Love your Pharmacist!

Hello All!

So today I gave a lady a Zostavax shot (shingles vaccine), which is something I love doing (giving vaccinations). It provides a great break of pace for day. In addition, I love to interact with the people I give shots to. Usually, they are elderly patients who have had plenty of shots over the years- which means they are not typically nervous and we can have a little fun together (my favorite is to ask if they want me to use a clean needle)! For those of you who may find this repulsive and can't believe that people don't get upset with me, consider this: who would be mean to the guy that is about to stick them with a needle!

So anyway, this lady was no different than anyone else, we chatted as we went through the process and then as I was ringing her up she looked at me and said: "You would make a great nurse!" I paused for a minute and smiled and said "thanks, hopefully, I am a good pharmacist!"

For those of you that know me well, you probably just chuckled when you read that because you know that I can't let a comment like that go!

Not that I mind being compared to a nurse (my brother a nurse and I have all the respect in the world for nurses), but the thing that got to me about her comment is that she, like so many others, was in effect saying "you would be a good healthcare professional." This is a common view in our country because pharmacists are seen as "pill pushers" or "insurance copay experts." Besides, real healthcare professionals work in a hospital or a Dr's office and wear scrubs and/or a labcoat; right!?!

Truth be told, my favorite reason for giving immunizations and doing diabetes couseling and some other unusual (for a pharmacist) tasks is that I feel like I am doing my part to change how Americans view pharmacists. We (pharmacists) have a lot of valuable assets and knowledge that could make a very positive impact on healthcare. Unfortunatly, because of some factors that are beyond the scope of this rant....er...I mean....post, we have allowed ourselves to be pushed out of the common "realm" of healthcare!

Don't get me wrong, I wasn't offended by her comments, and I know her intention was to be complimentary, I just can't not look deeper into her words!

In conclusion guys, don't forget to utilize your pharmacist- he/she should be a valuable and trusted member of your healthcare team!

Go pharmacists!