Experience In A Pharmacy Experience: An Introduction To Pharmacy Experience

As part of the Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Experience, I had the opportunity to shadow pharmacists in four different pharmacy settings. First experience was at the ambulatory care infusion center, the second was at Hy-Vee community pharmacy, third experience was at the acute care division at Unitypoint St Luke’s Hospital, and the last rotation took place at the UIHC general Hospital. Initially, starting my first year of pharmacy school my vision on a pharmacist involvement in different settings was very limited. After rotating through each setting, I realized that a pharmacist could be involved at any patient care setting and other areas where I would have never imagine they could be involved. Each setting was unique in regards of the

I was able to observe both of their roles as they counsel patients that arrived for chemotherapy or infusion treatments. I witness their empathy and how well they communicated information to patients that where receiving oncological treatment for different types of cancer. The preceptors took the necessary time to speak to the patients about their treatments, what to expect, side effects of each of the medications and things they could do to feel better or in a case of an emergency. The preceptors, through their conversations with the patients, were able to clarify doubts the patients had and even identify medications the patient were thinking of taking but where not appropriate while in treatment as it might interfere or cause a complication.

On the other hand, while shadowing at Hy-Vee I saw a different exposure of the pharmacist role. In this type of setting the pharmacist is exposed to patient interactions as well, with the difference in workflow. Pharmacist in this setting counsels on prescribed medications, on over the counter medications, check prescriptions orders, dispenses medications

I plan as well to pursue a job at the hospital, because I believe that the best way to learn is through application and practice. Through these rotations I got a better sense of the area where I want to tailor my education towards which is oriented towards the geriatric population. It is a field where I have been growing interest for and therefore, hope to gain more exposure this upcoming hospital rotation and through next semester. As for this shadowing experience I felt I was very engaged, I asked a lot of questions regarding the workflow, pharmacist involvement, their experiences and how they ended up in their particular position, among other particular questions regarding the setting. The only thing I would do different would be to read more in depth about the setting and any advances, whereas medical, policies or even changes in the practice, of that particular area. This is something I will apply in preparation for my IPPE2 rotations for this summer. I am certain that regardless of the setting I end up practicing I feel confident at least on what a pharmacist does in these