About the Role
Description
The Pharmacy Practice Coordinator reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Under the direction of the Manager, the Pharmacy Practice Coordinator has the authority and accountability for facilitating the daily operations and delivery of quality service within designated practice areas. In addition, the Practice Coordinator is responsible for translating Northwestern Medicine goals into the Work Unit/ Department short- and long-term plans, working with managers for definition and implementation of clinical and distributive services, pharmaceutical educational programs, financial, and personnel management.
Responsibilities:
Clinical Services
Supports the oversight and design of all clinical pharmacist activities to support patients, families, medical staff, and nursing staff in both the inpatient and outpatient setting.
Supports patient coverage assignments and scheduling of clinical pharmacists based on staffing resources, patient care, and productivity measures
Assures optimal medication outcomes
Ensures support for the entire care continuum and how clinical pharmacy services optimizes care from pre-acute, acute, and post-acute patient care transitions.
Supports establishing clinical dashboard goals, metrics, and reporting.
Supports review and implementation of clinical protocols and policies.
Legal and Regulatory
Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, statutes, and regulations governing pharmacy practice in areas of responsibility
Ensure areas of responsibility meet the regulatory requirements of inside and outside auditors and accrediting bodies
Pharmacy Services
Implementing and maintaining pharmacy services that are an integral part of the care delivery systems of Northwestern MedicineImplementation of new technology and the provision of pharmacy services that will improve patient care, patient safety and economic outcomes
Fulfills all the responsibilities, qualifications, license/certification, and education/experience of a Clinical Pharmacist
Supports around-the clock procurement, preparation, distribution, and control of all medications used, including those that are investigational
Assumes responsibility for efficient and effective use of time and effort of all staff and investigates and resolves patient and workflow problems.
Works along frontline pharmacy staff to ensure that medications are appropriately provided to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome consistent with patient parameters and disease states
Organizes, prioritizes, and plans workload within given time constraints. Works cooperatively with fellow pharmacists to oversee and direct the activities of the work area, to assign work to technicians, and to assure that the established Department objectives are accomplished.
Facilitates a team-based approach to patient care problem solving and service delivery.
Leadership and Management
Uses communication skills of persuasiveness and assertiveness, as well as sensitivity to the other person’s point of view, to influence the behavior and opinions of professional and technical colleagues
Develop talent in technical and clinical positions
Coordinates and manages scheduling consistent with departmental budget requirements and maintains programs to monitor and control costs and inventory
Assist manager in completing performance reviews consistent with Performance Management Process established by the organization.
Ensure necessary arrangements for coverage are made along with management of productivity based on patient care.
Supports trainees, including fellows, residents, and students along with daily operational and clinical needs in areas of responsibility
Creates an environment of high morale and engaged motivated staff.
Facilitates interdepartmental coordination by acting as a liaison between the pharmacy department and other disciplines
Assists Manager in meeting organizational goals.
Responsible for off shift/weekend on call. F/U with Travis to determine if coordinator on-call is consistent with this role across the system
Safety/Quality Management
Implements medication safety initiatives within the hospital and outpatient settings
Participates and supports medication use quality initiatives through various NM committees, including the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committees
Participates in quality initiatives as indicated by the annual quality plan
Facilitates the practice of evidence-based medicine through the coordination of physician and staff education, the development of collaborative practice agreements, and policy making
Lead and participates in performance improvement projects by adopting process improvement methodologies and working with interdisciplinary leadership
Financial Management
Assists with the financial management of pharmacy cost centers
Participates in the development of capital request proposals and capital project management
Assists with major equipment implementation and software upgrades/implementations, product selection, document preparation for equipment acquisition, and oversight of the vendor negotiation process
Assist manager in coordinating and documenting successful drug cost reduction initiatives
Education/Staff Development
Actively participates and provides direction in the planning of post-graduate training in pharmacy that meets the ASHP accreditation standards
Provides opportunities for educational programming and coordinates technical and pharmacist staff participation in such programs to promote continued professional development
Qualifications
Required:
Graduate of an accredited college of Pharmacy
Licensed Pharmacist in Illinois OR obtain license within 90 days of start date
Minimum 3 years of experience in a health care institution or equivalent advanced Pharmacy residency training
Proven success in managing operations, personnel, quality functions, and the professional aspects of pharmacy practice
Evidence of effective communication skills both oral and written with all levels of internal and external customers
Preferred:
Experience normally acquired through at least 5 years of pharmacy experience in a health care institution
Completion of an accredited Pharmacy Residency
Equal Opportunity
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.