Pharmacy Observer Program
The best way to learn about an area of interest in health care is to experience it firsthand. Saint Luke’s Pharmacy Observer Program introduces individuals to the medication use process and patient care activities that occur in a health system pharmacy.
The pharmacy observation program:
- Enables you to learn about careers in health care to gain valuable, in-person experience
- Provides observational experiences in clinic and non-clinic environments
- Is limited to a one-day experience, not to exceed four (4) hours, and must be scheduled between Monday and Friday during normal business hours, as staffing limitations preclude weekend or evening availability
- Is intended primarily for local residents in the Kansas City area (both Missouri and Kansas)
- Gives priority to applicants with permanent residence in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area due to high demand and limited availability
- Is unable to accommodate requests from individuals outside the region seeking travel-based or extended shadowing experiences
- Is primarily designed for high school and college students, but is open to any individual who meets the requirements below and is interested in learning more about the pharmacy profession
This program is not:
- An internship
- An employment opportunity
- For physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners
Potential activities you may observe include:
- Multidisciplinary team rounds
- Medication verification
- Medication preparation/dispensing/distribution
- Communication with nurses and physicians to optimize medication use
- Response to drug information requests (verbally and/or through documentation in chart)
- Targeted drug therapy monitoring including vancomycin, aminoglycosides, and others
- Antibiotic surveillance including review of microbial culture and sensitivity data
- Medication profile review and identification of drug-related problems
- Medication reconciliation
- Adverse drug reaction and medication error reporting
- Targeted medication teachings as necessary (i.e. antiarrhythmics or anticoagulants)
- Documentation of clinical activities in the medical record
Requirements
- You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or DACA recipient aged 16 or older to participate in the program
- Minors—those less than 18 years of age—must have the permission of their parent(s) or guardian(s) to participate
- Participants must sign a privacy and security policy
- Saint Luke’s requires all clinical observer applicants to have the flu vaccine for the health and safety of our patients, staff, students, and visitors
- All Saint Luke's facilities and campuses are tobacco-free, inside and out
Additional information
- This is an observational experience only; participants will not perform hands-on activities
- The program does not provide housing, transportation, meals, or other accommodations
- Saint Luke’s Pharmacy Department reserves the right to decline or discontinue participation for any individual based on interactions or communications that are perceived as unprofessional, disingenuous, or threatening in nature
Interested in the pharmacy observer program? Complete the form on this page and a member of our program will contact you soon.