerized pharmacy profile system.
• Prepare, check and dispense all medication using accepted standards of pharmacy practice and departmental policies for unit dose, carry, out-patient and nursery distribution systems. Check all work done by the pharmacy technician prior to dispensing. All carry medication bags are initialed by the approving pharmacist.
• Review and interpret all drug orders with regard to the patient profile, the formulary system, dosages, dosage schedules, routes of administration, rationale of therapy, incompatibilities, therapeutic duplications and any other ramifications in drug therapy prior to dispensing.
• Monitor and follow-up on patient drug therapy including compliance. Consults and follows-up on any problems/questions including non-formulary drug orders, adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, side effects, incompatibilities, etc. with the medical team.
• Review and compare nursing DOT books with pharmacy records on a weekly basis. Review and compare nursing insulin books with pharmacy records on a weekly basis.
• When pharmacy technician notifies pharmacist that a patient has missed methadone, notifies SMD or designee so that patient can be evaluated.
• Provide routine drug information to the healthcare team.
• Monitor the quality of patient care through quality assurance/improvement mechanisms (chart reviews, medication use audits, etc.) and participate in clinic quality assurance projects as requested.
• Review patient electronic records when needed to ascertain physician rationale in ordering or discontinuing a medication.
• Check Ascend patient transfer report and use the report to fill patient cassettes or move them as needed. Check email daily for daily turnaround and patients readmitted after discharge reports to assure continuity of care. If patient was on methadone or DOT medications, contact previous building to obtain needed medication records. If patient is on insulin, inform the nurse so they can obtain a new order.
• Provide patient counseling pertinent to their drug treatment regimen.
• Prepare in-service education programs for presentation to pharmacy and/or clinic staff as well as monographs on drug therapy for the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee.
• Maintain adequate inventory of drugs and supplies including controlled substances and IV solutions through use of par levels, inventory control and proper ordering. Ensure preparation of weekly pharmacy stock order and reconciliation of packing slip or invoice against items received. Notify packaging supervisor of any discrepancies.
• Utilize IDWhere to order medication on a weekly and daily basis and transmit on both a daily and weekly basis to packaging. Pharmacist has sole responsibilities in IDWhere.
• Utilize Pxyis to manage floor stock usage. Controlled substances are the pharmacist responsibility. These records are maintained with all other controlled substances records.
• Prepare, check, audit and dispense controlled substances and methadone according to policy. Ensure all inventories balance and all paperwork is appropriately completed by both pharmacy and nursing.
• Perform monthly Pharmacy/Clinic, Infirmary, Dental, Radiology area inspections including crash carts, emergency drug boxes, perk bags and seizure kits.
• Ensure documentation of daily methadone and work activity statistics using the pharmacy statistical database. Prepare accurate monthly methadone and activity reports as per policy.
• Participate in various infirmary, CDU and mental health patient rounds.
• Have knowledge of policies and procedures in the packaging area.
• Perform routine compounding of drug products and sterile preparations.
• Allow new personnel to shadow them.
• Distribute medication on an individual client basis when necessary.
• Participate in clinic staff/team leader meetings.
• Prepare and log discharge prescriptions for patients leaving the institution.
• Monitor and help maintain the cleanliness and safety of pharmacy work areas.
• Perform job responsibilities in a manner that promotes efficient use of resources.
• Refer problems and steps already taken to resolve the specific problem at the clinical staff pharmacist level to the pharmacy assistant director-buildings.
• Maintain patient confidentiality of all pharmacy and clinical information. Dispose of all unneeded reports and labels in shredding containers only.
• File all completed work in a neat and orderly fashion to ensure records are easily accessible in the future.
• Perform or assume other related duties as required.

Interpersonal skills

• Assist other employees both within and outside the department when needed.
• Be responsible and cooperative with pharmacy managers, fellow associates, patients, visitors, Correctional Health Services staff and Department of Correction personnel.
• Maintain a friendly working atmosphere.
• Maintain professional attitude and appearance and adhere to dress guidelines.
• Utilize established channels of communication and use email daily.
• Recognize, accept, and respect people as individuals.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Pharmacy or Pharm.D.
• NYS license and registration
• Salary levels for staff pharmacist exist and are based on experience (0-2 years, 3-5 years, 6-9 years, 10 years and greater). One year of experience is granted for each year of registered pharmacy hospital experience. One year of experience is granted for each 2 years of registered pharmacy retail experience.
• Demonstrated pharmacy competence, computer skills and leadership skills (decision-making ability, problem solving, good communication skills, priority setting and interpersonal relationships).
• Ability to read, write, hear, speak and understand English.
• Able to use email, scanners, and fax machines.

Working conditions and compliance

Working conditions: Pharmacy and clinic/infirmary areas located in a jail setting. Frequent walking (sometimes long distances), standing, sitting, reaching and bending. Travel between all facilities on Rikers Island and borough facilities is required. Temperature control and ventilation is highly variable throughout the jail campus.

Physical requirements: Principally classified as medium duty work with frequent travel/walking between facilities. May be required to help push and/or pull medication carts weighing up to 300 lbs down long hallways and lift up to 35 pounds when needed. Checking patient cassettes involves reaching, bending and twisting. Must have adequate range of motion with both hands. Must be able to reach forward and overhead. Must have manual dexterity to use computer keyboard, mouse and handheld scanner. Must be able to read labels and reports.

Equal opportunity statement

Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY) is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to diversity, inclusion, and equitable hiring practices. We are dedicated to fostering a respectful and supportive workplace where everyone is valued. All candidates are considered based on their qualifications, potential, and experience.

To learn more about our culture and ongoing workplace practices, please visit our Workplace Culture | PAGNY page.