Reports to the Pharmacy Manager, Oncology and Sterile Compounding. Under the supervision of a Pharmacy Supervisor is responsible for the interpretation, evaluation, preparation and dispensing of medications pursuant to a legitimate order in keeping with established policies, procedures, and standards of practice and scope of pharmacy services for inpatient and outpatient oncology, hematology, and other patients of Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and affiliate clinics (i.e., Brown University Health Cancer Institute (BUHCI), Tomorrow Fund Clinic and Brown University Health Infusion Centers).
Collaborates with and serves as a resource for members of the multidisciplinary team to monitor, assess, and intervene as needed to ensure safe, appropriate, and cost-effective medication use. Reviews, monitors, and verifies orders for oral and parenteral chemotherapy, and other medications for appropriateness of drug, dosage, route of administration, completeness, and potential incompatibilities. Verifies chemotherapy and adjuvant medication orders against therapy plans, treatment plans, protocols, standards of care and/or “pediatric roadmap”.
Identifies and clarifies with prescriber required changes to medication orders, documents same. Responsible to perform detailed in-process medication checks for appropriate drug, diluent, drug volume, base solution, base solution volume, beyond use date, and labeling. Performs sterile compounding and maintains compliance with regulatory boards and regulations related to compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals [i.e., Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy Rules and Regulations, United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) Chapter Pharmaceutical Compounding – Sterile Preparations, USP Hazardous Drugs, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and The Joint Commission (TJC) Medication Management chapter].
Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another. In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include: Instill Trust and Value Differences Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Brown University Health Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct. Collaborates with and serves as a liaison and resource for members of the interdisciplinary team who manage care for oncology, hematology, and other patients at Rhode Island Hospital, Hasbro Children’s Hospital, and affiliate clinics (i.e. Brown University Health Cancer Institute (BUHCI), Tomorrow Fund Clinic and Brown University Health Infusion Centers).
Maintains working knowledge of compounding and sterile preparation principles, stability, and compatibility (i.e., USP and USP ). Maintains working knowledge of and performs non-sterile compounding in compliance with USP , USP , National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations and Brown University Health policies and procedures. Maintains compliance with regulatory boards and regulations related to compounding of sterile pharmaceuticals [i.e., Rhode Island Department of Health, Rhode Island Board of Pharmacy Rules and Regulations, USP , USP , NIOSH recommendations, and TJC Medication Management chapter].
Reviews, monitors, and verifies orders for oral and parenteral chemotherapy, and other medications for appropriateness of drug, dosage, route of administration, completeness, and potential incompatibilities. Verifies chemotherapy and adjuvant medication orders against therapy plans, treatment plans, protocol, standard of care and/or “pediatric roadmap”. Identifies, recommends, communicates, and clarifies with prescriber appropriate changes in therapy and/or clarification of unclear orders.
Ensures that pharmacy clinical services and programs support established standards of care, meet, or exceed patient care quality standards, consider the aging processes and human developmental stages (neonate, child, adolescent, adult, geriatric) of the patient populations served. Understands and complies with established procedures for dispensing chemotherapy agents when prescribed dose exceeds the defined daily or total regimen ceiling.
Complies with established procedures for maximum dose warnings. References investigational drug protocols and follows delineated procedures for preparing, dispensing, and documenting investigational drugs. Performs computer activities necessary for compounding.
Understands and appropriately follows requirements for product documentation and check processes. Completes accurate documentation of finished compounded medications per policy. Performs detailed in-process medication checks for appropriate drug, diluent, drug volume, base solution, base solution volume, beyond use date, storage requirements, and labeling.
Maintains knowledge of current requisites for safe handling, administration, and disposal of hazardous drugs. Provides detailed information and guidance to assist with effective treatment of extravasations. Accesses safety data sheets (SDS) and reacts appropriately to hazardous medication exposures or spills.
Provides input on safety events related to oncology and sterile compounding services to minimize risk of reoccurrence. Uses appropriate health literacy skills to provide effective patient counseling on treatment regimens including precautions to follow and adverse reactions to monitor. Provides oversight to daily operations and processes relating to oncology and compounded sterile product services including maintaining the aseptic processing environment, garbing, aseptic work practices, and cleaning/disinfection procedures.
Provides oversight to and mentors oncology and sterile compounding technicians, residents, and students. Shares expertise by participating in the orientation and training of pharmacists, residents, student interns, technicians, and student externs. Utilizes LifeChart reporting and inventory management systems effectively.
Collaborates with pharmacy oncology and purchasing teams to procure oncology and infusion medications, and related supplies in a timely manner. Sets up, calibrates, and operates ancillary compounding equipment (i.e., pumps) appropriately. Understands downtime procedures.
Provides input on the development of policies and procedures related to oncology and sterile compounding services. Participates in the development of continuous quality improvement initiatives related to oncology and sterile compounding services. Maintains professional competence through participation in Pharmacy staff development and skills enhancement programs, including but not limited to ongoing independent study, and membership and participation in professional organizations.
Exhibits proactive problem solving to help address issues impacting pharmacy oncology services. Performs duties of other Pharmacist job categories as may be required.
BASIC KNOWLEDGE: Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college of pharmacy. Prior to start date, possesses current unrestricted licensure as a licensed pharmacist or as a licensed 90-day temporary pharmacist in the State of Rhode Island. Obtains full licensure prior to expiration of 90-day temporary pharmacist license, then possesses and maintains current unrestricted licensure as licensed pharmacist in the State of Rhode Island.
Successful completion of Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY-1) Residency from an accredited program and/or national Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy preferred. Post Graduate Year 2 (PGY-2) Residency from an accredited program in area of specialty strongly preferred, if applicable. Clinical experience, knowledge, and development may be considered in lieu of formal training.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact appropriately with patients, families, colleagues, and others. Effective organizational and presentation skills. Knowledge of area/specialty specific technology, including, but not limited to, pharmacy information systems, automated dispensing technology, software, equipment, and automation.
Experience with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and web browsers. Must have the ability to multi-task and reprioritize as needed while maintaining accuracy and service standards. Must obtain, within 2 months of hire, and maintain no less than semi-annually thereafter, internal IV and oncology credentialing as demonstrated by successful completion of current competency assessments.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL
Extended periods of time spent standing and walking. Requires the visual and manual dexterity to operate a computer. Occasional travel between facilities or sites as required.
INDEPENDENT ACTION: Functions independently within broad scope of departmental policies and practices. Refers specific complex problems to supervisor when clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None.
$110,302.40-$182,000.00 EEO Statement: Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment. Location: Rhode Island Hospital - 593 Eddy Street Providence, Rhode Island 02903 Work Type: Alternate 3/4 days per week, M-F (variable 7am-530pm), every other weekend/holiday, 1 week/month on-call Work
Day Daily Hours: 8 hours Driving Required: No