Clinical Pharmacist - Acute Care Emergency Medicine

The clinical pharmacist is responsible for delivering comprehensive pharmaceutical care to patients in the Emergency Department (ED). The position is structured as 8-on-6-off (1.0 FTE) or 7-on-7-off (0.875 FTE) with 10-h shifts; hours, subject to change, would include 0900-1930 weekends and 1330-0000 weekdays. 

At University of Iowa Health Care, clinical pharmacists are integral to all facets of patient care, encompassing therapeutic drug monitoring, medication reconciliation, patient education, and the precepting of pharmacy learners. This position ensures the highest standard of safe and effective patient care through meticulous clinical review and verification of medication orders. Collaboration is a key component of this role, as pharmacists work daily with the interdisciplinary team, including licensed independent practitioners, medical students and residents, nurses, social workers, and care coordinators.

Selective candidates are eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $10,000

Position Responsibilities:

Provide Clinical and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

1.  Assess the appropriateness of all medication orders, including drug selection, dosage, route, and potential interactions
2. Enhance pharmacotherapy regimens through the application of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles
3. Identify and address drug incompatibilities, contraindications, and patient medication allergies as necessary
4. Participate in bedside trauma and/or code responses
5. Employ clinical guidelines and evidence-based practices to inform medication therapy decisions
6. Engage in ongoing review of patient medication profiles
7. Offer drug information and medication therapy recommendations to the multidisciplinary team
8. Monitor patient responses to medications and suggest modifications as needed
9. Utilize collaborative practices to enhance patient care
10. Ensure thorough clinical documentation in accordance with departmental policies and procedures

Effectively Communicate with Patients and the Multidisciplinary Team

1. Conduct comprehensive medication histories and perform reconciliation for all inpatients
2. Facilitate multidisciplinary educational sessions and patient teaching classes as necessary
3. Coordinate discharge planning activities

Participate in Ongoing Patient Care Initiatives

1. Develop and implement clinical practice standards, as well as medication management protocols and guidelines
2. Report medication errors using the institutional standard reporting system
3. Act as a liaison for investigational drug services, facilitating continuation of therapy during inpatient admissions as appropriate
4. Engage in multidisciplinary initiatives and research opportunities to advance clinical practices
5. Serve on intra- and inter-departmental committees as required, or relevant for midnight staff
6. Coordinate discharge planning activities, including referrals to patient assistance programs, financial assistance coordinators, and support with the prior authorization process 

Provide Educational Services

At University of Iowa Health Care, a teaching institution, clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in the education of students, residents, and multidisciplinary team members. Responsibilities in this educational capacity are as follows:

1. Serve as the primary or supporting preceptor for pharmacy students and residents, as applicable
2. Lead educational sessions or in-services for interdisciplinary team members, as applicable
3. Deliver didactic lectures to pharmacy students at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, as desired
4. Present at and participating in educational programs sponsored by the Department of Pharmaceutical Care, the College of Pharmacy, other UI Health Care or UI departments, and various state and national organizations, as available
5. Act as a mentor and role model for fellow pharmacist practitioners within the department