Clinical Pharmacist, Framingham Infusion Center

The Tufts Infusion Center in Framingham provides specialized infusion therapy services for both oncology and non-oncology patients across a range of specialties, including rheumatology, gastroenterology, dermatology, neurology, and infectious diseases. Clinical pharmacists ensure the safe, effective, and timely delivery of infusion therapies. They review and approve medication orders, coordinate the preparation and delivery of infusion therapies, and serve as a resource to physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. They manage insurance requirements and prior authorizations within the electronic medical record to support timely patient access to drugs. Clinical pharmacists participate in the development and implementation of operational, clinical, and financial improvement projects. Pharmacists in Framingham also provide vacation coverage at the Tufts Infusion Centers in Boston and Attleboro for approximately 20 days per year.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy.

2. Pharmacist License.

3. One (1) year of related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).

2. Pharmacy Residency training.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Directs and coordinates the clinical activities of the assigned pharmacy service area. Responsible for preparing, compounding and dispensing medications to patients in accordance within state, federal laws.

2. Reviews and accurately interprets physician’s orders checking for appropriateness of orders as to indication, clarity, accuracy of dose, drug allergy, potential drug interactions and duplication (two or more drugs with the same therapeutic action).

3. Contacts and confers with physicians if there are any questions or irregularities regarding medication orders. Interventions with outcome are routinely in the Meditech Clinical Intervention routine.

4. Ensures that medication is accurately prepared and labeled with all necessary and appropriate information. Supervises support staff (when applicable) during an assigned shift. Ensures the pharmacy is operated within the limits of State and Federal regulations.

5. Provides accurate, appropriate and timely drug information utilizing knowledge of pharmacology, reference books and scientific literature.

6. May conduct medication history interviews, reconcile patients’ medication therapies and provide drug information to patients and their families.

7. Accurately anticipates controlled drug needs of each patient care area based on completed Controlled Drug Disposition Record.

8. Completes medication station inspections are completed by designated Pharmacy Assistants (or in the absence of a Pharmacy Assistant by the Pharmacist).

9. Participates in medication education by discussing medications with the patient and appropriately documenting in the patient’s progress notes. Understands and participates in the Medication Use Evaluation.

10. Must be able to perform order entry and utilize all Registered Pharmacist functions of the Pharmacy computer system accurately and efficiently. All necessary information is entered including drug allergy information, information for pharmacists and nurses and information necessary for accurate charging.

11. Participates in multidisciplinary team meetings, review discharge medication lists from skilled nursing facilities and inpatient hospitalizations, improve medication reconciliation process, and provide medication optimization consults for patients.

12. May conduct home visits for the identified patient population to review medications, help the patient understand how to take medications as prescribed and provide education such as inhaler teaching to optimize medication therapies.

13. Participates in Pharmacy Quality Programs that relate to: People; Clinical excellence; Operational excellence; Financial performance and growth; Safety and quality; and Research.

14. Collaborates with other pharmacists to provide operational support. This includes weekend, holiday, evening, night and on-call coverage as described in departmental policies and procedures.

15. Provides continuing education for the clinical staff (e.g., pharmacists, physicians, nurses), serves as preceptor for pharmacy student, interns, and residents.

16. May participate in the development and implementation of treatment guidelines, protocols, and clinical pathways.

17. May participate in the development of departmental drug-specific and population-specific initiatives.

Physical Requirements:

1. Frequent standing & walking, and lifting of 5-10 lbs.

2. May required lifting and carrying light loads, including boxes, equipment, and stooping or kneeling

3. Requires manual dexterity using fine hand manipulation to operate prescription medications and computer keyboard.

4. Requires ability to see medications, computer screen, and reports.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Demonstrates knowledge of Pharmacy Laws, regulations and professional standards by keeping appropriate records (i.e., accurately maintains the Pharmacy Department perpetual inventory for controlled drugs).

2. Superior verbal and written presentation skills.

3. Superior communication skills, including developing and giving presentations, both 1-1 and group.

4. Knowledge of integrated health networks.

5. Knowledge of health plan drug formularies.

6. Project and resource management skills.

7. Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

8. Ability to understand importance of and respect for the confidentiality of all patient information in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.

9. Knowledge of clinical best practices and standards for optimizing medication use.

10. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Access, Excel, PowerPoint and Word.

11. Ability to work with all ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, and life experiences.

12. A robust understanding of chronic health condition management and population management.

13. Motivational Interviewing proficiency.

14. Ability to prioritize and resolve critical issues efficiently and effectively.

15. Detail oriented, with strong organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities.

16. Very strong working knowledge and proficiency with technology and business software (Microsoft Office).

17. Experience with Electronic Medical Records.

18. Willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that will continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

19. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team.