Tara Marsh Career Spotlight
My name is Tara Marsh, and I am a Staff Pharmacist at Victoria Hospital, a regional acute care hospital located in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.
What are you responsible for as a Pharmacist?
As a staff pharmacist at Victoria Hospital, I am responsible for the safe and effective medication management of inpatients, as well as assisting in the dispensing of medication to hospitalized patients. I am also involved in some outpatient warfarin bridges and home intravenous antibiotics. A typical day involves order entry, structured interdisciplinary bedside rounds (SIBR), and consultations requested by patients for education or by other health care providers for complex problems. At Victoria Hospital, pharmacists have the ability to work on surgical, medical, or pediatric wards, as well as the opportunity to work in the intensive care unit or the neonatal intensive care unit. I personally spend my days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), pediatric, surgical, and medical wards, in addition to spending time in the dispensary and home intravenous positions.
How is your work-life balance as a Pharmacist?
In health care, work–life balance can be a challenge, as there is always more work than available workers. I worked as a community pharmacist for nine years before starting at Victoria Hospital. My current position is 0.86, meaning I average four days per week. This work schedule is very attractive as a mom of two; it allows me to prioritize my time at home with my kids. The pharmacy team at Victoria Hospital offers a range of part-time, full-time, and casual shifts.
Have you always wanted to be a Pharmacist?
I knew I wanted to be a pharmacist while I was in high school. After completing Grade 11 chemistry, I think someone basically said, “Hey, if you like chemistry and science, you should consider a career in pharmacy.” I was lucky that this career did happen to suit me. Although I agree that having an interest in science is important for pharmacy, there are other individual qualities or traits that are more important, such as the ability to empathize with others or communicate effectively. The most rewarding part of my job is helping people, whether they are patients, pharmacy team members, physicians, or other health care practitioners.
Are there opportunities to further your career as a Pharmacist?
There are many opportunities to advance as a pharmacist within the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA). Our manager is very enthusiastic about assisting team members in furthering our clinical knowledge in any subject we are passionate about. It is also an exciting time at Victoria Hospital, with the expansion and new building; our pharmacy staff is expected to grow significantly, which will likely provide more opportunities to specialize in certain areas.
Do you have any advice for students or new graduates looking to pursue a career as a Pharmacist?
I would encourage students or new graduates to consider a career in hospital pharmacy. The unique problems you encounter on a daily basis ensure that you are continually using the skills you were taught in school to ensure you are practicing to the best of your ability. Hospital pharmacy practice provides a work environment conducive to lifelong learning. There truly is not a single day that passes when I do not learn something new.
What is the number one thing you love about being a Pharmacist?
The thing I love most about being a pharmacist is the variety of problems you are presented with on a daily basis and the appreciation you receive from patients, physicians, and other health care providers when you are able to help them.
