Pharmacy Assistant Course

Pharmacy Assistant Course Course Handbook 2011/2012 St John s Central College Cork

Table of Contents Course Overview Fetac Certification/Regulations Role of Pharmacy Assistant Work Experience Learning Environment College Calendar Career Outlook Modular Information 2

Course Overview Welcome to St Johns Central College Pharmacy Assistant Course. The over-riding objective of the Pharmacy Assistant course is to provide you with the multi-disciplined skills necessary to work in a community pharmacy. It aims to achieve this by providing to with a curriculum that encompasses a broad range of skills from gaining knowledge of OTC medications, to developing Pharmacy IT Skills, to practicing interpersonal skills whilst also aiming to give you a solid science foundation throughout the course. The IPU Medicines Counter Assistant course is interactive in nature and will equip you with the skills and knowledge to deal effectively and sensitively with customers in the pharmacy. Emphasis is placed on questioning skills, product knowledge and appropriate referral. As it has been developed by the Irish Pharmacy Union it is a rightly recognised qualification within the sector. The FETAC certification in Community and Health Services provides you with a range of skills to assist you in working in the healthcare sector within a retail environment. You will be given a strong science foundation and develop the health & safety skills necessary for working in a pharmacy retail setting. A major emphasis of the course will be placed on the Interpersonal Communication, Business and IT skills in a pharmacy. As pharmacies generate significant revenue from beauty products you will have the opportunity to learn and practice the application of Cosmetics. Role of the Pharmacy Assistant The modern retail pharmacy is a sophisticated health advisory centre. As the first person customers meet in the store, the pharmacy assistant has a vital role to play in keeping them informed and maintaining their confidence. Pharmacy assistants are the frontline in pharmacy customer care. It is vital 5

for them to possess the confidence and skill to serve the healthcare needs of their community. Pharmacy Assistants help licensed pharmacists with administrative duties in running a pharmacy. Assistants often are clerks or cashiers who answer telephones, handle money, stock shelves, and perform other clerical duties. Assistants refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist. Assistants have several important duties that help the pharmacy to function smoothly. They may establish and maintain patient profiles, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications. Accurate record keeping is necessary to help avert dangerous drug interactions. Pharmacy Assistants also maintain inventory and inform the supervisor of stock needs so that the pharmacy does not run out of the vital medications that customers need. Some also clean pharmacy equipment, help with the maintenance of equipment and supplies, and manage the cash register. Pharmacy Assistants work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and wellventilated areas. Most of their workday is spent on their feet. Successful pharmacy assistants are organised, dedicated, friendly, and responsible. They should be willing and able to take directions. Candidates interested in becoming pharmacy assistants cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed because pharmacy assistants interact daily with patients, coworkers, and health care professionals. Teamwork is very important because assistants are often required to work with technicians and pharmacists To become a pharmacy assistant, one should be able to perform repetitive work accurately. Assistants need good basic mathematics skills and good manual dexterity. Pharmacy Assistants should be neat in appearance and able to deal pleasantly and tactfully with customers.. 6

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Fetac Certification Award Title: Communtiy & Health Services Award Level 5 Mandatory Modules Anatomy & Phsiology Introduction to Nursing Communications Work experience Elective Modules Biology Business calculations Cosmetics Customer Service Occupational First Aid 8

