Medication Safety Officer (Full Time, Days)

Description

Job Summary
The Medication Safety Officer (MSO) is a pivotal clinical role tasked with optimizing medication outcomes and minimizing the risks associated with medication use. The MSO will spearhead the hospital's medication safety program and serve as the leading authority on safe medication practices. Acts as a leader and subject matter expert in all aspects of medication safety. Accountable for guiding the design, implementation, and maintenance of safe, standardized medication systems by working collaboratively with all members of the healthcare team. Works with the Patient Safety Officer, Director of Pharmacy and Director of Quality on system issues related to medication safety. Contributes to the development of a comprehensive medication safety program. Serves as the medication safety expert on system level and designated facility medication use system committees. Works with designated facilities and medication safety team to conduct process improvement activities based upon established metrics that support the organizational medication safety strategic plan. Works with the Patient Safety Officer and Director of Pharmacy on system issues related to medication safety.

Job Specific Duties
• Monitors the external environment for best practices and evaluates them for implementation in the organization.
• Provides direction for prioritization of the organization’s medication system improvement projects.
• Develops structured approach for employee orientation & training for pharmacy staff & others involved in medication-use process related to medication safety as it applies to specific job category.
• Provides ongoing medication safety education for pharmacy staff and other health care professionals to promote safe medication practices.
• Facilitates availability of educational programs and materials to improve medication safety and regulatory compliance.
• Participates in departmental, organizational, & regional committees related to emergency medications, drug shortages, adverse events, medication errors, policy review, safe medication use, etc.
• Analyzes current medication-use practices that may contribute to medication errors using quality improvement methodologies. Facilitates process & system changes to reduce likelihood of error.
• Develops strategies and provides solutions to improve patient safety such as the project management of corrective and preventative action plans.
• Oversees and creates reports for Antidotes and Adverse Drug Reactions.
• Serves as chair for Medication Safety, attends P&T committee, and presents Medication Safety Reports to management, PI committee, and patient safety committee.
• Leads the Clinical Quality Improvement Committee and solutions for patient safety (SPS).
• Partners with Medication Safety Committee to conduct ongoing analyses for improvement to identify priorities for medication safety and solutions for patient safety. Proposes actions as needed.
• Works in collaboration with risk management to provide data for Clinical Excellence Index (CEI) scorecards across NCHS.
• Facilitates medication related Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and collaborates with leaders to assure improvement actions are completed.

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master's Degree in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)   (Required)
• PHARM - Pharmacist Florida Pharmacist License - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• 3-5 years Pediatric Hospital experience related to medications safety
• 2-4 years Clinical pediatric program development experience in a pediatric hospital

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Medication Safety Certification preferred
• Experience in an integrated health system preferred
• Specialized training in quality and patient / medication safety curricula is highly desirable
• Previous project management experience is preferred
• Expert influencing skills preferred
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form with all levels of organization personnel and all patient groups
• Extensive knowledge of diverse teaching strategies for individuals and groups
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management across the system
• Exceptional customer service, analytical and organizational skills
• Experience using computer applications including word processing, spreadsheets, and pharmacy information systems
• Ability to problem solve and think analytically; ability to troubleshoot in a timely manner including weekends and holidays
• Demonstrated experience with PC applications to include Microsoft Word, Excel, Access
• Previous experience in quality review, analysis, and reporting, as well as, quality background
• Ability to apply principles of evidence-based practice, analytical thinking, and service excellence in practice
• Ability to assume responsibility for managing and updating existing health and safety programs, projects, and tasks
• Ability to analyze and interpret data and utilize the information to make judgments regarding patient care
  

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