Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at WVU Medicine - Thomas Memorial Hospital

Role Overview

The Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at WVU Medicine's Thomas Memorial Hospital (TMH) is a vital member of the healthcare team, responsible for providing comprehensive pharmaceutical care to critically ill patients. This role focuses on optimizing medication therapies, minimizing adverse drug events, and collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible patient outcomes. The specialist will be involved in all aspects of medication management, from order verification to patient education, and will play a key role in promoting medication safety and quality improvement initiatives.

A Day in the Life

As a Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, your day might include: * **Morning Rounds:** Participating in interdisciplinary rounds in the intensive care unit (ICU) to discuss patient cases and provide drug information to the healthcare team. * **Medication Review:** Reviewing patient medication profiles to identify potential drug interactions, allergies, or other medication-related problems. * **Order Verification:** Verifying medication orders for appropriateness, accuracy, and completeness, ensuring that doses are adjusted based on renal and hepatic function. * **Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Analysis:** Applying pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic principles to optimize medication dosing for individual patients. * **Drug Information:** Providing evidence-based drug information to physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. * **Patient Education:** Educating patients and their families about their medications, including proper administration, potential side effects, and monitoring parameters. * **Sterile Compounding:** Preparing sterile products, such as intravenous medications and total parenteral nutrition (TPN). * **Code Response:** Participating in code blue and other emergency response situations, providing pharmaceutical expertise and support. * **Medication Use Evaluation:** Conducting medication use evaluations to assess the effectiveness and safety of medication therapies. * **Precepting:** Serving as a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents, providing guidance and mentorship.

Why South Charleston, West Virginia?

South Charleston, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and access to big-city amenities. Located in the heart of the Kanawha Valley, South Charleston provides a family-friendly environment with affordable housing, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community. The area boasts beautiful natural scenery, with opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. South Charleston is also conveniently located near Charleston, the state capital, which offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, diverse dining options, and numerous shopping destinations. Working at Thomas Memorial Hospital in South Charleston provides the opportunity to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the local community.

Career Path

The Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist role offers a variety of career advancement opportunities within WVU Medicine. Potential career paths include: * **Senior Clinical Pharmacy Specialist:** Taking on leadership responsibilities within the pharmacy department, such as mentoring junior pharmacists or leading clinical initiatives. * **Pharmacy Manager:** Overseeing the operations of a specific pharmacy area, such as the ICU pharmacy or the outpatient pharmacy. * **Clinical Coordinator:** Coordinating clinical pharmacy services across multiple departments or hospitals within the WVU Medicine system. * **Director of Pharmacy:** Assuming overall responsibility for the pharmacy department, including strategic planning, budget management, and regulatory compliance. * **Specialized Certifications:** Obtaining board certifications in areas such as critical care pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, or infectious diseases to enhance expertise and career prospects.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in South Charleston, West Virginia is $110,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and certifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision coverage. * **Prescription Drug Coverage:** Coverage for prescription medications. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick leave, and holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** 401(k) or 403(b) plan with employer matching contributions. * **Life Insurance:** Basic and supplemental life insurance options. * **Disability Insurance:** Short-term and long-term disability coverage. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs):** Pre-tax accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services. * **Professional Development:** Opportunities for continuing education, conferences, and certifications. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Financial assistance for educational expenses.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is a leading academic health system dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. The organization is committed to fostering a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation. WVU Medicine values its employees and provides a supportive work environment that encourages professional growth and development. Employees are encouraged to participate in continuous quality improvement initiatives and to contribute to the organization's mission of improving the health of the communities it serves. WVU Medicine also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and respectful environment for all employees and patients.

How to Apply

To apply for the Critical Care Clinical Pharmacy Specialist position at WVU Medicine - Thomas Memorial Hospital, please visit the WVU Medicine careers website and search for the job posting. Follow the online application instructions to submit your resume, cover letter, and other required documents. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience, qualifications, and certifications in your application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q1: What are the essential qualifications for this role?** A1: The minimum qualifications include a current Pharmacist license in West Virginia and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 60 days of hire. A satisfactory state criminal background check is also required. **Q2: Is a PharmD degree required?** A2: While preferred, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited school of pharmacy is not explicitly required but is highly desirable. **Q3: Is residency training required?** A3: Completion of a residency training program is preferred, as it provides valuable experience in clinical pharmacy practice. **Q4: What are the key responsibilities of this role?** A4: Key responsibilities include providing comprehensive pharmaceutical care to critically ill patients, monitoring medication therapies, collaborating with the healthcare team, and participating in medication use evaluations. **Q5: What is the work schedule for this position?** A5: The scheduled weekly hours are 40, and the specific shift may vary depending on the needs of the department. **Q6: Does WVU Medicine offer continuing education opportunities?** A6: Yes, WVU Medicine provides opportunities for professional development, including continuing education, conferences, and certifications. **Q7: What is the culture like at WVU Medicine?** A7: WVU Medicine fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on patient-centered care and employee well-being. **Q8: Are there opportunities for career advancement?** A8: Yes, WVU Medicine offers a variety of career advancement opportunities within the pharmacy department and the broader health system. **Q9: What benefits are offered with this position?** A9: WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, prescription drug coverage, paid time off, retirement plan, life insurance, and disability insurance. **Q10: How can I learn more about WVU Medicine?** A10: You can visit the WVU Medicine website to learn more about the organization's mission, values, and services.