Work Experience Work Experience is offered as an integral part of all courses in the College. The importance of Work Experience lies in the fact that: -It provides an opportunity to experience a real work environment -It challenges students to experience working conditions and regulations in the real world -It is mandatory module under FETAC and Department of Education regulations and must be completed successfully in order to obtain a full FETAC award -It provides a valuable link between the College and world of employment -Many students are offered employment on foot of their diligent application to work experience When taking up work experience you are expected to represent the college to the best of your ability. A high standard is expected of each student. Students on work experience remain subject to the College Code of Conduct, and in addition should comply with any guidelines laid down by the employer. In particular your attention is drawn to the following: Securing Placement: it is the responsibility of the student to actively seek placement early in September. Students must ensure CV is updated and present oneself in appropriate dress and manor to a prospective employer Learning: Work experience is part of the learning process on which you have embarked in Central College. It is very important that you take responsibility for your own learning while on work experience, in order to gain the maximum benefit from the time you spend with your employer. Attendance: You are expected to be present and punctual at your designated work experience place during normal working hours. Absence: If you are unable to attend at your work experience, you must inform your employer and class teacher immediately. Absence from work experience is permissible only in very exceptional circumstances e.g. illness, and will require a full explanation, Medical Cert etc. Absence from Work Experience will 9

automatically be referred to the Attendance Committee Appropriate Dress/Hygiene Many employers have a dress and/or hygiene code, whether due to the nature of their business or for Health & Safety reasons. You must comply with this code. in the student being referred through the College Disciplinary structure. Work Experience Dates November 21st-25th 2011 Feb20th-24th 2012 Instructions/Initiative: You are expected to follow all reasonable instructions issued by your employer and to show initiative in your work practice. Documentation: You are required to keep/collect all relevant work experience documentation as advised by your Class Teacher. If you have a genuine difficulty during your work experience, you should contact the College immediately. Under no circumstances should you leave or change your work experience without prior permission from the College. The College staff has worked long and hard over many years in establishing and maintaining the valuable network of employers. Any action by a student that might jeopardize this would be viewed as a serious breach of the College Code of Conduct, and will result 10

Learning environment The College aims to encourage students to pursue their studies in an atmosphere that encourages partnership in learning. The focus within the college community is, therefore, on personal responsibility to each other. The College is dedicated to the promotion of equality of opportunity, to the avoidance of unfair practice and to respect for and courtesy towards each other regardless of race, religious beliefs, social class, gender or sexual orientation. You can expect: -That we will provide you with accurate information and guidance on opportunities -To have a named person as Class Teacher to be available as support -That we will monitor your work and advise you of your progress -Confidentiality in your dealing with us -Access to advice and counselling on any educational or personal matter -Representation on the Student Council & College Board of Management -To be treated with respect & dignity by all members of staff in a caring & supportive atmosphere -That we will deal sympathetically with medical or other problems you may have -Classes to start and end on time, and to be notified of any unavoidable changes -The guaranteed delivery of your programme -That we will respond quickly to any problem you tell us about -To be kept informed about developments within the college that may affect you If you experience any difficulty with the above, you should inform your Class Teacher in the first instance so that the matter may be dealt with. The College aims to encourage students to pursue their studies in an atmosphere that encourages partnership in learning. Normal rules that apply in any community also apply in this college. Your attention is particularly drawn to this Contract, 11

and the attached Contracts that relate to Attendance Punctuality & Work Experience. We expect you to: -Be proud of the good name of the college and do nothing to take form that good name -Adopt a responsible attitude in helping to create a supportive community in which everybody can flourish -Respect the rights of all others within the college community. Treat everybody with respect, regardless of differences in culture, ability, race, gender, age, sexual orientation or social class -Take responsibility for your learning by attending regularly and punctually, working hard at your studies and completing all your assignments on time -Attend all timetabled classes, unless in exceptional circumstances where an alternative arrangement has been negotiated with the College Authorities -Provide an explanation to your Class Teacher in the case of an occasional absence, and a Medical Cert in the case of a longer absence through illness -Co-operate with teachers and all other college staff -Seek help if you need it and let us know quickly if you have any difficulties -Help to make the college a safe place for all -Take care of college buildings and furnishings, and respect the property of others In line with current Health & Safety Legislation, there is NO SMOKING allowed within the college buildings. This includes the student canteen. Continuous / Serious breaches of College Regulations may result in referral to the College Attendance Committee, and noted accordingly on your personal file. Attendance & Punctuality One of our most important considerations at this college is to see you complete your course, with Full Certification and to see you enter the Workplace with marketable skills, having experienced the best of work practices. From our many years of experience we know that this is just not possible unless you commit yourself to full participation in your chosen course of study. 12

