Manager Pharmacy Operations

Overview:

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award-winning health systems in Washington state, CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington, our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers.

At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region. 

While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that may include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility, and more!

JOB SUMMARY / PURPOSE

• While supporting the goals and objectives of the hospital and upholding the ethics of the profession of pharmacy, the Pharmacy Operations Manager is responsible for managing the Pharmacy Operations. This includes implementation and enforcement of policies and procedures, supervision and training of staff, inventory management, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. The Pharmacy Operations Manager will report to the Director of Pharmacy/Region VP.

ESSENTIAL KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for the development, implementation, and monitoring of Pharmacy Operations and shares clinical initiatives responsibility with Clinical Pharmacy Manager if applicable.
• Assists in performance evaluation and competency assessment of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
• Contributes to formulary management and works with health care providers to ensure formulary compliance.
• Participates in Strategic and Operational Planning activities and the development of the Pharmacy Department’s annual budget.
• Educates, mentors, and evaluates pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to develop and improve skills necessary for providing pharmaceutical care.
• Collaborates with health care providers to individualize medication therapies to promote safe, efficacious, and cost-effective patient care following best practices and evidence-based guidelines.
• Develops and provides educational programs, learning modules, and knowledge assessment tools.
• Actively participates in medical staff and service line meetings to meet patient care needs.
• Educates other health care professionals regarding medications to promote optimal patient care via in-services, educational programs, face-to-face interactions, etc.
• Provides technical support for automated dispensing machines, carousel technology for automated medication inventory storage, and other pharmacy computer systems.
• Effectively and proactively intervenes in conflicts between pharmacy and medical staff regarding drug therapy issue resolutions.
• Supervises the purchasing, storing, preparation, and dispensing of all medications and parenteral products in compliance with state, federal (340B), USP Chapter <797> and <800> guidelines, department policies, and manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Trains and participates with Disaster Team drills and real-event responses as assigned.
• Maintains appropriate controlled substance records.
• Works with the Pharmacy Director/VP to identify and develop processes to meet or exceed all controlled substance diversion prevention and monitoring standards.
• Participate in controlled substance reviews and audits.
• Prioritizes work and leads others to comply with facility medication turn-around time policy and procedure.
• Identifies areas for improved efficiency.
• Assists in implementation of process changes.
• Supervises and assists pharmacy technicians and other support staff effectively.
• Works with the Director of Pharmacy/VP and Pharmacy Clinical Manager, if applicable to establish, implement, and monitor pharmacy goals and objectives.
• Communicates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers as necessary.
• Responsible for managing the drug formulary by ensuring operational and inventory efficient processes are in place and are followed.
• Maintains a positive leadership role within the department.
• Responsible for the development and review of pharmacy policies and procedures.
• Has oversight of staff schedules.
• Ensures compliance with hazardous waste guidelines.
• Keeps abreast of all laws, regulations, and practice site policies regarding hospital pharmacy practice and represents the institution in working with regulatory agencies to facilitate required changes.
• Is on call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, as required.

Required Education and Experience:

• B.S. in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy required
• Minimum of 2 years of recent pharmacy (or similar) work experience
• Preferred: Minimum of 1 year in a leadership position or pharmacy residency completed or supplemental Masters Degree (MBA, MS, MHA, etc)
• Demonstrated change management, standardization and leadership development skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to create enthusiasm for new programs and different approaches to existing programs required.
• Demonstrated quality improvement competencies required
• Demonstrated understanding of utilization and productivity in a variety of clinical settings required.

Required Licensure and Certifications:

• Pharmacist License for state within respective Region (or ability to acquire within defined time)
• Membership in the ASHP, ASCP, WSSHP, APHA and/or other professional associations is desirable.