Why I came to UAB?
First and foremost, I was looking for a job as a pharmacist where I could pick my children up from daycare well before the closing time of 6pm (we do not have family here who can help us out with this). My husband is also a pharmacist, so it was very important that one of us have a job with somewhat normal hours. I also wanted to make sure that my children would be able to participate in extra-curricular activities. Secondly, I was looking to do something a little different than I had been doing for the first five years after graduation. I was tired of working retail and was ready for a change. Thirdly, UAB has very good benefits, especially retirement and health insurance, which is very important.
One thing I would tell a pharmacist interested in UAB?
There is something here for every type of pharmacist. The possibilities are endless. There are always areas for advancement if you are interested. If you enjoy being on the front line or behind the scenes, there is a job for you as a pharmacist.
One event while working at UAB that has changed me?
I guess I have become more outspoken. There are so many different kinds of people that work here, all different kinds of personalities, that you really have to learn how to talk to people and get your point across, or when you just need to keep quiet.
Characteristics of a UAB pharmacist?
Honest, hard working, goal oriented, self-disciplined, confident, compassionate
What has surprised me the most about the support you've received as a pharmacist?
When I came to work here, I had never worked in a hospital, only retail. The fact that so much time was set aside for me to train to work in the IV room and make sure that I was appropriately trained really surprised me. I feel like I have been doing this for years and it has only been 3 years. I am very confident in what I do. Also, I have really been impressed as to how the physicians view the pharmacists here. Because this is a teaching hospital, they are always calling to get advise/suggestions from the pharmacist.
What kinds of opportunities does UAB provide for growth?
There are endless opportunities for a pharmacist at UAB. There are many management opportunities. You can be a clinical pharmacist, or a non-clinical pharmacist, working behind the scenes in patient care to prepare medications accurately. There are drug information pharmacist who are constantly answering questions that we come up throughout the day. There are retail opportunities at the Kirklin Clinic as well as the 1917 Clinic and Family Practice Clinic. There is also home infusion. You can work full time or part-time. So, no matter what your area of expertise, there is a place for you at UAB.
If you could have an endless supply of any food/drink, what would it be?
Diet Coke
What I do when I'm not at work?
Be a mom, wife, friend, and try to find some time in there to do my favorite hobby, scrapbooking
One book on my bedside table?
The Bible
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Anywhere in the Caribbean, this is definitely my favorite vacation spot and I love anywhere with a beach.
The last song downloaded to my IPOD?
lots of John Mayer, for some reason I am on a John Mayer kick