Clinical Pharmacist - Internal Medicine

The University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, is seeking a full time Clinical Pharmacist to join our team.

The clinical pharmacist is responsible for all aspects of pharmaceutical care in the adult acute care population. The pharmacist will provide services in the intermediate care areas, including but not limited to, internal medicine, family medicine, and neurology patient populations. In addition, this position may include training to other inpatient clinical areas as staffing needs dictate. This position will have rotating shifts including weekdays, weekends, and evenings.

Clinical pharmacists at UIHC are involved in all aspects of patient care such as therapeutic drug monitoring, medication reconciliation, medication education, and precepting pharmacy learners. This role will support the highest level of safe and effective patient care via thorough clinical review and verification of medication orders. In addition, all members of the pharmacy team collaborate daily with members of 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:

Provides Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

1.      Evaluate medication orders to ensure accuracy and appropriateness

2.      Follow policies and procedures pertinent to the patient care area

3.      Assure pharmacokinetic assessment of drug dosing when indicated

4.      Communicate with prescribers regarding patient medication needs

5.      Identify, evaluate, and document adverse drug reactions

6.      Provide drug information to multidisciplinary team

7.      Add, confirm, or modify patient medication allergies within the electronic medical record

8.      Complete medication history and reconciliation on all inpatients

9.      Review and reconcile all medications upon patient transfer between clinical services

10.   Review daily therapeutic monitoring information for all patients served by the patient care unit (and other patient care units covered by the pharmacist’s health care team)

11.   Identify high-risk medication therapy by defined admission criteria and review as appropriate

12.   Complete required competency exams as required by department

Documents Patient Care Activities Performed

1.      Document medication error information into standard reporting system

2.      Identify, evaluate, and take steps to avoid adverse drug reactions on all patients

3.      Update patient allergies and patient-specific height and weight information when needed

4.      Review and ensure correct medication histories are entered into the medical record

5.      Provide and document medication counseling to patients for targeted populations

6.      Document therapeutic drug monitoring assessments and recommendations following departmental policies and procedures

Coordinates Patient Communications/Interactions

1.      Perform medication history and reconcile home medications with inpatient orders

2.      Discuss drug allergy history

3.      Conduct patient teaching classes (where appropriate)

4.      For targeted high-risk populations, provide medication counseling at discharge

Spearheads Patient Care Initiatives

1.      Coordinate medication orders written during assigned hours of duty

2.      Follow-up on medication system problems

3.      Carry out, through interventions and education, protocol antibiotic and DUE initiatives

4.      Participate in multi-disciplinary initiatives

5.      Serve on intra- and inter-departmental committees as required

6.      Coordinate discharge planning activities

Provides Educational Services

1.      Serve as preceptor for pharmacy students on clinical rotations sponsored by the UIHC Department of Pharmaceutical Care

2.      Present in-service educational programs to staff nurses, physicians, and other members of the health care team

3.      Present at and participate in other educational programs sponsored by the Department of Pharmaceutical Care, the College of Pharmacy, other UIHC departments, and state and national organizations

4.      Coordinate/conduct patient medication education classes (where appropriate)