ROLE OF DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY: THE FISRT SIX MONTHS(Edward G Nold & William T. Sanders) (Published in AM J Health-Syst Pharm Vol 61 Nov 1, 2004)

PURPOSE

Interviewing for director of pharmacy position is discussed and recommended activities for a pharmacy directors first six months on the job are described.

INTRODUCTION1978, progress in pharmacy management and practice to be painfully slow at the hospital. Efforts to convince direct-report managers, nursing leaders and other managers of the value that pharmacy can provide seemed to be falling on deaf ears.

WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

There have been substantial change in pharmacy practice and health care, such as more rules and regulations, more drugs on market, more information about drugs, increased demand for services, higher expectations for quality, growth of technology and automation, common problems of drug shortages and recalls, shortages of pharmacist and other health care professionals and weakening financial status of hospitals

BECOMING A DIRECTOR OF PHARMACY

TARGETING THE POSTION THAT FIT YOUR SKILLSConsidering a new position is a selfevaluation of your skills and abilities. Put yourself in the chair of the people who will be making the hiring decisions.

ASK YOURSELFWhat are the skill sets and jobs experiences? What are the skill of those already in a directorship position that you need to develop? Do you have the skills to effectively lead a pharmacy? Have your training and work experiences prepared you that type of positions?

The skills needed by the director of pharmacy position vary with the healthcare organizations size, the services offered by the hospital, the number of staff in pharmacy, the clinical services offered, affiliations with medical and pharmacy school, the hospital financial status and location

Be realistic in assessing your qualifications, but not to be afraid aim high. Have networking with Directors and interview what their skill set was when they became directors.

SCOPE OF THE JOB

Must have clear understanding of the following:Job description Organizational structure Teaching requirements. Goals and objectives

TOUR OF THE HOSPITALTell you about culture and environment Take a look at medication distribution system effective and efficient? Learn and understand as much as can Get information of the organization trough people working there, internet and local population

TOUR OF THE PHARMACY AND INTERVIEW PHARMACY STAFFAssess the departments strengths, weaknesses and structure. Use thoughtful questions and listening skills during your interaction

INTERVIEW WITH THE NURSING STAFFPrimary customers Good relationship is one of foundation of a successful pharmacy program Learn goals, expectations and current state of nursing department

INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECT-REPORT MANAGER

Ask for his/her level of expectations of the pharmacy director, departmental success measured, benchmarking service, productivity goals to achieve, hospitals support for staff development and continuing education?

INTERVIEW WITH MEDICAL STAFF

The ability of the pharmacy to establish clinical programs and contribute directly to patient care depends greatly on the willingness of medical staff to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

THE HOSPITALS FINANCIAL CONDITIONThe ability of an organization to meet its mission of providing patient care to the community serves begins with its ability to manage financial condition. Are budgets realistic?

POSTINTERVIEW ANALYSISMake a list of +ve and ve features. The time commitment for the new role is likely to be substantial, so be prepared to make large concessions to achieve success in the new role

FIRST THREE MONTHS OF A PHARMACY DIRECTOR

First 3 month

Assessment of pharmacy services, staff and customers. Regulatory and accreditation review Organizational leadership assessment Clinical services assessment Information system assessment Other information and documents to review Personal issues Report summarizing the first three month

TASKS FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS

First 6 month

Device a work plan Develop reporting systems and metrics Set priorities Create a staffing plan Create a clinical plan Promote staff development Develop staff relationships Develop and revise procedures Evaluate outsourcing needs Celebrate successes

CONCLUSION

First 6 month

The Director of pharmacy has one of the most complex jobs in the hospital A director must be able to motivate the staff to create a patient focused culture. The director must have some training in all professional, administrative, and financial matters. Planning, communicating, networking, writing, listening, leading and motivating are skills necessary for success.

THANK YOU