Presentation Example: Pharmacy as a Career

The practice of pharmacy has gradually moved from the concept of drugs and their distribution to be a subject of client-centeredness, as articulated by Helper & Strand, (1990). The primary focus of the practice of pharmacy being pharmaceutical care has been embraced by major pharmacy organizations as well as the practitioners since 1990's. A career based taking direct care involves taking full responsibility for the needs of the patient and being accountable for the commitment thereof. A career in pharmacy is diversified whereby one will not only be involved in patient care, but also they will be involved in carrying out research and innovation. Also, one can secure a career in either clinical pharmacy or academic pharmacy (Brooks, 2009). Clinical pharmacy as a discipline seeks to find new knowledge that is aimed at improving the quality of life among the people.

Career Plans in Pharmacy

Pharmacists to become successful in the field first need to personally comprehend what pharmacy entails. This will include coming to terms with the role a pharmacist plays in transforming lives of people throughout the life cycle. One has to put their values at the forefront because these will be a guide in setting the priorities which will affect their general practice either negatively or positively. These career plans will, therefore, include: having a good personality and great values, learning new skills through the creation of new opportunities, having long-term career goals rather than taking pharmacy just as a job, keeping a track on your data through documentation. Creating networks for purposes of mentorship, being a team player by taking up tasks and responsibilities and finally being time management (Rollnic & Miller, 2007).Training Needed for Pharmacists

Pharmacists are supposed to attend a pharmacy school where they will attain their Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. First, they will undertake a coursework either in biology, chemistry or physics. A doctorate accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is also a requirement. This is a program that takes four years in with the objective of preparing the student for patient-centeredness care and technical practices of the profession. Students take part in practical clinical experiences while they get supervision from licensed pharmacists. Pharmacists need to earn a license after doing and passing an exam offered by the licensing board, National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) (Sosabowski & Gard, 2008).

Relevant Technologies Used by Pharmacists

Heavy reliance on technology by the pharmacists is crucial as it helps them perform their complex tasks. According to Stephen (2014), he presents his facts based on information technology. IT has helped in the keeping of patients' records, ordering, prescription, labelling, dispensing and administering of medications. Internet use will give rise to internet pharmacies where the information on medications is disseminated. Electronic Prescribing (EP) and discharge will also automate the processes and give timely transmission of patients' information. Barcode medicine identification is another technology used by pharmacists together with EP, and it aims at reducing errors occurring in the administration of medications. Telecare is a technology that uses audio and visual communication whereby healthcare practitioners communicate with their patients when based at home thus supports their individualized medication (Goundrey, 2013).

Conclusively, the technologies provided to aid the pharmaceutical procedures are many. However, pharmacists should support these technologies to keep their professional aspirations in check and that they are not avoided on the new NHS on IT.

References

Goundrey-Smith, S. (2014). Examining the role of new technology in pharmacy: now and in the future. Pharma J.

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Sosabowski, M. H., & Gard, P. R. (2008). Pharmacy education in the United Kingdom. American journal of pharmaceutical education, 72(6), 130.

Siracuse, M. V., Schondelmeyer, S. W., Hadsall, R. S., & Schommer, J. C. (2004). Assessing career aspirations of pharmacy students. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 68(3), 75.

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