Clinical Pharmacist- Specialty Pharmacy and Ambulatory Care -Des Moines

Join Our Team at the University of Iowa Health Care!

The University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, Des Moines, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Clinical Pharmacist.

 The Clinical Pharmacist at the Des Moines Pharmacy provides pharmaceutical care to patients seen in UI Healthcare Ambulatory Care Pharmacies. The pharmacist provides clinical support, education, dispensing and monitoring of patients receiving medications through UI Health Care Ambulatory Care Pharmacies, including oncology, specialty, and retail prescriptions. Training in Oncology, Specialty Pharmacy, and Ambulatory Care Services is provided. The Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist will serve as a role model for other Department of Pharmaceutical Care staff, residents, and students who look to improve their own professional capabilities and level of services, particularly in the provision and expansion of ambulatory pharmacy services. This role will be located at the Des Moines Pharmacy on East Court Avenue and may include some additional centralized pharmacy support provided from the Des Moines Pharmacy location. This role may provide services on the weekend, evenings, or holidays on a rotating basis.

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

Position Duties: 

• The clinical pharmacist educates patients on the pharmaceutical care services offered including the following:
  • Medication history.
  • Patient’s drug allergy history.
  • Patient teaching classes (where appropriate).
  • Medication counseling.
  • Communicating patient information to local healthcare providers involved with the patient’s care to ensure appropriate continuity of care.
• Facilitates Operational Initiatives Which Lead to Enhanced Patient Care Services
  • The clinical pharmacist assumes the role of patient advocate for all concerns associated with drug therapy.  The clinical pharmacist shall position him/herself to positively influence therapeutic decisions which will affect patients and their care.  Participation in hospital-wide programs intended to improve care (e.g., the Drug Use Evaluation Program and Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Program) serves as a valuable quality-of-service surveillance tool and promotes healthcare provider education.
    • Follows-up on any medication system problems, such as:
      • Unclear or inappropriate prescription orders
      • Cost effective drug therapy
      • Prescription for non-formulary products
    • Carries out, as appropriate, Medication Use Evaluation Program initiatives through active prescriber intervention and education.
    • Serves on intra- and interdepartmental committees, task forces, and teams as required.
    • Facilitates completion of monthly clinic audits as assigned by the supervisor.
    • Assists with guidance of daily workflow.
• Provides Educational Services
  • University of Iowa Health Care is a teaching institution; therefore, the clinical pharmacist is responsible for the education of students, fellow staff, other healthcare providers, and patients about drugs and their appropriate use.  The clinical pharmacist shall serve as a role model for staff and students.  The educational process crosses professional boundaries, as the clinical pharmacist interacts with and serves as an informational resource for other members of the health care team.  The clinical pharmacist takes great care to instruct all patients about the need for and appropriate use of prescribed medications. Examples of educational services may include:
    • Serving as preceptor for pharmacy students and pharmacy residents.
    • Presenting in-service educational programs to staff nurses, physicians, and other colleagues on the healthcare team.
    • Presenting at and/or participating in other educational programs sponsored by the Department of Pharmaceutical Care, the College of Pharmacy, other UI Health Care or UI departments, and state and national organizations.
    • Conducting educational classes for pharmacy students and pharmacy residents.
    • Conducting patient education classes about the proper use of medications.
    • Serving as mentor and role model for other pharmacist practitioners within the department, particularly those who provide ambulatory care services.
• Facilitates Transitions of Care
  The ambulatory care clinical pharmacist participates in the facilitation of patient transfer from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. Part of the responsibility involves the bedside delivery of discharge medications directly to the patient to provide appropriate medication education at the point of care to expedite the discharge process.
• Participates in Research
  The ambulatory care clinical pharmacist may participate in research activities, including providing support for Investigational Drug Service prescriptions and orders.  This research may take many forms, including developmental, evaluative, and/or clinical research.  It may be intradepartmental or interdisciplinary in format.  The presentation and/or publication of research findings are encouraged.
• Complete and maintain compliance with all competencies and educational requirements.