Pharmacist

KEY FUNCTION:
Provide medication management services to older adults with medical complexity and functional decline. Evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of patients’ medications, drug information and interdisciplinary drug therapy management support, and provide education, recommendations and support to optimize health outcomes.

REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, North East Specialized Geriatric Centre.

DUTIES:
1. Contribute to comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) by offering expertise in medication safety, burden, adherence and risk.
2. Perform thorough medication reviews and assessments of all medication therapies (e.g. deprescribing opportunities, drug interactions, and potentially inappropriate medications).
3. Provide oral and written follow-up with treatment recommendations to the prescriber as required.
4. Provide population-focused medication reconciliation services and educate patients/families and other health care professionals with regards to patients’ medications.
5. Recommend and implement deprescribing plans in collaboration with providers.
6. Support post-hospital discharge medication regimens and monitor medication safety and compliance.
7. Ensure completion of required documentation in conformance with the standards of practice of the Ontario College of Pharmacists (OCP) and HSN policies.
8. Provide direct medication-related care as delegated by policy approval through the Medical Advisory Committee (e.g. Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee) or by direct delegation of the Physician.
9. Collaborate with health care professionals and the patient/family regarding the patient’s plan of care.
10. Maintain compliance with the Controlled Act of Prescribing, Dispensing, and Selling under the Regulated Health Professionals Act (RHPA).
11. Participate in the development of operational policies and procedures for the department and protocols for the delegation of the Controlled Act of Prescribing, Dispensing, and Selling.
12. Perform Therapeutic Drug Monitoring for high risk drugs.
13. Provide drug therapy management education for physicians, nurses, allied health care providers, patients and caregivers.
14. Liaise with community pharmacists to optimize seamless patient care at admission and discharge.
15. Perform and be an advocate for adverse drug reaction and medication error reporting and meet with interdisciplinary groups specific to patient care areas or organization wide to implement preventative changes for the future.
16. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
17. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
18. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
19. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
20. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1. Minimum of a four (4) year Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy, from an accredited university.
2. Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD) is preferred with a residency program recognized by the OCP.
3. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the OCP.
4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:
1. Three (3) years’ experience working in a clinical Pharmacy environment is preferred.
2. Experience working in community pharmacy is preferred.
3. Experience in geriatric care provision is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
1. Demonstrated knowledge in geriatrics care principles.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of chronic disease management in the adult and geriatric population..
3. Demonstrated ability to teach others using the principles of adult learning.
4. Ability to interact with physicians and other healthcare providers in a professional and effective manner.
5. Ability to prioritize patients drug therapy problems and manage a busy caseload.
6. Ability to develop a patient’s treatment plan and evaluate the outcome of treatment.
7. Abilities to critically appraise medical literature using the formal rules of evidence-base medicine and apply conclusion to patient care plans.
8. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
9. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
10. Demonstrated critical thinking, academic questioning and problem-solving skills.
11. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems (Meditech Expanse).
12. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
13. Demonstrated strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize workload.
14. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
15. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:
1. Successful criminal reference check is required for vulnerable sector.
2. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
4. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
5. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
6. Demonstrated positive work record and excellent attendance record.
7. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
8. Ability to travel between local sites and to the patient’s home as required.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.