Clinical Pharmacist

The Clinical Pharmacist is a licensed health care professional responsible for the safe, effective, and appropriate use of medications across the continuum of care. The incumbent applies professional knowledge of pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacotherapy, and medication use systems to optimize medication-related outcomes and support high-quality patient care.

Duties include but are not limited to the following: Provides appropriate selection of drug therapy based upon the pharmaceutical principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics; monitors for efficacy, side effects, and clinical outcome; and advises prescribers as appropriate. Provides patient-specific therapeutic drug monitoring and communicates relevant findings and recommendations to other health care providers both orally and in writing, including prospective review and intervention in the therapeutic appropriateness of and any duplication within the drug regimen, the route and method of administration, patient compliance, drug-drug/drug-food/drug-laboratory/drug-disease interactions, clinical and pharmacokinetic laboratory data used to evaluate efficacy and anticipate toxicity or adverse effects, and physical signs and symptoms relevant to drug therapy. Performs continuous evaluation of prescribed medications to ensure optimal drug therapy and provides pharmacokinetic consultation in accordance with local policy. Assesses drug safety and efficacy, including evaluation of physical symptoms. Performs medication reconciliation during transitions of care, including updating the medication profile to reflect an accurate, active list of VA and non-VA medications. Completes medication histories, including patient interviews, and provides medication counseling to patients. Reviews all medication orders for appropriateness, drug selection, dosage, route of administration, and quantity prior to dispensing, and ensures all orders are entered into the electronic patient medical record. Fills orders in a timely fashion, reviewing allergy history and drug-drug, drug-nutrient, drug-laboratory, and drug-disease interactions, and resolving clinically relevant issues appropriately. Reviews medication profiles and monitors for compliance or potential abuse; resolves problems encountered. - Selects, dispenses, and fills a range of medications in accordance with facility policies in both outpatient and inpatient areas, following adequate quality-assurance procedures. Maintains adequate drug stock, inspects drug storage areas, and supervises prepacking and the operation of automated dispensing equipment. Manages recalls and medication shortages by substituting alternate dosage strengths and directions of the same medication to equal the prescribed dose and schedule and enters supply orders appropriate for patient care per facility policy. Serves as a drug information resource, providing up-to-date drug information to prescribers, other health care professionals, patients, and caregivers. Reports adverse drug events (ADE), near misses/good catches, and medication errors in alignment with the VA ADERS reporting program. Participates in the medical center medication utilization evaluation (MUE) program. Recommends formulary alternatives and completes non-formulary consults as assigned. Provides coverage for inpatient/residential, outpatient, and central pharmacy operations as assigned to ensure uninterrupted medication distribution and clinical services. Serves as an operational backstop for core pharmacy functions during periods of staffing shortage, planned or unplanned absence, or elevated workload. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm Telework: Not Available. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:90581-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.