A Pharmacy Tech

In this episode of "What It's Like To Be," host Dan Heath interviews Rose Davin, a pharmacy technician with over 20 years of experience in both retail and clinical settings, to explore the realities of her profession. Rose discusses the differences between retail and clinical pharmacy work, including the surprising use of cocaine in surgeries, the various types of specialized hospital pharmacies, and the extensive safety protocols in place to prevent drug diversion and errors. She details the rigorous process of filling prescriptions, the challenges of dealing with expensive medications and insurance hurdles, and the emotional toll of working in a high-pressure environment where mistakes can have life-threatening consequences. Rose also shares a personal story about a medication error that deeply impacted her and reflects on the importance of patience, grace, and continuous learning in her field. The episode concludes with a lightning round of questions, revealing insights into the unique aspects of being a pharmacy tech and emphasizing the critical role they play in patient safety.