Quote:
Originally Posted by V1nnyTh3Flam35Fan
I was the one who made a post simply stating “I hate myself.”
This time around, I have people verbally saying the following phrases to me (it’s my parents; I have to confess that Ive been diagnosed with a developmental disorder that slows my progress to becoming independent unlike other neurotypical people):
“You’ve been a complete waste of our time, money and effort. You always are working a dead end job (I’m a pharmacy assistant btw). It’s not paying you enough money ($17/hour). What are you going to do with your life? Two years of grinding with your studies to become a licensed pharamacist only to come up as a failure. I can’t believe how much BS you put on us!”
These are the words my mom said to me. This all stemmed from an argument between me and her regarding how I should approach practicing for my oral test to become a pharmacist.
If my parents have become sick of my existence as a mentally slow (I could say the R-word but that ruins my already low self esteem) person, I’m starting to wonder if it’s worth continuing on in this world.
|
What everyone else is saying is correct. This is an abusive relationship. She does not get to determine your value. Only you can do that. You already have success. Celebrate that success. Just because you have not achieved your objective, yet, does not, in any way mean you have not succeeded.
Not sure if you have been through pharm school or just trying to get in but either way preparation will lead to success. What your mother thinks about that, or you, does not matter. AT ALL.
As hard as it can be to do, you have to stand up for yourself.
You can get counselling through your doctor's office. Your pharmacy may have an employee assistance program.
A personal story, I accidentally went off my meds last week. I had very dark thoughts just like you did. I figured out what happened, and I am back on them and have normalized. Drugs can help. I also see a therapist regularly. That helps immensely, particularly when you are in the situation you are. The people who are supposed to protect, nurture and encourage you are attacking you. That is a mind #### and you have to learn how to deal with it. That's what the pros are for.
Feel free to reach out. There are lots of people willing to help. The suicide help line is also a great resource to just be able to talk to someone. I know how overwhelming the thoughts can be. At the moment, they seem right. Don't let one moment rob your entire life.
We are all pulling for you.
Everything after this point is advice on preparing. I realize you did not ask for this, so feel free to ignore it. It is good advice though so may be helpful. If you are doing it all already, it means you are on the right path.
NSFW!
I Googled "How to prepare for Oral test to become pharmacist in Alberta." Now you have an outline. The best part of an outline is you can take one small piece and work on that. Do NOT get overwhelmed by all the pieces together. Take one piece and practice that. Video yourself and see what you did well and what you could improve on. It looks like this is in a simulated environment. Make sure to make EYE CONTACT with the examiners. Go slow and communicate clearly. Then do it again. And again, until you are happy with the result. Have friends watch it and give you tips. Send it to any of us and we will give you tips.
You have to remember that a test is about what you already know. The trick is communicating that.
From Google:
To prepare for the oral test (likely the objective structured clinical examination or OSCE) to become a pharmacist in Alberta, focus on simulating real-life pharmacy scenarios, practicing communication skills, and reviewing relevant knowledge, including drug interactions, dosages, and patient counseling techniques.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of how to prepare:
1. Understand the Test Structure and Content:
OSCE:
The Alberta oral test is an OSCE, which means you'll be assessed in a simulated practice environment.
Content:
Expect questions and scenarios related to:
Medication counseling: Explaining drug information, answering patient questions, and addressing concerns.
Prescription dispensing: Verifying prescriptions, checking for interactions, and ensuring proper dosage.
Drug interactions: Identifying potential interactions between medications and other substances.
Pharmacology: Understanding drug mechanisms of action, indications, and contraindications.
Patient safety: Ensuring safe medication practices and preventing errors.
Resources:
Consult the Alberta College of Pharmacy (ACP) website for specific details about the OSCE and its requirements.
2. Practice and Simulation:
Mock OSCEs:
Participate in mock OSCEs to familiarize yourself with the format and time constraints.
Scenario-Based Practice:
Practice responding to different patient scenarios, including common questions, concerns, and potential problems.
Role-Playing:
Engage in role-playing exercises with colleagues or mentors to improve your communication and counseling skills.
Review Case Studies:
Analyze real-life case studies to understand how pharmacists address complex situations.
3. Review Key Knowledge Areas:
Pharmacology: Thoroughly review pharmacology principles, including drug mechanisms of action, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects.
Therapeutics: Understand the principles of drug therapy and how to select appropriate medications for different conditions.
Drug Interactions: Be familiar with common drug interactions and how to prevent them.
Dosage Calculations: Practice accurate dosage calculations and conversions.
Patient Counseling: Develop strong communication and counseling skills to effectively educate patients about their medications.
Legal and Ethical Issues: Review relevant regulations and ethical guidelines for pharmacy practice.
4. Seek Feedback and Mentorship:
Mentorship: Seek guidance and feedback from experienced pharmacists or mentors.
Peer Review: Participate in peer review sessions to discuss your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Seek Feedback: Ask for feedback on your communication skills, knowledge, and overall performance.
5. English Language Proficiency:
English Language Proficiency:
Ensure you meet the English language proficiency requirements for pharmacists in Alberta.
Resources:
Consult the ACP website for information on English language requirements and resources.
6. Additional Tips:
Stay Organized: Keep your notes and study materials organized and easily accessible.
Manage Your Time: Practice time management skills to ensure you can complete all tasks within the allotted time.
Stay Calm and Confident: Approach the OSCE with confidence and stay calm under pressure.