Pharmacist, Perioperative Services - Per Diem

GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The OR Satellite Pharmacy at Massachusetts General Hospital is a unique and exciting area of pharmacy practice. Pharmacists in this area work closely with fellow pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, anesthesiologists, and surgeons to ensure patients undergoing various procedures are receiving the care they need. The OR Pharmacist is an integral member of the perioperative patient care team.

The Per Diem Pharmacists in this position will report directly to the OR Pharmacy Manager and Director of Pharmacy Inpatient Operations. This position is a mix of both day shift and evening shift coverage for the per diem position. Per Diem Pharmacists will work with other pharmacists to complete tasks such as order verification, code response, conducting interventions with nurses and physicians, and overseeing the work of technicians, including dispensing of medications and pharmaceutical preparations.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The perioperative pharmacist collaborates with and serves as a resource for nurses, physicians and other clinicians who participate in the management of the operating room (O.R.) and post anesthesia care unit (PACU) patient as well as other patients receiving care at areas covered by Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine (DACCPM). They are responsible for coordinating and delivering pharmacy services in compliance with all applicable policies, regulatory agency requirements and state and federal laws.

Job-specific Responsibilities:

• Reviews, approves, and clarifies peri-operative medication orders for appropriateness based on current clinical and institutional guidelines as well as patient-specific criteria.
• Assesses all medication orders to ensure they meet established standards and practice guidelines of MGH Department of pharmacy and Operating Room services. Reports order discrepancies to appropriate staff promptly.
• Advises clinicians on drug selection based on current clinical guidelines to optimize drug therapy.
• Oversees the safe handling and preparation of various medications, including IVs.
• Checks admixtures for accurate preparation, including the additive(s), parent solution, and label.
• Oversees technician activities and performs quality control checks.
• Adheres to safety requirements in the handling and preparation of the medication and hazardous agents according to current guidelines (USP 797, ASHP).
• Oversees the ordering, storage and handling of medications and supplies.
• Participates in education activities such as in-services, CE presentations, and publications.
• Answers drug information questions.
• Participates in the Safety Reporting System. Identifies and reports therapy errors and adverse drug reactions.
• Monitors, documents, and reports medication recalls.
• Participates in the training, education and mentoring of other pharmacists, pharmacy interns and technicians.
• Ensures compliance with controlled substance distribution and control system.
• Participate in area specific staff and department meetings as necessary.
• Participates in quality, safety, and other project work outside of regular staffing duties.
• May participate in research activities with publication or presentation at local and/or national meetings.
• Assists in the development of policy and procedures.
• Verifies and manages patient's 'Own Meds' per Department policy.
• Understands and runs Omnicell reports and takes appropriate action if a discrepancy is identified.
• Understands and interprets anesthesia flow charts and medication documentation.
• Processes pain clinic prescriptions.
• Understands basic functionality of Omnicell automated dispensing cabinets and anesthesia work stations, and troubleshoots issues accordingly.
• Provides training to new anesthesia residents, CRNA's, RN, and anesthesia techs.
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager, Perioperative Services and the Associate Chief of Pharmacy, Inpatient Operations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Must be able to lift to 25 lbs.

Must be able to stand or sit for extended periods of time

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Pharmacy Technicians and Pharmacy Interns in the perioperative pharmacy space.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Enforces formulary system, and department and area specific financial goals

Assures cost-effective medication utilization

Minimized medication waste

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate of ACPE accredited college of pharmacy

Licensed or eligible for licensure to practice pharmacy in Massachusetts

Completion of ASHP accredited PGY1 residency preferred

Experience (1-2 years) working in the perioperative setting preferred

SKILLS / ABILITIES / COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Fluency in English.

Knowledge of Federal and State laws and regulations

Knowledge of contemporary pharmacy systems

Knowledge of USP 797, 795 and 800

Excellent comprehension of written policies and procedures

Ability to make appropriate decisions, develop and complete follow-up actions.

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law.