Not a nurse

Pharmacists rock! At my last job I called the pharmacist multiple times a day - you all are such a great resource and really know your meds! The hospital pharmacists are always so helpful

It's nice to feel appreciated. We appreciate you too, although we call you every second to send the STAT med up or verify orders. Or for "stupid" questions like "the label doesn't scan, can you send me a new one?"

The admiration is mutual. Without pharmacists, nurses will become "devils". How will we function if we have to measure, mix, stock, count, and label the medications too?

Pharmacists rock!

I have to say Pharmacists ROCK! I always loved talking with my pharmacist at my local drug store. All of them never have any problem talking to me, listening to my concerns, and answering what I can say are some really silly questions at times. The pharmacists at the hospital I did my clincials at were just as great. They never seemed bothered by some of the questions I'd have. I can honestly say I've never encountered a pharmacists that didn't go above and beyond to help, answer questions or help in understanding a certain med.

I love calling pharmacists because I ALWAYS learn something new. Our hospital pharmacists truly have patient care first and foremost in their minds, and I always have the sense that we are on the same team (should feel like that with everyone I call, but that doesn't always happen). I have learned very useful tips like not giving morphine to people with codeine issues because morphine metabolizes into codeine (even if it doesn't flag as an allergy--I've been able to pass this on to other nurses and even physicians!), and just yesterday I learned not to infuse levaquin with anything!!

I haven't met a pharmacist I didn't like.....wealth of knowledge and love to pick their brain!

The compliment is lovely, but I'm definitely no angel Competent healthcare professional? You betcha!

I'm a hospital pharmacist and I admire all of you. You are angels on earth.

I agree, pharmacists rock! However, at lot of us will balk at the "angels" description (although obviously well meant) -- we're not "angels," we're educated healthcare professionals, just as pharmacists are.

Thank you, Bluebird, for expressing your admiration... and thank you, elkpark, for expressing what I immediately thought of.

I am not an angel-of-mercy nor a missionary nor a servant-of-humanity nor any of those other labels which are often trotted out with the balloons and teddy bears when hospitals or other people/organizations feel compelled to "thank" nurses for our "service."

I am a worker performing a task, sometimes a very important one and often a very meaningless and worthless one. For said labor on my part, I expect and demand to be paid... with as big a slice of the pie as I (we) can get.

I think the "not all angels have wings" stuff are silly platitudes laid on nurses in a concerted attempt to placate the ranks and get them to accept employment terms and conditions that could be rectified with the sufficient investment of resources... or to accept a smaller piece of the revenue stream than might otherwise be commanded.

Bluebird, in no way do I think that you are doing this but I do think that sentiment disempowers my profession. Personally, I'd rather hear compliments like those people in other difficult lines of work might get... "Wow, that's impressive... I'm not sure I could do what you do... you make it look so easy... good job... strong work... thanks..."

I really can't think of another profession where people feel the need to ascribe saintly labels and attributes... which labels I personally find... somewhat belittling and condescending.

Where are my meds that were due 30 minutes ago that I requested for an hour ago?

I love my pharmacists. I can say with assurance that all of the ones I work with are cool...even if some meds are overdue