Pharmacist Specialist, Antimicrobial Stewardship

Location: Endeavor Health – Swedish Hospital; Chicago, IL

Contact: Alicia Juska, PharmD, BCPS. Director of Pharmacy Services

GENERAL SUMMARY:

Responsible for the development, implementation, and documentation of the antimicrobial stewardship program for the system.  This position, in collaboration with the Antimicrobial Stewardship Medical Directors, the clinical staff pharmacists, and the individual departments of pharmacy at all locations will optimize antimicrobial drug use and outcomes, make an impact on antimicrobial resistance, and reduce costs associated with prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.  Applicant will be directly responsible for quality measures of the stewardship committee, formulary compliance, and staff education specific to infectious disease.  Identifies, recommends, resolves, and prevents medication related problems through the intervention with physicians.  Supervises and directs pharmacy support personnel to ensure the timeliness of medication availability.  Follows established policies, procedures, protocols, standards, and regulatory requirements in executing job responsibilities.  Facilitates the development, implementation and maintenance of systems that promote desirable patient outcomes through the use of safe, cost-effective drug therapies.

CORPORATE PHILOSOPHY:

It is the obligation of each employee of Endeavor Health to abide by and promote the mission and values of the System to ensure that excellent services are delivered with compassion.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  (The following duties and responsibilities are all essential job functions, as defined by the ADA, except those that begin with the word "May.")

1. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patients served.  This includes knowledge of the physical and psychological needs of patients served and the ability to respond appropriately to those needs.
2. Ensures safe, appropriate, cost effective drug therapies for patients according to established policies, procedures and protocol

2.1         Directs development, implementation and maintenance of infectious disease related clinical pharmacy services. 

2.2.        Facilitates the development and implementation of ID related treatment guidelines, protocols, formulary changes and critical pathways as approved and authorized by appropriate committees for specialty area(s).  

2.3.        Facilitates the identification, resolution, implementation and communication of cost-effective drug use issues in collaboration with the medical staff in specialty area(s).

2.4.        Supports the pharmacy’s Econotherapeutics efforts.  Reviews the use of targeted drugs for compliance with current pharmacoeconomic programs.

2.5.        Provides clinical consultation and clarification to practitioners.  Suggests appropriate, cost-effective therapeutic alternatives to medical staff as needed in specialty area(s).

2.6.        Detects and reports suspected adverse drug reactions accurately and in a timely manner.

3. Provides education and information on pharmaceutical care and drug therapy.

3.1        Provides accurate, adequate and timely drug information to the hospital’s professional and pharmacy staff.

3.2.        Provides education for physicians and other health professionals as necessary through written or verbal communication, including inservices, newsletter articles, training, etc.

3.3.        Provides training and education to pharmacists regarding pharmaceutical care and the Econotherapeutics program in specialty area(s).

3.4.        Prepares and presents drug reviews, DUE criteria, policies and procedures, guidelines, etc. to the P&T committee for specialty area(s) as needed.

3.5.        Reads and evaluates the medical literature for information supporting the pharmaceutical care and pharmacoeconomic programs in specialty area(s).

3.6.        Participates in community educational programs (e.g., health fairs, school programs, etc).

3.7.        Contributes to the advancement of the profession through presentations at local, state and national organizations as deemed appropriate by supervisor.              

4.Contributes to the quality and effective operation of the health system.

4.1.        Coordinates policies and procedures for clinical activities (e.g., therapeutic interchange) related to specialty area(s).

4.2.        Prepares reports on pharmaceutical care and pharmacoeconomic activities financial impact as directed.

4.3.        Participates in the quality improvement activities of the department.  Collects and analyzes data and maintains documentation of clinical activities related to specialty area(s).

4.4.        Establishes productive collaborative relationships with physicians, other hospital staff and within the community.

4.5.        Coordinates the system antimicrobial stewardship committee in conjunction with medical directors. 

4.6.        Demonstrates quality customer service in all aspects of the job.  Actively seeks to improve relationships and ensure a positive outcome for customer.

5.  Maintains competency required for current job title/position.

5.1.        Ensures applicable CE records and licensure are maintained in department files.  Sustains professional competency and promotes development through participation in inservices, workshops, seminars and professional organizations.      

5.2.        Completes all competency/skills assessment requirements.

6.           Other duties as assigned          

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

1.           Required Education and/or Experience:

•  Clinical residency with a minimum of two years of clinical pharmacy practice experience required, (or)
• Minimum five  years of advanced clinical pharmacy practice experience in a hospital setting

Preferred Education and/or Experience:

• Pharm D. from an ACPE accredited School of Pharmacy
• PGY-2 Infectious Disease or antimicrobial stewardship certification

Required License/Certification:

• Current Illinois Registered Pharmacist License or Illinois Pharmacist Licensure in progress and completed within 90 days of hire. 
• Current CPR Certification issued by either American Heart Association or Red Cross within six weeks of hire into position.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the Director, Clinical Pharmacy Services
• Work entails leading, assigning work to and following up on the work of others.