Full Participation Involves: -Punctuality at all times -Attendance at all of your timetabled classes and at Work Experience -Handing up work/assignments/projects on time -Co-operating fully with staff in the maintenance of accurate attendance records Poor Attendance/Punctuality may result in: -Referral to the College Attendance Committee -Difficulty in providing a favorable reference to other colleges, training agencies or employers -Difficulty in recommending you for Full National Certification -Withdrawal of a place in second year, where a second year programme exists -Termination of your Student Grant/VTOS Allowances 13

College Calendar College Opens Monday August 29 th Mid Term Monday October 31 st Friday November 4 th College Closes College Re-opens December 22 nd Monday January 9 th Mid Term** Monday February 13 th Friday February 17 th Bank Holiday Monday March 19 th Easter Holidays** Monday April 2 nd Friday April 13 th (54 days Term 2) College Re-opens Monday April 16 th Bank Holiday Monday May 7 th College closes Friday June 1 st Total 167 Days 14

Career Outlook Pharmacy assistants are increasingly in demand today, in part due to our aging population and a greater emphasis on health care among people of all ages. Employment of pharmacy assistants is expected to grow because of the increasing use of medication in treating patients. Pharmacy Sales representative for pharmaceutical companies. Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills, experience managing inventories, and experience using computers.. In addition, a greater number of middle-aged and elderly people who use more prescription drugs than younger people will spur demand for assistants in all practice settings. Job opportunities are expected to be good for full-time and part-time work, especially for those with related work experience in both retail and hospital pharmacies. Many pharmacy assistants work evenings, weekends, and holidays. As you will graduate as a Medical Counter Assistant, this will increase your employability as this IPU course is highly recognised within the Pharmacy Retail industry. The FETAC qualification in Community and Health services will also enhance your career prospects in other areas such as opportunities to work as a 15

Anatomy and Physiology D20001 Orla Murphy omurphy@stjohnscollege.ie Assignment 1 20% Assignment 2 20% Dec 2011 Feb 2012 Exam 60% The module is designed to equip learners with the knowledge of the structure and function of the human body. It will also provide learners with an understanding of the interrelationships between the systems of the body Summary of Content Unit 1 Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology Unit 2 The Skeletal and Muscular Systems Unit 3 The Circulatory and Lymphatic Systems Unit 4 The Digestive System Unit 5 The Respiratory System Unit 6 The Nervous and Endocrine Systems Unit 7 The Reproductive System Unit 8 The Urinary System Unit 9 The Skin 16

Biology Module Code C20006 Eithne Spicer Assessment Summary of Module Contents The module consists of 7 units. Unit 1 The Cell Unit 2 Animal and Plant Physiology Unit 3 Microbiology Unit 4 Genetics and Evolution Unit 5 Biotechnology Unit 6 Applied Ecology Unit 7 Health & Safety espicer@stjohnscollege.ie 5 Practical Demonstrations Written Exam May 2012 17

Business Calculations Module Code Catherine Cooney Assignment 1 20% Assignment 2 20@ Exam 60% Summary of Module Contents B20034 ccooney@stjohnscollege.ie Week of Nov 28 th 2011 Week of March 19 th 2012 May 2012 1 understand the principles of basic calculations as applied to personal and business life 2 develop computational skills appropriate to various business situations 3 operate a standard pocket calculator efficiently to perform business/personal calculations 4 estimate with reasonable accuracy costs and measurements 5 develop self confidence in handling numerical data 6 handle efficiently the money calculations in common daily transactions 7 appreciate the importance of accuracy and neatness in presentation Unit 1 Basic Arithmetical Operations Unit 2 Use of Pocket Electronic Calculators Unit 3 Measurements and Mensuration Unit 4 Personal Finance Optional Units Unit 5 Basic Statistics Unit 6 Calculations in relation to Wages and Taxation Unit 7 Calculation of Costings in relation to Retail Trade Unit 8 Calculations in relation to the Operations of a Business Presentation of Work Work must be presented in both hard copy and on USB Key. Students must keep a copy of projects and they will not be returned. 18

