Flex Lead/Specialty Pharmacist-Rotating Schedule

The Flex Lead/Specialty Pharmacist at St. Luke’s is responsible for overseeing comprehensive Transition of Care and Meds-to-Beds pharmacy services. This role involves mentoring staff, precepting students, and implementing pharmacy operational processes, while also serving as an online pharmacist and potentially as the Pharmacist-in-Charge when needed. The position is vital in enhancing medication use outcomes and fostering a supportive team environment.

To qualify for the Flex Lead/Specialty Pharmacist position at St. Luke's, candidates must possess a degree from an accredited pharmacy program. Additionally, a valid pharmacist license for the state of practice, alongside at least two years of relevant experience, is required. Alternatively, candidates with an MBA or residency may apply in lieu of the experience requirement.

The Flex Lead/Specialty Pharmacist at St. Luke’s will have a rotating schedule, which includes the possibility of working weekends and holidays as needed to meet operational demands. This flexible scheduling allows for adaptation to the evolving needs of the pharmacy team while still contributing positively to patient care.

St. Luke’s offers an attractive benefits package to Flex Lead/Specialty Pharmacists, including competitive salary, retirement plans, and comprehensive healthcare coverage. Moreover, the organization emphasizes employee wellness with benefits like on-site massages, counseling services, and access to wellness tools, ensuring that employees are supported in their professional and personal lives.

St. Luke’s is committed to the continuous professional development of Flex Lead/Specialty Pharmacists through various initiatives, including formal training, career development offerings, and opportunities to mentor and precept students. Additionally, pharmacists are encouraged to pursue specialty certification to enhance their expertise and positively impact patient care.

As a pharmacist, accuracy in medication dispensing is crucial. I always follow a systematic approach, including double-checking prescriptions against patient records and consulting with healthcare providers if there are any discrepancies. Implementing a robust review process and utilizing technology helps minimize errors and ensures patient safety.

My experience with Transition of Care services involves coordinating closely with patients, healthcare teams, and community resources to ensure seamless medication management upon discharge. I actively engage with patients to clarify their medication regimens, helping them understand their treatment plans, and follow up to prevent readmissions.

Handling difficult conversations with patients requires empathy and clear communication. I would first actively listen to their concerns, then provide factual information about the medication's benefits, side effects, and alternatives. It's essential to address their worries and involve them in the decision-making process about their health.

In my previous role, I had the pleasure of mentoring a pharmacy intern. I guided them through various tasks, from patient consultations to medication management, ensuring they understood both the practical and ethical aspects of our profession. By encouraging them to ask questions and take on responsibilities, I helped them build confidence in their skills.

To stay current with pharmaceutical advancements, I regularly attend professional conferences, subscribe to key industry journals, and participate in online webinars. Networking with peers and engaging in discussions on recent studies and guidelines also helps me keep updated with the latest in the pharmacy field.

Prioritizing tasks during a busy shift involves assessing urgency and impact. I create a mental or physical checklist, focusing on patient needs and time-sensitive duties first. Effective communication with my team ensures that we're aligned and can support each other in managing workflow efficiently.

I am well-versed in various pharmacy management systems, such as EPIC and Cerner, which streamline the medication dispensing process and patient records management. Additionally, I utilize tools for drug interaction checks and patient safety databases, which help enhance pharmacy operations and patient care.

In my last position, I identified inefficiencies in our medication reconciliation process. I collaborated with our clinical team to develop a new workflow that included electronic checklists for better tracking and documentation, significantly reducing the medication reconciliation time and improving the accuracy of patient records.

The most important quality for a Lead Pharmacist is strong leadership through effective communication. A Lead Pharmacist must inspire and motivate their team while fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Emphasizing patient-centered care and promoting professional development are also crucial attributes.

I aim to work at St. Luke’s because of its commitment to patient care and employee well-being. The culture of diversity and collaboration resonates with my professional values. I am excited about the opportunity to lead a dynamic team and contribute to innovative pharmacy services that positively impact the community.