How is a pharmacist unique in the care of patients?

[Matt000]

Hi guys, I'm applying for a Walgreens Chicago COllege of Pharmacy Carer Explorers program and they have one question I can't give much points with.

How is a pharmacist unique in the care of his/her patients ?

Do you have any ideas I can write with?

I've done research but it's not enough!

Thanks everyone!!!!!

[MedSurgeNewbie]

they provide on the spot expert advice! I'm a new grad and am on the phone to them nearly daily! If I have a question they are my second drug book plus if somthing is not kosher they can give me Ideas to suggest to the doc

[allantiques4me]

I find their knowledge invaluable.I use the pharmacists at any time i feel I dont know what I need to know as a nurse.I feel much more confident administering a medication Im not familiar with, after Ive spoken to the pharmacist.

[SillyLilly]

The pharmacists on our have pointed out, as they are putting in the order for a perscription, that this cant be given for that reason. We have residents on the floor and the pharmacists have definetly been a big part in making sure medications are ordered safely.

Also have called several times for questions/advice about medications that I could not get from a book.

[SCRN1]

In addition to what the other have said, they also catch a lot of med errors that have been written in orders and alert the nurse to them.

[SCRN1]

I just reread your post and noticed you said Walgreens. So are you asking about pharmacists in a drug store, hospital, or anywhere in general?

If drug store, they provide lots of information on medication to customers, whether prescribed or OTC! They warn customers of drug interactions, tell them when to take the meds, to take meds with or without food for better absorption or prevent side effects such as stomach upset, side effects, etc. Also, customers can tell them what symptoms they have and ask what OTC meds they can recommend.

[rita359]

Pharmacist have a much more extensive training in medications, pharmacology etc than any other health professional. They advise on drug interactions, cross sensitivity with known drug allergies, interactions with other drugs patient is taking, and hopefully if the patient uses only one pharmacy and many doctors can keep a patient from getting more than one of a particular drug. An example would be a primary dr ordering a drug and the cardiologist ordering the generic or other drug in the same class when the patient only needs one or the other. Pharmacist are getting into disease management, for instance for diabetics and patients with chf. Also immunizing for flu and pneumonia.

[TsavarenaRN]

The pharmacist prepares and distributes physician prescribed medications. Pharmacists work closely with nurses, physicians, and other health care providers to evaluate the efficacy of clients' medications. The pharmacist can also provide information about medication side effects, toxicity, interactions, and incompatibilites. The pharmacist is a key component in maintaining the patients five drug rights.

Sounds good for a resume, yea?

[rph3664]

Pharmacist have a much more extensive training in medications, pharmacology etc than any other health professional. They advise on drug interactions, cross sensitivity with known drug allergies, interactions with other drugs patient is taking, and hopefully if the patient uses only one pharmacy and many doctors can keep a patient from getting more than one of a particular drug. An example would be a primary dr ordering a drug and the cardiologist ordering the generic or other drug in the same class when the patient only needs one or the other. Pharmacist are getting into disease management, for instance for diabetics and patients with chf. Also immunizing for flu and pneumonia.

We sure do! 99% of what we do is quite routine, but it's that 1% that justifies our 5 or 6 years of college.