From: Berkley Sykes
To: Pharmacists
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 11:52:31 AM
Subject: oncology services opportunity
Attachment: oncology checklist

During the summer of 2016 several pharmacists were selected to staff oncology positions. This proved extremely beneficial as we lost two oncology specialists, and members of the oncology pool were able to safely and skillfully back-fill these positions as well as the UB4 and BMT.

This past summer, several more pharmacists joined the pool, but with promotions and shift changes, we now do not have enough people to keep oncology positions fully staffed. More pharmacists are currently needed to be added to the pool to cover UB4, UB9, BMT, and to possibly cover the oncology specialists positions. We would like to have a total seven to nine pharmacists (not including oncology specialists or residents) at all times who demonstrate interest and competency to work in an oncology role. There are no new positions available, only the opportunity to work in an position that is primarily oncology.

The competency: There will be readings and work assigned for you to do on your own time. You will be given two days of training with oncology specialists and/or other oncology areas as appropriate. You will then be evaluated to meet multiple criteria (credentialing checklist attached) and you must successfully pass a case-based chemotherapy competency.

Applicants: All qualified applicants will be interviewed. You will be chosen primarily based on skill level. A test will be given to each applicant prior to the interview to assess basic chemotherapy knowledge. IV training is highly desired and a certain number of pharmacists chosen must be capable of staffing or covering BMT. Pharmacists who are already in the oncology pool do not have to reapply, only complete the annual competency.

Ongoing: Chemotherapy competencies will be renewed annually.

If you have an interest in working as needed in an oncology based position, regardless of your seniority, please let me know by Tuesday, November 21 . Feel free to reach out to me or the oncology specialists if you have questions. 

***Please note: This is not a new position nor is it intended to fill an oncology specialist's position.***

Berkley Sykes, Pharm.D.
Pharmacy Manager - Sterile Products Services Huntsville Hospital