Hospitals and Community Pharmacies Visit - Essay Example

Reflection Name: Course name: Professors’ name: My Reflection Regarding Hospitals and Community Pharmacies Visit From my visit in the local hospital, I found that pharmacists are also experts in the field of medicine. Their role in the hospital was to purchase, dispense, quality test and keep track of the supply of all the medicines used in the health facility. In addition, “pharmacists work closely with nursing or medical staff to ensure patients who come to the hospital for treatment receives the most appropriate treatments” (American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, 1994) and that those patients are provided with advices and help in all aspects of their illnesses. In my visits, I also realized that some of the responsibilities of pharmacists are to give advice on the selection of dose and medicines for individual patients that have come to get treatment in the hospital. In this case, pharmacists will provide information about potential allergies or side effects that the medicines may have on patients and ensure that new treatments that the patients undergo are compatible with existing medication applied to the patient. In addition, “pharmacist will monitor the effects of drugs or treatments given to patients are safe and effective” (Tindall, 2003). Aside from the pharmacist being a medicine expert in the healthcare sectors, I have also found that the pharmacist is able to provide advices about the side effects of a particular medicine or combination of medicines that may have on patients. A pharmacist also has the responsibility of giving advices on medicine dosage and on the appropriate form of medication such as injection, tablets, inhaler and ointment. In addition, “pharmacist will discuss with medical staff such as nurses or doctors on the potential problems patients may experience when different medications are administered to different patients in the hospital” (Bachynsky, 2008). During the hospital visit, I also learned that a pharmacist provides specialist treatment and advice for patients with conditions such as kidney or liver disease, heart failure and for those mothers who are pregnant or are breast feeding to not take certain medicines. In addition, a pharmacist in the hospital work with individual patients to help them select the most appropriate therapy, “and taking account of factors including patient medical history, existing medication, and patient lifestyles” (American Society of Hospital Pharmacists, 1994). I also learned that pharmacists do not work in wards like nurses. But there are several roles which are undertaken within the pharmacy department itself. “The main work of a pharmacist is to ensure that medicines are dispensed to patients are safe. In the medicines information department, in the hospital” (Renthal, 1968), I learned that pharmacists will use a range of reference sources that are available to them including the internet and electronic databases to provide detailed information to patients and healthcare professionals about all aspects of medicines usage. New drugs that are being purchased by the hospital are evaluated and compared to existing treatments by pharmacists. In addition, a pharmacist is also involved in making medicines when ready-made prescriptions are not available in the hospital. For example, “certain diabetes treatment and intravenous-feeding solutions for patients suffering from this illness need to be tailor made for patients” (Renthal, 1968). Overall, work base practice is an interesting module in the student curriculum because it allows the student to get closer to the role of a pharmacist in Britain. Hence, I believe that doing practical work is necessary to complete the theoretical work for this course in pharmacy. References American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. (1994). American journal of hospital pharmacy, Volume 51, Issue 19. New York: American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. Bachynsky, J. (2008). Some aspects of drug distribution under tax supported programs. New York: University of Wisconsin. Renthal, G. (1968). A community hospital. New York: U.S. Public Health Service, Division of Medical Care Administration Publisher. Tindall, W. (2003). Pharmaceutical care: Insights from community pharmacists. New York: CRC Press. Jane Oyugi Bachelor in Business Information Technology (Strathmore University) Diploma in Information Technology (The Kenya Polytechnic) PO Box 80304, 00200, City Square, Mombasa, Kenya Day & Evening Phone: +254773485146 Email: janeoyughi@gmail.com Personal Details Nationality – Kenyan Date of Birth – 02nd February 1983 Marital Status – Single Brief Overview I hold a Certificate in Information Technology and currently completing a Diploma in Business Information Technology. I have keen interest in developing a career in Database Administration and Organizational Development and Management. Key Competencies Seasoned IT specialist with diverse experience in general and applied computing including, Database Management, Systems Analysis and Design, Networking, Hardware Configurations, Open Computing Administrator with strategic skills in Project Management, Organizational Development, Team Building, Resource Mobilization & Management Educational Background January 2004 – April 2005 Bachelor in Business Information Technology Strathmore University Key Subjects: Web Design, Networking, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, System Analyses & Design, Database Management, Project Management, IT Systems auditing techniques. May 2003 - November 2003 Diploma in Information Technology The Kenya Polytechnic Jan 1998 - November 2001 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Ambira High School Mean Grade B – (Minus) January 1990 - November1997 Karapul Primary School Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Attained 420 points out of 500 Education Background Jan 2009-Currently: I undertake Research writing for a local Nongovernmental Organization, Local Newspapers and individuals. This includes essays, reports and dissertations in diverse specialist areas. This however overlaps with many other subject areas, such as media studies, psychology, etc. Researching on the global issues such as possibilities of the future recession and other relating issues which may affect market trends of the 21st century using statistical skills STATA, ANOVA and SPSS. Guiding undergraduate students on project, dissertations and business proposals using the APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian and Harvard referencing style in Unites States International University (USIU). Contributing to magazine publication of the Kenyatta University, Articles related to business and technology. September 2008- Nov 2008: Working for Kenya Commercial Bank as a bank teller process deposits maintenance pay out funds in accordance with bank procedures record all transactions accurately Balance each day's operations. 1st Dec 2008-31st Dec 2008: Worked for Safaricom, at the I.T helpdesk Headquarters Recording and tracking of incoming problem reports Documentation using tracking software to include data such as user, problem description, affected system (platform, application) Aug 2006-Nov 2006: Industrial Attaché SITA Kenya, -Provision of Technical support to Clients -Repair of computer and other Hardware related issues. -Testing of computer before being used at customer premise -Fault handling of customer related issues within internet service provision scope Basic Network management Other Relevant Information Professionalism & Efficiency Orientation Have advanced knowledge of the use of information technology Seasoned problem-solving skills to ensure effective and timely completion of complex multiple tasks and manage conflicting priorities Have strong analytical and strategic management skills that enable me work under pressure in extremely stressful environment characterized by civil strife and misery Administrative & Personal Organization Capable of delegating responsibilities, clarifying expectations and giving staff autonomy Flexible and responsive with a client-oriented approach; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect Problem solver; dynamic and tackles problems with aggressive solution-oriented approach to get things done within the context of the established rules and regulations to ensure timely delivery of products and services Employs best practices to ensure timely delivery of service; committed to cost effectiveness and simplification Leadership & Team Building Task and people oriented leader; well developed interpersonal skills and able to establish and maintain partnerships and working relationship in a multicultural environment with respect and sensitivity Has strategic vision and mission to deliver results on time using a realistic approach; able to communicate strategic plans in a clear and concise style and rally support of others Committed to equal opportunity and promoting gender equity at the work place; able to draft and edit written reports Language Proficiency English Excellent knowledge in writing, reading and speaking Co-Curricular Activities & Interests Develop a career as an Administrator with international organizations An avid reader of literature on; Decision support systems analyses Business administration, project cycle management, team building, human & financial resource mobilization and management, organizational development In door games including aerobatics, table tennis, chess, scrabble, and darts Referees Mr. David WO Oremo Remote Sensing Specialist United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) Tel: 0722291152 Miss Rose Wahome, Course administrator Strathmore University Tel.0700048122 Mr. Clement Nyandiere Head Faculty of Information Technology Strathmore University Tel.0735548268 Read More