Medication Safety Specialist (Full Time, Days)

Description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.
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Summary:

• Provides leadership in formulating policy and instituting models that promote Medication Safety in all aspects of the medication management process. Responsible for the oversight of all Medication Safety activities including reporting, system and process evaluation, formulation of recommendations, coordination of intervention strategies, and performance improvement monitoring. The Medication Safety Specialist (MSS) coordinates with the chair all of the activities of the Medication Management Safety Committee and coordinates or serves on all Medication Safety task forces. The MSS is responsible for the maintenance of the medication variance and adverse drug reaction data base, and coordinates system review of the medication variance and adverse drug reaction reports. In addition, the MSS will assist in the development of educational programs to improve and promote Medication Safety, as well as, assist in the development and review of medication-use and Medication Safety policies. The MSS will assist in the development of staff competencies pertaining to safe medication use and assist with monitoring compliance with proper Medication Safety practices throughout the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Works within the Medication Safety Program to develop and implement Medication Safety goals and objectives/plans across the Penn Medicine Princeton Health system. Provides clear, concise and accurate communication of Medication Safety initiatives to various divisional and hospital committees (e.g., Divisional Quality/Safety Committees, Medication Safety Program). Develops and maintains measurements indicating that goals and objective have been attained. Assists in the development of policies, procedures, and programs with respect to medication-use safety to ensure adherence to safe medication use practices. Assists with efforts to assure compliance with The Joint Commission and other regulatory and standard setting agencies as they relate to safe medication use practices. Conducts at least a biannual evaluation of the medication-use system using self- assessment tools developed by external agencies (e.g., ISMP Medication Safety Self Assessment). Conducts Medication Safety rounds. Identifies and pursues opportunities for applied research in the area of Medication Safety. Serves as an member of all standing Medication Safety committees. Improves error detection, reporting, and use of information to improve medication-use safety. Medication Error and ADR Reporting - Works with nursing, medical staff, pharmacy, patient safety and risk management, quality and other departments to report and perform analysis on medication errors and adverse drug reactions. Coordinates the collection, analysis and reporting of medication error data. Annually reviews high volume, high risk, and error prone care processes for prioritization of potential Medication Safety improvements. Works closely with the patient safety and Risk Management Department/Quality Department to lead and facilitate Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Medication error reduction: Develops strategies to minimize the potential for medication errors associated with medication labeling, packaging, nomenclature, storage, standardization, preparation, distribution, dispensing and administration. Works with clinical areas to ensure that medications are stored, prescribed, transcribed, prepared, dispensed and administered in a physical environment reflecting careful consideration of the principles of human factors engineering. Communicates “lessons learned” in medication use safety to the frontline staff, managers, medical staff, and senior leadership throughout the Penn Medicine Princeton Health system about medication related safety events and error reduction strategies. Implement risk reduction strategies for medication error prevention. Utilizes Focus, Plan, Do, Study, and Act (PDSA) as an approach to instituting safe practices and spreading change throughout the system.

Credentials:

• Pharmacist (Required)

Education or Equivalent Experience:

We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.