Guest guest Posted November 22, 2008 Report Share Posted November 22, 2008 Dear hardulakl, first of all a pharmacy intern is a person who is a student ata pharmacy school, a pharm school is a college/university where one would study to become a pharmacist. So I am not sure if a pharmacy that is looking to employ a pharm student would consider hiring a pharm tech trainee. Two very different things. However I have to say the techs usually train the pharmacy interns for a while then the pharmacist takes over to train the things that only a pharmacist can do. So hiring a tech when an intern is needed does not make sense to me. I am sure many pharmacies have done this but I think if you answer an ad specifically for an intern they may just laugh at you. You would have to sell the idea of the fact that you know you are not an intern, but are wondering if they would consider training you on the job. It is VERY important that you let me/us know what state you are in as the laws are very very different. Not long ago, up until about 5 years ago, for so many years, pharmacists would hire and train techs on the job (more than they do today). But there are and were so many medication errors that the press and the pressure of lawsuits has spelled out that pharmacies must be better staffed and some pharmacists just do not want to take a chance on a walk-in/please train me person 'any more'. Formal on the job training and schools that provide formal education/traiaing, mock labs and externships are becoming the better accepted method of training and hirig. The the hiring policies and regulations of a specific employer may be more stringent than the laws reguarding the minimum qualifications of your state. So my advice to you is to find a Walgreens or a CVS and ask them to hire you to train you formally. IF they hire you, you will have to go through their formal on the job training program to get certified. To do this you may need to go throught the human resources or kisok to apply. I hope this helps you. Please keep us informed on your journey. Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner of this site From: hardulakl <hardulakl@...> Subject: update Date: Saturday, November 22, 2008, 4:20 PM Well, I went to talk to a pharmacist today. Actually, I spoke briefly with four of them, and none of them work with volunteers. The counselor that I had talked to at the career center mailed me something from snagajob.com about an opening for a pharmacy intern at K-Mart. I hesitate to apply for that, because it lists the hours as " Full-time Part-time " and if I were to get it, I would probably have to give up my job at Wal-Mart. I know I only make just above minimum wage as a sales associate, and I definitely want and need to do better. It's just that with jobs being so hard to get these days, I don't want to quit the one I have now unless I know for sure that I will like and can deal with the stress of being a pharmacy technician. I am willing to either go to school, or continue to study for the exam on my own, but my question is this: Where might I find an opportunity to volunteer at a pharmacy (retail or hospital) or something like " job shadowing " just so I can get an idea of what it's actually like? Please help. LH ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 22, 2008 Report Share Posted November 22, 2008 Dear Jeanetta: Thank you so much for your quick reply. I really appreciate it. I just got confused due to the fact that the career counselor whom I had told all about how I was interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, sent me an e-mail about a job for a pharmacy intern. Oh well, she was just trying to help. Currently I am in Illinois, half an hour from MO. My eventual goal would be to have marketable skills as a pharm tech that I could take with me, as I don't want to live here for the rest of my life. I will definitely take your advice to apply to CVS or Walgreens and be trained on the job. However, if I'm not successful at getting hired, do you think it would be a good idea to take online classes (the community colleges here don't offer a program in pharm tech), sit for the PTCB, and then re-apply? Or would that be doing things backwards? I'm looking for volunteer opportunities, but can't find any. I'm hesitant to quit my current part-time job at Wal-Mart until I know for sure that I could handle the stress of being a pharmacy technician. But, if I need to work 2 jobs for awhile, I will do it. Thank you again for listening. I will definitely keep you posted on here. (Sorry if i posted this twice. I don't think it went through the first time.