The Oncology Pharmacist is responsible for the oversight of professional pharmacy services for patients receiving infusion or oral therapy. They are responsible for the preparation of intravenous chemotherapy, immunotherapy, other intravenous therapies, the preparation and dispensing of oral chemotherapies and medications. The oncology pharmacist will provide support to the practice and patients to ensure pharmacy operational excellence in continual efforts to advance the standard of care. The ideal candidate will have a PharmD and experience as an Oncology Pharmacist.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
· Oversees the daily operations of the infusion and the specialty pharmacy, ensuring compliance with state and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
· Assists with the development and implementation of policies and procedures consistent with those of the organization to ensure efficient and safe operations of the pharmacy.
· Collaborates with physicians and nursing staff regarding patient medication administration, medication orders and regimens, drug indications, reactions, drug interactions, side effects and education. Provides other drug and pharmaceutical information as appropriate.
· Serves as the expert resource to patients, families, physicians, pharmacy technicians, other healthcare professionals and team members.
· Review physician orders for physical, chemical, and pharmacological compatibility.
· Review physician orders for accuracy of dose and calculation.
· Supervise the compounding and dispensing of sterile products.
· Ensure safety in compounding, preparing, and dispensing hazardous and non-hazardous drugs.
· Serves as the subject matter expert on both USP and USP to ensure standards are met for the safety of patients and staff.
· Manage dispensary processes for patient retail pharmacy.
· Enter, maintain and update medication & chemotherapy orders into the electronic medical record and pharmacy software programs/IV verification system.
· Maintain an adequate drug inventory process.
· Responsible for pharmaceutical orders from drug wholesalers.
· Manage preferred products/biosimilars and ensuring GPO contracts are fulfilled for economic efficiency.
· Collaborate and maintain professional relationships with medication distributors and pharmaceutical representatives.
· Knowledgeable in insurance authorization processes and medication options for patients.
· Knowledgeable in-patient assistance programs.
· Participate in research protocols and maintaining research certifications as necessary.
· Manage the record keeping activities for daily operations of pharmacy as necessary.
· Manage pharmaceutical drug in-services and education.
· Manage the use of ambulatory pumps in the pharmacy.
· Maintains a strong knowledge of pharmacy policies and government regulations and dispenses accordingly under those guidelines.
· Assists in the supervision, competencies, and training of pharmacy technician staff.
· Participates in Drug Utilization Review.
· Assists with quality improvement initiatives.
· Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
· Maintain licensure in good standing.
· Maintain continuing education hours in accordance with licensure as necessary.
· Perform other assigned tasks or job duties as assigned or necessary.
Experience and Education
· Pharmacy Degree with Pharm D preferred. Graduate of a college of Pharmacy accredited by the American Council on Pharmacy Education.
· Active Pharmacist license in Georgia and South Carolina in good standing.
· Current certification in oncology pharmacy (BCOP) is preferred or will become board certified in oncology pharmacy (BCOP) within 2 years of hire.
Skills and Abilities
· Ability to make informed decisions based on clinical judgment and experience.
· Ability to provide support to staff on pharmacy clinical related processes.
· Ability to prepare sterile compounds if required (hazardous, non-hazardous, etc.)
· Ability to effectively multi-task & prioritize.
· Ability to critically think.
· Ability to prioritize and adapt to unpredictable and changing situations.
· Must be self-directed with ability to work autonomously.
· Extensive knowledge of oncology patient population and chemotherapy.
· Communicate appropriately with patients and all members of the healthcare team.
· Knowledge of medical terminology
· Exceptional customer service skills and patient-interaction skills
· Accuracy – Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
· Computer Skills – Proficient ability to use a computer and electronic medical record.
· Confidentiality – Maintain patient, team member and employer confidentiality. Comply with all HIPAA regulations.
· Detail Oriented – Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task.
· Flexibility – Ability to adapt easily to changing conditions and work responsibilities.
· Positivity – Display a positive attitude and is a positive agent for change.
· Teamwork – Work as part of a team and collaborate with co-workers.
Physical Requirements
· Standing for long periods of time (8 hours)
· Walking for long periods of time (8 hours)
· Sitting for extended periods (8 hours)
· Must be able to bend, stoop and reach/lift above your head
· Sight: must be able to read documentation in a variety of formats such as items in print or electronically and must be able to visualize patient condition.
· Auditory: must be able to hear in order to clearly communicate with others
· Proper body mechanics will be used when moving or lifting any equipment or supplies. Lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling up to 50 pounds, with assistance if needed
· Must have the ability to handle equipment and/or devices related to job duties such as entering documentation within computer system, use of computer, keyboard, copy, fax machine and phone.
AOMSC has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the team member's ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors, managers, directors, or officers as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and AOMSC reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the team member to perform, as AOMSC may deem appropriate.