Clinical Pharmacy Specialist - Inpatient

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific eligibility requirements per VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) & eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after review of the EDRP application. Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply.

The Inpatient Clinical Pharmacy Specialist functions as a drug therapy expert with a scope of practice which includes prescriptive authority associated with medication management for a minimum of 25% of appointed time, monitoring drug therapy, ordering laboratory tests, conducting medication reconciliation, assisting with Code Blue medical emergencies, and other specified clinical functions. Major Duties include but are not limited to the following: Clinical: Evaluates patients in the inpatient settings for appropriateness of pharmacologic therapy. Develops a pharmaceutical care plan for patients who need pharmacotherapy and documents pharmaceutical care plan in pharmacy progress note. Performs medication review for indication, effectiveness, safety, adherence, therapeutic duplications, and therapeutic alternatives for non-formulary agents. Documents clinical activities including drug therapy recommendations and monitoring parameters. Performs medication reconciliation and updates medication profiles to include information about prescription and nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements, and alternative therapies. Screens patient's medication profile for adverse drug reactions, drug interactions, dosing (particularly in patients with renal or hepatic insufficiency) and/or drug allergies; records findings in CPRS chart as well as VA Adverse Drug Event Reporting System (ADERS) as appropriate. Assesses appropriateness of medication orders and ensures timely provision of appropriate medications. Assists with medical emergencies. Recommends appropriate drug therapy. For medications used in the inpatient setting, monitors medication effects and adjusts medication per applicable pharmacy policies and procedures. Orders necessary laboratory tests for monitoring and adjusting medications as part of interdisciplinary team. In consultation with treatment team and within parameters of scope of practice, writes prescriptions to modify existing drugs or doses (except controlled substances). Writes orders to discontinue medication if patient is no longer using medication, not tolerating medication, or if medication is not indicated for patient's conditions. Counsels patients to improve adherence with treatment plan. Assists in discharge planning and ensures continuity of care for patients leaving the Inpatient and/or Emergency Department. Attends and participates in multidisciplinary rounds, department meetings, conferences, and other meetings as required for the purpose of making recommendations in all pharmacy-related matters. Dispensing: Develops and maintains competence with inpatient and outpatient Pharmacy VISTA/CPRS software package and serves as a resource for others regarding order entry. Ensure orders are processed and accurately filled in a timely manner, including point-of-care drug distribution, where applicable. Evaluates medication orders including patient information, correctness of medication dose, route, and frequency of administration. Orders are checked for patient allergies, drug interactions, incompatibility, and duplications. Identifies, interprets, and resolves prescribing and dispensing issues, including therapeutic or formulary issues. Documents interventions as necessary. Dispense controlled substances with accuracy according to current policies and procedures for inpatients and outpatients. Education: Interfaces with other health care providers and administrators to inform and ensure compliance with established pharmacy and medical center policies and procedures. Participates in self-development activities to maintain and improve professional competency. Administrative: Accurately completes all assignments in a timely manner as defined by Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, Pharmacy Services for the Sacramento Division. Serves as a representative of Pharmacy Service on assigned committees and subcommittees Assures adherence with VA and other accrediting bodies in meeting medication use standards. Other duties as assigned by supervisor Work Schedule: Variable includes weekend rotation, possible evening and nights in the event of coverage need. Telework: Not availableVirtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 11012F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized EDRP Authorized: Former EDRP participants ineligible to apply for incentive. Contact V21CCOEEDRP@va.gov, the EDRP Coordinator for questions/assistance. Learn more

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.