Clinical Pharmacist

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.

Essential job functions:

 Applies the principles of pharmaceutical care to ensure optimum medication-related patient outcomes.

• Adjusts and/or makes recommendations to optimize medication therapy based on patient-specific clinical factors and data using evidenced-based medicine based on utilization of clinical protocols to enhance patient care.
• Communicates directly with patients, families, physicians, nurses, and other appropriate healthcare staff to gather information and make recommendations to enhance patient care.
• Collaborates with pharmacist specialist(s) as appropriate to optimize medication-related patient care.
• Documents clinical activities in the computerized therapeutic intervention program; documents recommendations and adjustments in the patient medical record.
• Coordinates the distribution of medications to patients in their area(s) of responsibility.
• Analyzes medication orders for completeness and appropriateness as relates to drug name, dose, route, schedule, disease state, allergies, other medications, and food and drug interactions; processes medication orders to ensure that patients receive safe, accurate and appropriate drug therapy in a timely manner.
• Analyzes medication orders for completeness and appropriateness as relates to drug name, dose, route, schedule, disease state, allergies, other medications, and food and drug interactions; processes medication orders to ensure that patients receive safe, accurate and appropriate drug therapy in a timely manner.
• Supervises and checks the work of supportive personnel as defined in departmental policies and procedures and according to FHS values-based behaviors.
• Provides assistance to supportive personnel as needed.
• Provides education for patients, pharmacy staff, residents, externs, interns, students, technician students, and other healthcare workers at FHS in a positive, constructive and motivating manner.
• Participates in the orientation of new employees including (but not limited to):  one-on-one on-line training, updating contributions to the orientation manual, and being available as a resource person for one of the specialized practice settings; precepts pharmacy residents, students, externs, interns and technician students upon demonstrating competency to become a preceptor.
• Communicates in a positive, constructive and motivating manner when working with residents and students.
• Collaborates with pharmacist specialist(s) as appropriate to provide needed education for pharmacy staff, hospital staff, and physicians.
• Presents medication-related issues at nursing staff meetings as assigned.
• Educates patients and families on medication and healthcare-related issues as needed.
• Actively participates in department shift reports and clinical meetings by sharing and contributing.
• Participates, proactively, in medication safety and quality improvement initiatives.
• Actively participates in selected core group, contributing to quality improvement and drug use evaluation programs; reports actual, potential, and near-miss medication errors and adverse drug events according to FHS policies;
• Serves on PIT teams as assigned. Identifies and reports system-related safety and quality improvement issues to Pharmacy Operations Manager, Medication PIT (Performance Improvement Team) representative, or Pharmacy PIT representative as appropriate.
• Supports FHS medication safety initiatives and provides documentation or information as requested.
• Identifies and corrects personal processes to reduce the potential for medication misadventures; is able to articulate department-based Process Improvement activities.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Competence:  Demonstrates proper use of communication tools/materials for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services.  Patient Population Served:  Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department’s defined specific populations served.
• Performs related duties as required.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

BS in Pharmacy or Pharm D from an accredited school of pharmacy that demonstrates attainment of the requisite job knowledge skills/abilities including didactic courses and experiential rotations in pharmaceutical care.

One year of work experience in a hospital pharmacy within the past two years is preferred. 

Attainment of a Doctor of Pharmacy degree is preferred.

Completion of a post-graduate pharmacy residency is preferred.

Licensure/Certification

• Licensure as a registered pharmacist by the Washington State Board of Pharmacy. 
• Membership in at least one of the following professional organizations is preferred: ASHP, ASCP, WSPA, APHA, or ACCP.
• Current healthcare provider BLS certification.
• If classified as a Pharmacist-Certified:  Current Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) certification is required.