Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist, Drug & Poison Information Centre (DPIC)

BC Centre for Disease Control

Vancouver, BC

The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist provides information services, advice and consultation to the general public and healthcare professionals via the drug information line and the 24-hour poison information line.  The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist responds to drug information requests from healthcare professionals and provides accurate unbiased therapeutic advice on questions regarding drug interactions, side effects, drugs in pregnancy and lactation, complex drug therapy, and alternative medication options. The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist also responds to the 24-hour poison information line by providing prompt and accurate information and advice to the public and healthcare professionals throughout the province. The pharmacist provides treatment recommendations and assists physicians in the decision making process regarding treatment strategies including antidote use.  The Pharmacist works with callers from the public and emergency response, calling ahead to emergency rooms to advise of incoming patients and treatment recommendations.  The Drug and Poison Information Pharmacist works with other facilities such as group homes, correctional facilities and outpost nursing stations to provide immediate information and guidance on medication errors, toxicology and other poison related questions and calls. 

The BC Drug and Poison Information Centre (DPIC) is located at the BC Centre for Disease Control in Vancouver and is staffed with pharmacists, nurses, and physicians who have specific expertise in the provision of drug and poison information services.  DPIC provides information services, advice and consultation to the general public and healthcare professionals via the drug information line and the 24-hour poison information line. 

What you’ll do

• Respond to drug information requests during regular service hours by assessing, evaluating and making therapeutic recommendations for each information inquiry as a unique situation.
• Provide accurate unbiased drug information and clinical advice to health professionals, including pharmacists, in the province of BC.
• Exercise professional judgment regarding involved and complex drug information requests, and consult with the designated supervisor and/or peers and/or DPIC medical consultant for additional guidance when required.
• Respond to poison calls from the general public and healthcare professionals from throughout the province based on clinical knowledge, professional judgment and poison centre protocols. Provide first aid advice to poisoned patients and treatment information; establishes the need for patient assessment at a health care facility; assesses, evaluates and triages poison exposures, drug overdoses, and medication errors as required.
• Act as a resource to other healthcare professionals by providing treatment information and recommendations to physicians and nurses on the management of poisoned and overdosed patients.
• Assist physicians in the decision making process such as administration of antidotes including calculations and dosing frequency and advises on decisions regarding patient transfers.
• Notify hospital triage nurses regarding incoming poison patients, providing history of exposure, treatment recommendations and expected symptoms. 

What you bring

• Current registration as a Pharmacist with the College of Pharmacists of British Columbia.
• Successful completion of a Hospital Pharmacy Residency Program or experience in Drug and Poison information.
• Two (2) years recent, related experience in ICU, critical care or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

You will have the ability to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of in-service teaching or continuing education principles.
• Demonstrate computer skills with relevant software such as MS Office and centre applications.
• Demonstrate oral and written communication skills and demonstrated listening skills.
• Work both independently and in collaboration with others.
• Prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Maintain accuracy and attention to detail.
• Work under stressful conditions in a calm and effective manner.
• Work a variety of shifts, including night shifts and weekends, as required.
• Demonstrate strong judgement, decision-making and analytical skills.
• Physically perform the duties of the position. 

• Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.
• Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
• As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring 

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time
Wage: $49.87 to $62.32 hourly

Location: 655 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4R4
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Rotating; Rotating schedule days, evenings, nights- 0700-1500, 0830-1630, 1300-2100, 1515-2315, 2300-0700
Requisition # 145204E

What we do 

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and is dedicated to preventing and controlling communicable diseases and promoting environmental health for the province of BC.

(PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose. 

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services 

PHSA is committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

ATTN: PHSA Employees:

To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca    

Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of May 15, 2023. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not registered your internal profile, a password is required to log in for the first time. To obtain your password, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk at 604-875-7264 or 1-855-875-7264. Please note regular business hours are Monday – Friday (excluding stats), 8:30am to 4:30pm. For inquiries outside of regular business hours, please email the Internal Jobs Help Desk at internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca and a Help Desk Representative will contact you the next business day.