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Are you a go-getter or a steady eddy?

Im currently on my fourth year Hospital Management rotation and one of the topics that my preceptor and I frequently talk about is what he looks for when hiring new pharmacists. Surely, a residency would be at the very top of the list to look for right? Not exactly. You see, there is the misconception that residency training automatically correlates with a dedication to lifelong learning, a commitment to quality patient care, and a passion for the profession of pharmacy. It probably was true some time ago, but with the increasing number of pharmacists completing residencies, it is getting harder and harder to distinguish between the go-getter and the steady eddy.

I would define a go-getter as someone who is actively engaged in the profession. This would be the person that volunteers their time to participate in professional development projects, is active at the state and national level in pharmacy organizations, and even challenges their peers to become go getters. But unfortunately, so many pharmacists slowly transition into steady eddys. These pharmacists become complacent in their roles, and despite being great pharmacists, fail to get engaged in efforts to move the profession of pharmacy forward in their institutions.

You can apply these same principles to students. What kind of rotation student are you? Are you enthusiastic about what you are learning? Do you actively seek out opportunities to participate in patient care projects? Do you convey professionalism to other health care professionals at your rotation site? Ive been told that a rotation is like a month long job interview and that by the end of the month, preceptors KNOW which students they would hire and which students they wouldn’t. With pharmacy being such a small community, it is probably best that you avoid becoming the “steady eddy” at your institution. I think it is important to remember that although completing a residency will help you get your foot in the door for a job interview, it is your go-getter attitude that will land you the job (and help you keep your job!).

With all the new changes from health care reform, the way patients receive care will all change. The Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative was started with the idea that there needs to be a progressive practice model that supports the effective use of pharmacists as direct patient care providers. How can we inspire passion, commitment and change for the profession if all we have are steady eddy pharmacists? There are so many important issues we still need to fight for such as gaining recognition as providers with Medicare and Medicaid, funding for PGY1 and PGY2 residencies, and loan forgiveness programs...we cannot become complacent!

 I genuinely hope that every one of you will become the go-getters of you institution and take the lead in facilitating change for our profession!