Catching my breath
In order to speak honestly and openly with you, I write this column anonymously under the name “Alison.” It is my hope to provide you with insights about rotations and the many pharmacy opportunities I encounter.
Hello student pharmacists, and welcome back as I navigate along this APPE rotation journey with many of you. Last issue, I had just finished up a rotation at a renal transplant center. Now I am on to rotations three and four.
I feel as if I had been holding my breath ever since rotations started in May, and it wasn’t until rotation four when I finally started breathing again. To go from being in a school setting for so many years, to working more than 40 hours a week, was an uphill battle. However, I strongly believe that around your third or fourth rotation, things begin to normalize and plateau. You can finally catch your breath.
Some me-time
My third rotation was one of my off-blocks. I needed it. I spent a lot of my time working on research and finalizing my abstract. I also spent a lot of time focusing on me. Student pharmacists often spend so much time taking care of patients, catching up on studies, and taking on leadership roles, they forget that self-care is just as important.
I spent a lot of time outside doing what I love: kayaking, climbing through lava caves, and even some golfing (even though my handicap would say otherwise). I also had the opportunity to go home and see my family. I opted to attend pharmacy school out-of-state, so I see my family once to twice a year. To spend time with them for an extended period of time is always one of the best parts of the year.
Whether you are on an off-block, currently on rotation, or in the trenches of school and knee-deep in notes, remember to take time for yourself. You will be a better you and better student pharmacist because of it. I probably say it too often, but “treat yo’self.” Whether it is taking a night off to watch your favorite shows, going for a hike, buying that handbag you have been wanting, or going to watch your favorite football team on Saturday with your friends, make sure to do it every now and then.
Uncertainty creeps in
My fourth rotation was not for the faint of heart. I worked in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). I was unsure if I would want to pursue a residency at a children’s hospital after graduation, so I opted to participate in an elective at one of the best NICUs in the state.
Like I mentioned, I realized that working in the NICU is not for the faint of heart, and I am pretty sure I am one of the faint of heart. Everyone always tells you babies are just tiny adults. They are not, especially premature neonates.
This rotation, despite its steep learning curve, was fascinating. A lot of medications used on a day-to-day basis to treat one indication in adults are used off-label in neonates to treat other indications. It can be intimidating not having guidelines, studies, and multiple resources to go to if you have questions. It is also hard not immediately knowing the answers to most questions. The pharmacy school curriculum primarily focuses on adults, not these tiny babies. I used to be embarrassed asking my preceptors questions because I felt that I should know everything this late in the game. I have quickly moved past that embarrassment this rotation. You have a much more valuable learning experience when you can ask your preceptor questions and have discussions that make you think critically. That is where growth happens.
Who knew these beautiful, innocent, little babies could terrify you? You find out what you are made of when these tiny little babies are sick and hurting. Everything has to be considered and carefully reviewed in these fragile humans, with no rock left unturned. I came into this rotation with the potential plans of pursuing a residency working with pediatric patients, but this rotation has now made me incredibly unsure.
My questions
Now, for the Preceptor Feedback author: Is it normal to question career choices this far along into APPE rotations? Also, are the rumors true that you can be too specialized? I know I want to pursue a specialization in organ transplant, but I was hoping to do it at a children’s hospital. If I end up doing this, I can’t help but wonder if this would hurt me in the long run.
Until next time, y’all!
By “Alison”