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 Dear Hardulakl, You are most welcome. I would take any and all education that I could afford. However I am not sure about the online courses. There are two kinds: 1. Full course cost about $500 or more 2. PTCB prep courses cost about $80 or more I have not seen any that specifically say ExCPT prep courses except for the one from ICPT. I have had good and bad reports, and many say that they do not teach you more than a good book can as they do not have hands on that a physical classroom with Mock labs have. I would try the community pharmacies (retail) that I recommended. But I think Illinois is in the process of or just changed the law to require PTCB. Perhaps someone out there knows for sure. I would definitely self-study while waiting to hear back from employers that you have (will) apply to. Definitely getting an education before you sit for the exam is the way to go if you can afford it. What method are you using to find job leads? Try actually canvasing by going into the pharmacy, in addition to using electronic job posts. go to www.pharmacytechnician.com and click on job center. Most jobs will ask for CPhT and/or experience. You keep mentioning stress and I would like to know what you have heard about the stress that a pharmacy technician undergoes. Where did you read about stres and the pharmacy technician? or hear about it? I did a CE on it not long ago. But just wondering if you are blowing it out of proportion?! What have you heard? EVERY job has stress. Just curious. Does Wal-Mart have a pharmacy that you could work in or transfer into? I heard a few of them do. Keep me/us posted. Respectfully, Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS Founder/Owner > > Dear Jeanetta: > Thank you so much for your quick reply. I really appreciate it. I just > got confused due to the fact that the career counselor whom I had told > all about how I was interested in becoming a pharmacy technician, sent > me an e-mail about a job for a pharmacy intern. Oh well, she was just > trying to help. > Currently I am in Illinois, half an hour from MO. My eventual goal > would be to have marketable skills as a pharm tech that I could take > with me, as I don't want to live here for the rest of my life. > I will definitely take your advice to apply to CVS or Walgreens and be > trained on the job. However, if I'm not successful at getting hired, > do you think it would be a good idea to take online classes (the > community colleges here don't offer a program in pharm tech), sit for > the PTCB, and then re-apply? Or would that be doing things backwards? > I'm looking for volunteer opportunities, but can't find any. I'm > hesitant to quit my current part-time job at Wal-Mart until I know for > sure that I could handle the stress of being a pharmacy technician. > But, if I need to work 2 jobs for awhile, I will do it. > Thank you again for listening. I will definitely keep you posted on > here. (Sorry if i posted this twice. I don't think it went through the > first time.) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 your career center needs to be informed that a pharmacy intern and a pharmacy technician are NOT the same! From: hardulakl <hardulakl@...> Well, I went to talk to a pharmacist today. Actually, I spoke briefly with four of them, and none of them work with volunteers. The counselor that I had talked to at the career center mailed me something from snagajob.com about an opening for a pharmacy intern at K-Mart. I hesitate to apply for that, because it lists the hours as " Full-time Part-time " and if I were to get it, I would probably have to give up my job at Wal-Mart. I know I only make just above minimum wage as a sales associate, and I definitely want and need to do better. It's just that with jobs being so hard to get these days, I don't want to quit the one I have now unless I know for sure that I will like and can deal with the stress of being a pharmacy technician. I am willing to either go to school, or continue to study for the exam on my own, but my question is this: Where might I find an opportunity to volunteer at a pharmacy (retail or hospital) or something like " job shadowing " just so I can get an idea of what it's actually like? Please help. LH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 The reason I probably come across as overly concerned about stress isn't because I heard or read anything unusual; it's because of my job I have now has low stress, but low pay. Of course I've heard a few times that 'If you want to be a pharmacy tech, you're going to have to deal with angry people that need their meds,' and I guess what I'm saying is that that's the part I'm worried about, more than the academic part. I'm good at math and taking tests and memorizing things. The Wal-Mart I work at does have a pharmacy. They don't have a high turnover there, though. The pharmacist said that they *might* have something in January and that he would keep me in mind. I also talked to a tech at CVS today, who also said they will probably be hiring around January. I'm thinking I should apply in December. pharmacytechnician.com doesn't have anything near me right now, but I'll keep checking that, too. As far as that career counselor not knowing the difference, it was just a county-run facility, so I guess I should appreciate getting some help for free even if the people there aren't experts in everything. So, it doesn't look like anything's going to change for me for awhile, but I will be sure to post when it does. Thanks LH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 23, 2008 Report Share Posted November 23, 2008 Okay! sounds like you have a plan. Keep us posted! Hope an opening comes your way ! You are correct you will have to deal with some angry patients when the insurance won't pay It takes longer than they had expected to get the insurance or doctor To okay or change a script They are in a hurry and don't want counseling, but RPh insists (law) The Rx is too expensive patient is in pain or sick etc. Not unlike any other retail job, like selling clothes or other items, the charge card won't accept the charge the clothing is too expensive the dress or cloting is not in a different color the customer is in a hurry, line is too long I think you will be just fine. Jeanetta Mastron CPhT BS F/O > > The reason I probably come across as overly concerned about stress > isn't because I heard or read anything unusual; it's because of my > job I have now has low stress, but low pay. Of course I've heard a few times that 'If you want to be a pharmacy tech, you're going to have to deal with angry people that need their meds,' and I guess what I'm saying is that that's the part I'm worried about, more than the academic part. I'm good at math and taking tests and memorizing things. > > The Wal-Mart I work at does have a pharmacy. They don't have a high > turnover there, though. The pharmacist said that they *might* have > something in January and that he would keep me in mind. I also talked > to a tech at CVS today, who also said they will probably be hiring > around January. I'm thinking I should apply in December. > pharmacytechnician.com doesn't have anything near me right now, but > I'll keep checking that, too. > > As far as that career counselor not knowing the difference, it was > just a county-run facility, so I guess I should appreciate getting > some help for free even if the people there aren't experts in everything. > > So, it doesn't look like anything's going to change for me for awhile, > but I will be sure to post when it does. > > Thanks > LH > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 24, 2008 Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 did you ever think about checkin out the pharmacy at walmart? From: hardulakl <hardulakl (DOT) com> Well, I went to talk to a pharmacist today. Actually, I spoke briefly with four of them, and none of them work with volunteers. The counselor that I had talked to at the career center mailed me something from snagajob.com about an opening for a pharmacy intern at K-Mart. I hesitate to apply for that, because it lists the hours as " Full-time Part-time " and if I were to get it, I would probably have to give up my job at Wal-Mart. I know I only make just above minimum wage as a sales associate, and I definitely want and need to do better. It's just that with jobs being so hard to get these days, I don't want to quit the one I have now unless I know for sure that I will like and can deal with the stress of being a pharmacy technician. I am willing to either go to school, or continue to study for the exam on my own, but my question is this: Where might I find an opportunity to volunteer at a pharmacy (retail or hospital) or something like " job shadowing " just so I can get an idea of what it's actually like? Please help. LH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 Yes actually I a statement or suggestion in on of my previous posts to " hardulakl " . I think hardulakl has a better chance of snaging a job where one already works. I believe the answer was there 'may be' an opening at the beginning of the year. Jeanetta From: hardulakl <hardulakl (DOT) com> Well, I went to talk to a pharmacist today. Actually, I spoke briefly with four of them, and none of them work with volunteers. The counselor that I had talked to at the career center mailed me something from snagajob.com about an opening for a pharmacy intern at K-Mart. I hesitate to apply for that, because it lists the hours as " Full-time Part-time " and if I were to get it, I would probably have to give up my job at Wal-Mart. I know I only make just above minimum wage as a sales associate, and I definitely want and need to do better. It's just that with jobs being so hard to get these days, I don't want to quit the one I have now unless I know for sure that I will like and can deal with the stress of being a pharmacy technician. I am willing to either go to school, or continue to study for the exam on my own, but my question is this: Where might I find an opportunity to volunteer at a pharmacy (retail or hospital) or something like " job shadowing " just so I can get an idea of what it's actually like? Please help. LH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2009 Report Share Posted March 6, 2009 Way to go!! Keep up the good work.Have Blessed Day Loesch From: dees3dogs <dees3dogs@...>Subject: Update Date: Friday, March 6, 2009, 1:05 PM Hi everyone. It has been a while since I posted, but just wanted to let you all know what is happening with me. I had the Sleeve surgery done on 11/4/08. I just had my 4 month surgiversary. I have lost 55 pounds and have gone from a 3 XL shirt to a 1 XL and have gone from a size 26/28 dress to a 22. My pant size has gone from a 26 to a 22. I know that I have a long way to go, but I feel very pleased with what I have accomplished so far and look forward to what the next 4 months will bring. I feel so much better and my back has gotten better too. (had severe back problems and was on a walker and cane and used a wheelchair if there was any walking involved) I am now going to the gym and doing water aerobics and working out on the machines. I am loving my joirney and looking forward to seeing what will happen in the future. I love my sleeve. 315/260/145 some day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2009 Report Share Posted March 6, 2009 Hi , You are doing a wonderful job and have made some giant steps forward. Wow going to the gym and doing water aerobics--that is so great. Before you know it you will be telling us about the next size down that you are wearing. Give all the old clothes away that don't fit you because you are NEVER going to have a need for them. It is one day at a time and enjoying where you have come from. Things like your back not hurting so bad, or not using a walker are BIG accomplishments. You should be so excited about these 55 pounds. You are truly a good example for anyone who is considering doing this. Good for you, and please keep posting let us know how you are doing. Suzanne In a message dated 03/06/09 12:53:25 Pacific Standard Time, dees3dogs@... writes: Hi everyone. It has been a while since I posted, but just wanted to let you all know what is happening with me. I had the Sleeve surgery done on 11/4/08. I just had my 4 month surgiversary. I have lost 55 pounds and have gone from a 3 XL shirt to a 1 XL and have gone from a size 26/28 dress to a 22. My pant size has gone from a 26 to a 22. I know that I have a long way to go, but I feel very pleased with what I have accomplished so far and look forward to what the next 4 months will bring. I feel so much better and my back has gotten better too. (had severe back problems and was on a walker and cane and used a wheelchair if there was any walking involved) I am now going to the gym and doing water aerobics and working out on the machines. I am loving my joirney and looking forward to seeing what will happen in the future. I love my sleeve. 315/260/145 some day Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 6, 2009 Report Share Posted March 6, 2009 Glad your recovery is moving along. Remember - slow and steady wins the race! Hope you get out there tomorrow! Michele ________________________________ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of ajaoky@... Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 3:07 PM ajao_young_adults ; ; barbara.parker@...; Myoung@... Subject: update Just dropping a quick note to let all know rehab is going ok. On that proverbial pain scale I vary between a 5 and 55!!! I am amazed that one knee is so much toughter than 2 hips were. But of course I am 17 years older! I have had my moments of throwing my own private pity potty parties because I am not where I wanted to be 2 and 1/2 weeks post op but doc said running marathons will take a long while. However, Louisville will see 78 degrees tomorow so I will see the riverwalk although it may be from the pillowed seat of a wheelchair but you can bet the walker will be with me so I can take a stroll.? I hope all are well and doing great and I hope to be on a bit more now that I have found a way to navigate to my computer.. Hugs to all! Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2009 Report Share Posted March 7, 2009 Donna, I am glad you are feeling better and I pray that the improvement continues.? Don't be impatient!!!!! Follow the doctors orders and let your body heal.? I know it is not easy to take it slow, but if you want to have the improvement that you are expecting then you will have to.? I know from experience. I have had back surgery three times. If I had followed the doctors orders and been patient I may not have needed the third surgery.? After surgery #3 I did everything he said to do and did not do the things he said not to do.? I had three kids under the age of 10 and so it was not easy.? But you are a fighter and you will win.? I hope you get out tomorrow and enjoy the day.? Let someone pamper you and know that next year at this time you will be ready for the marathon. Veri & Jaye 15 poly update Just dropping a quick note to let all know rehab is going ok. On that proverbial pain scale I vary between a 5 and 55!!! I am amazed that one knee is so much toughter than 2 hips were. But of course I am 17 years older! I have had my moments of throwing my own private pity potty parties because I am not where I wanted to be 2 and 1/2 weeks post op but doc said running marathons will take a long while. However, Louisville will see 78 degrees tomorow so I will see the riverwalk although it may be from the pillowed seat of a wheelchair but you can bet the walker will be with me so I can take a stroll.? I hope all are well and doing great and I hope to be on a bit more now that I have found a way to navigate to my computer.. Hugs to all! Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 7, 2009 Report Share Posted March 7, 2009 Donna, glad you are taking it slow, even though that is soooo hard for you. Hang in there, you'll be running that marathon before you know it. Hugs!! Beth " We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails " -author unknown ________________________________ From: " ajaoky@... " <ajaoky@...> ajao_young_adults ; ; barbara.parker@...; Myoung@... Sent: Friday, March 6, 2009 3:06:44 PM Subject: update Just dropping a quick note to let all know rehab is going ok. On that proverbial pain scale I vary between a 5 and 55!!! I am amazed that one knee is so much toughter than 2 hips were. But of course I am 17 years older! I have had my moments of throwing my own private pity potty parties because I am not where I wanted to be 2 and 1/2 weeks post op but doc said running marathons will take a long while. However, Louisville will see 78 degrees tomorow so I will see the riverwalk although it may be from the pillowed seat of a wheelchair but you can bet the walker will be with me so I can take a stroll.? I hope all are well and doing great and I hope to be on a bit more now that I have found a way to navigate to my computer.. Hugs to all! Donna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 , Forgive me for not sharing mochas with you in some time. I will make it up to you. In the meantime, I hope things continue to improve for you. We're doing fine here now that spring is here. Spring on the coast is fantastic and the birds agree. LOL. *---* *---* *---* *---* *---* You will never possess what you will not pursue. --Dr. Hale & Dreamer Doll ke7nwn E-mail- rclark0276@... Home Page- http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 , I am sorry your appointments will be on hold a few months. Hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 , Please send Spring on the coast all our way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2009 Report Share Posted April 6, 2009 , My weather is your weather...in about 2-3 days. LOL *---* *---* *---* *---* *---* Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death. & Dreamer Doll ke7nwn E-mail- rclark0276@... Home Page- http://webpages.charter.net/dog_guide/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 Mona, Sounds like you have benign proximal positional vertigo (BPPV) which is readily cured by doing the modified Eppley Maneuver. Any physician can do it for you, you don't need a specialist. No need to wait months to get it fixed either. Look it up on the internet. Use BPPV or Eppley Maneuver as the key words, and it will show you how it's done. You can do it yourself if you know how. Basically it is going backwards in bed, so your head is below your shoulders (so you have to position yourself to have your head off the matress) and turning your head to one side. Hold in that position until the spinning stops. Then do the other side as well. Start from sitting up again. Some Drs recommend sleeping in an upright position, like in a recliner, or with lots of pillows below your head, so the crystals don't move back again. there are crystals in your inner ear, called otoliths. If they migrate out of their position, they will cause you dizziness every time you move your head. And dizziness can certainly cause nausea. If you look it up and print it out, perhaps your sister can help you with it. Or a regular primary care person. Bummer on the Medicaid. Why put up with this for months? Since my Medicaid eligibility expired this month (I need to reapply), my appointment for further CI testing to determine the cause of my dizziness and nausea needs to be postponed until May or June. My audi sent me an e-mail asking how I've been doing. She cc'd my CI surgeon as well. I said I'm feeling better, but experience dizziness and nausea whenever I turn my head from side to side. ____________________________________________________________ Don't work harder, work smarter. Get info on an Online Bachelors here. http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/BLSrjpTL9zY3ExB0h4slN8TukVw3HZu4yEAT\ lzvGxKELrTtCtGoAU5quoqk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 , I've decided to see the balance specialist since that is what my CI surgeon recommended. I don't think it would hurt to meet with her if only to find out what exercises or techniques she recommends. Having said that, I will look up the information you mentioned just the same. I'm wondering if vertigo is caused by CI surgery? I've never had problems with dizziness or nausea until after my first CI surgery. Mona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 and list, Are there any meds I can take for vertigo? Mona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 , I've never mentioned this before, but I also feel dizzy and nauseous whenever I turn from one side to the other in bed or move from a lying position to an upright position. Mona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 7, 2009 Report Share Posted April 7, 2009 I e-mailed my CI surgeon to ask if there were any meds he could recommend. I did a Google search for " medication + vertigo " and learned that Klonopin is listed. I take Klonopin, but it's for my bipolar. I don't notice any improvement in my dizziness or nausea even when I take Klonopin at bedtime. Hmmm. Bilateral Cochlear CIs December 2004 and February 2006 Deafblind/Postlingual Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 , I have very low blood pressure. However, I don't know if it's due to my meds. Mona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 8, 2009 Report Share Posted April 8, 2009 , I have very low blood pressure. However, I don't know if it's due to my meds. Mona Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 29, 2009 Report Share Posted April 29, 2009 Come here , let me give you gentle (((((((FINS HUGS))))))) and now here is a huge mug of nice hot strawberry mocha for you. Drink it up now (my fin gently guiding hand to her mouth). Now don't you feel a teeny weenie better? Dolly Dolphin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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