Communications Module Code Ger Greene G20001 ggreene@stjohnscollege.ie Summary of Module Contents Business Documents & Pesrsonal Writing November Interview December Research Report January Message Taking/Giving February Commuications Summary February Group Discussion March Oral Presentation April (May change) Practical Communication skills April Collection of work 50% Skills Demonstration 50% 19

Cosmetics Eileen Mulcahy emulcahy@stjohnscollege.ie Module Code Summary of Module Contents Manicures Theory & Practicals Facial Theory & Practicals Make Up Theory & Practicals Assessment Practical Exams 40% May 2012 Theory Exam 60% May 2012 20

Customer Service Module Code Majella O Driscoll D20151 modriscoll@stjohnscollege.ie Summary of Module Contents The student is equipped with the necessary preparations skills in advance of working in a pharmacy. The student is familiarised with consumer legislation, market research and dealing with difference. Consumer complaints, demonstrating product knowledge and interacting with customers is included in the modules Unit 1 Customer Focus Unit 2 Customer Contact skills Unit 3 Quality Service Unit 4 Dealing with Difference Unit 5 Consumer Legislation Assessments Observation Assignment 20% Dec 2011 Role Play 1 10% October 2011 Role Play 2 10% November 2011 Presentation 20% December 2011 Teamwork 20% April 2012 Exam 20% May 2012 21

Introduction to Nursing Gobnait Burke gburke@stjohnscollege.ie Module Code Summary of Module Contents Summary of Course Content Outline the history and development of nursing Acquire a knowledge of the structure and function of the health care service in the Republic of Ireland Know the various disciplines and specialities within nursing understand the nursing process Appreciate the models of care Be aware of nursing ethics and etiquette in care situations communicate effectively in ways that are consistent with the carer's role Avoid occupational hazards2 Become familiar with common nursing/medical terminology Perform a range of basic skills Assessment Exam 50% May 2012 Skills Demonstration 50% 22

Occupational First Aid Module Code Susanne Hanley Exam 30% Basic Life Saving skills 40% Other First Aid skills 30% D20188 shanley@stjohnscollege.ie April 2012 End of April/Start of May 2012 (External examiner) End of April/Start of May 2012 (External Examiner) Summary of Module Contents This module is designed to equip the learner with the skills and the knowledge necessary to provide and coordinate first aid in the work place. General topics include putting first aid in context and understanding it, initial diagnoses and general treatment, practical first aid skills and health and safety Module Content Unit 1 First Aid in Work place Unit 2 Patient Assessment Unit 3 Respiratory emergencies Unit 4 Cardiac First Response Unit 5Wounds and Bleeding Unit 6 Altered levels of Consciousness Unit 7Muskoskeletal injuries Unit 8 Burns and Scalds, chemicals electric shock 23

Pharmacology Irish Pharmacy Union Sarah Magner smagner@stjohnscollege.ie Summary of Module Contents Module Content Gastrointestinal Conditions Respiratory Conditions Pain Smoking Cessation Vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements Womens Health Assessments Written Exam May 2012 24

Pharmacy IT Skills Qic Script Professional Majella O Driscoll modriscoll@stjohnscollege.ie Non fetac Summary of Module Contents Patient Medication Rexords Dispensing Reports Codes Labels Assessment- Class Exercises 25

Word Processing Module Code Mary Looney W20008 mlooney@stjohnscollege.ie Summary of Module Contents Unit 1 Application Management Unit 2 Text Processing Unit 3 Tabs and Tables Unit 4 Mail Merge and Labels Unit 5 Word Processing Features Assessment Collection of Work 100% 26