Sterile products pharmacists assure patient safety through clinical, pharmaceutical, operational, and regulatory knowledge of sterile products and clean rooms. In addition to traditional on-demand compounding, the Sterile Products Team is responsible for preparation of a wide range of topical and injectable ophthalmics, allergy immunotherapy, desensitizations, intrathecal medications, antineoplastic and non-antineoplastic hazardous medications, anticipatory compounding, and end-product testing. The pharmacists provide oversight of compounding personnel, aseptic technique, compounding practices, and clean room operations. Sterile products pharmacists support the Clinic and Department missions through teaching, continuous development and improvement of compounding practices, process and product research, and evaluation/implementation of new technologies.

Responsibilities:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

I. Compounding Oversight

a. Assure accuracy of compounded sterile products.

b. Observe and correct aseptic technique and compounding practices.

c. Manage sterile compounding personnel and workflow to assure efficient, safe, and timely delivery of compounded sterile products.

II. Order Verification and Processing

a. Review and verify adult parenteral nutrition orders.

b. Manage emergent orders from OR suites and critical response teams.

c. Review and verify specialty medication orders including prostacyclins and factor products.

d. Review and verify orders for assigned ambulatory infusion suites.

III. Continuous Improvement

a. Identify and respond to shifts in use patterns to minimize waste and maximize productivity.

b. Continually improve work standards within the Sterile Products Team to support patient safety and operational efficiency.

IV. Regulatory Compliance

a. Advance knowledge of regulatory requirements and trends governing compounding

b. Assure completion and documentation of all required activities.

Other Responsibilities:

• Training technicians, pharmacists, and pharmacy residents

• Precepting technicians, pharmacy students, and pharmacy residents

• Testing and implementation of new technology

Reporting Structure:

The Sterile Products Pharmacists report to the Director of Pharmacy for Sterile Products.

• Provides safe, efficient, patient-centered, evidence-based medication services.

• Verifies medication orders and/or dispenses medications accurately according to state and federal regulations.

• Documents services in a complete, accurate and timely manner.

• Actively contributes to medication safety initiatives.

• Utilizes available technology proficiently and to full extent, in their area of practice.

• Ensures all pharmacy operations are in compliance with national accreditation standards.

• Maintains professional interactions with patients to facilitate successful patient experiences.

• Directs staff appropriately to provide safe and efficient care.

• Maintains professional working relationships with all caregivers.

• Promotes a positive work environment by providing constructive ideas and feedback to improve services and the department.

• Educates and trains students, residents, other caregivers, and/or patients.

• Provides cost-effective care.

• Accountable for drug use policy adherence.

• Utilizes time and resources effectively.

• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• PharmD or Bachelors of Science degree in Pharmacy from an accredited college of pharmacy.

Certifications:

• Current State licensure as a Registered Pharmacist (RPh) or eligible for reciprocation in current State within 90 days of hire. Board Certification preferred.

Complexity of Work:

• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work unsupervised or with minimal supervision.

• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Work Experience :

• Completion of a post-graduate year 1 residency (PGY1), fellowship or relevant post-graduate pharmacy experience preferred.

• Post-graduate year 2 residency (PGY2) or relevant experience preferred for Clinical Pharmacists hired in a Specialized Pharmacy practice area (i.e. Critical Care, Oncology).

Physical Requirements :

• Typical physical demands include ability to perform the job while standing and walking for prolonged times, approximately 75% of shift and continuously for extended periods of time.

• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform computer and dispensing functions of the job; ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

• Position often includes reaching, stretching, stooping, climbing steps and sitting.

• Must have normal or corrected vision.

• Must have ability to clearly communicate verbally by phone or in person

Personal Protective Equipment :

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Salaries [which may be] shown on independent job search websites reflect various market averages and do not represent information obtained directly from The Cleveland Clinic. Because we value each individual candidate, we invite and encourage each candidate to discuss salary/hourly specifics during the application and hiring process.

Cleveland Clinic Health System is pleased to be an equal employment employer: Women / Minorities / Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities