One more hurdle

Today saw a a rather real turning point for my career. Although now in my 40th week, my tutor and I completed my 39-week appraisal in preperation to send off the confirmation and payment of entry into the pre-registration exam 2011.

We were alone in the Medicines Information office, and the telephone rang. As the regular MI pharmacist was out, it is the responsibility of the team to handle the MI queries. In a last minute bid to gain some evidence, I took the call.

Now, I would refer you back to a blog I wrote at the beginning of my pre-reg about answering MI queries. It wasn't my particular strong point.

I answered the call and swiftly informed the medic at the other end of the line that we were currently having supply issues with Viagranon B Syrup as such it was not available. As always, the caller asked for an alternative, to which I already knew the answer Vit B Co Strong Tablets. I explained that whilst the tablets were film coated, it was possible to disperse them - highlighted the lack of evidence base and license for this mode of preparation. I also informed the medic about Pabrinex as a final resort to Vitamin B deficiency. The caller was satisfied, proclaimed their thanks and hung up.

At this point, I realised that my tutor had heard and saw everything. Technically, I had just broke protocol by giving advice out without confirming it with a registered pharmacist before hand. I realised that my opportunity to gain evidence, was quickly turning sour!

I explained to my tutor that I had only just answered a similar query to this a day or so ago, and that was why I felt confident and competent enough to answer the query, knowing she was listening, without confirming it first.

My tutor and I then had my final appraisal. She signed me off! My last hurdle is now officially passing the pre-registration exam.

It was only after I'd posted the documents off that I realised how much I had actually changed, how much more confident and responsible I was; and I've got to say, I rather like it.