NICU Clinical Pharmacist Specialist
NICU Clinical Pharmacist Specialist
Location: Houston, Texas | Onsite | Full-Time
The NICU Clinical Pharmacist Specialist is a pivotal member of the neonatal care team, delivering expert pharmaceutical care and advancing pharmacy practice in one of medicine's most demanding environments. This role goes beyond dispensing — it's about ensuring every drug decision in the NICU is safe, evidence-based, and optimized for the most vulnerable patients.
What you'll do
- Develop and maintain a communication system that ensures effective flow of information to and from pharmacy staff, physicians, and nurses.- Serve as a role model for competent professional practice — educating, mentoring, and supporting pharmacy students, staff, residents, and peers.- Identify and recommend opportunities for cost containment without compromising care quality.- Continuously seek ways to improve clinical pharmacy services and work collaboratively to identify areas for improvement.- Plan and manage resources to ensure continuity of care across the patient care area, pharmacy, and other clinical settings.- Participate in orientation and continuing education programs; serve as a go-to resource for pharmacy staff, physicians, and nurses.- Assist with clinical research evaluating the clinical and economic outcomes of drugs and drug regimens.- Develop, coordinate, and evaluate target drug programs, restricted drug programs, medication use-based performance assessment indicators, drug usage evaluation programs, and cost containment initiatives.- Develop and implement utilization reviews focused on expensive, potentially harmful, or improperly used drugs.- Provide direction for clinical pharmacy educational services and assist with implementing educational programs for physicians and nursing staff.
About you
- PharmD degree required from an accredited pharmacy program.- Active pharmacist licensure (or eligibility) in the state of practice.- Completion of a PGY2 Residency in Pediatrics; may consider PGY2 in Critical Care with current NICU experience.- Dedicated NICU clinical pharmacy experience or significant NICU-focused experience during a PGY2 residency.- Demonstrated ability to provide direct clinical pharmacy services to critically ill neonates.- Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy (BCPS) or Pediatric Pharmacy (BCPPS) preferred.- Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and a genuine interest in teaching and mentoring.
Schedule & compensation
- 5-8 hour shifts, days. On-call rotation every 8 to 9 weeks.- Exempt/salaried position.- Day-one benefits including medical/dental, 401K, and much more.- Relocation assistance may be provided on a case-by-case basis.
Nice to have
- Prior experience in a Level III or IV NICU setting.- Familiarity with drug utilization evaluation and formulary management.- Published research or quality improvement project experience.