What Does a Pharmacy Job Entail?
A pharmacy is an establishment that dispenses pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and other health care products. A pharmacist (or chemist) is a health professional trained in the use of drugs and can give advice on the safe, appropriate use of medications and how to deal with common ailments such as the flu, colds, aches and pains, cuts and rashes. Pharmacists can also perform simple health care procedures such as taking blood pressure and testing cholesterol.
They are able to advise patients on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that can help improve their health. They can also explain to patients how their medications work and what the potential side effects may be. They can often be found in supermarkets and drugstores where they sell a wide range of medicines, toiletries and other consumer goods. There are also specialist pharmacies, such as those for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and cancer, which provide free or reduced-cost medicines to people who can prove they need them.
Pharmacists are also trained to administer vaccinations, which can protect against many serious diseases. They can also prepare medication that works best for a specific allergy, dosage requirement or patient needs. This process is called compounding and is a very important skill. This can be carried out in a pharmacy or other settings where prescription drugs are used, such as hospitals and healthcare clinics.
The pharmacy profession is rapidly changing as more emphasis is placed on value-based health care. This includes reducing costs by optimizing the use of existing medicines and improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. This requires pharmacists to work closely with doctors and nurses, as well as using a variety of data collection and analysis techniques.
Increasingly, pharmacists are asked to be involved in the development of new medicines. Their expertise in clinical trials, formulation, characterization and toxicology can contribute to the successful development of new treatments for disease and injury. This is a challenging and rewarding field that offers a wide range of opportunities for those who wish to pursue a career in pharmacy.
Pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare team. They can offer valuable information and advice on a wide range of issues, from advising patients on how to store their medications correctly, to the effect that certain foods or activities might have on the effectiveness of their prescribed medicines. They can also play a key role in the prevention of health-related problems, such as preventing diabetes complications by educating patients on diet and weight control. They can also be a source of support and comfort for patients with chronic health conditions, helping them to cope with their symptoms and limiting their impact on daily life. In addition, they are a valuable resource for their expertise in public health and safety, which can be applied to a variety of community settings.
A pharmacy is an establishment that dispenses pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines and other health care products. A pharmacist (or chemist) is a health professional trained in the use of drugs and can give advice on the safe, appropriate use of medications and how to deal with common ailments such as the flu, colds, aches and pains, cuts and rashes. Pharmacists can also perform simple health care procedures such as taking blood pressure and testing cholesterol. They are able to advise patients on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, that can help improve their health. They can also explain to patients how their medications work and what the potential side effects may be. They can often be found in supermarkets and drugstores where they sell a wide range of medicines, toiletries and other consumer goods. There are also specialist pharmacies, such as those for the treatment of HIV/AIDS and cancer, which provide free or reduced-cost medicines to people who can prove they need them. Pharmacists are also trained to administer vaccinations, which can protect against many serious diseases. They can also prepare medication that works best for a specific allergy, dosage requirement or patient needs. This process is called compounding and is a very important skill. This can be carried out in a pharmacy or other settings where prescription drugs are used, such as hospitals and healthcare clinics. The pharmacy profession is rapidly changing as more emphasis is placed on value-based health care. This includes reducing costs by optimizing the use of existing medicines and improving patient outcomes and satisfaction. This requires pharmacists to work closely with doctors and nurses, as well as using a variety of data collection and analysis techniques. Increasingly, pharmacists are asked to be involved in the development of new medicines. Their expertise in clinical trials, formulation, characterization and toxicology can contribute to the successful development of new treatments for disease and injury. This is a challenging and rewarding field that offers a wide range of opportunities for those who wish to pursue a career in pharmacy. Pharmacists are a vital part of the healthcare team. They can offer valuable information and advice on a wide range of issues, from advising patients on how to store their medications correctly, to the effect that certain foods or activities might have on the effectiveness of their prescribed medicines. They can also play a key role in the prevention of health-related problems, such as preventing diabetes complications by educating patients on diet and weight control. They can also be a source of support and comfort for patients with chronic health conditions, helping them to cope with their symptoms and limiting their impact on daily life. In addition, they are a valuable resource for their expertise in public health and safety, which can be applied to a variety of community settings.