VSHP Membership Spotlight
Darlene C. Shields
What initially motivated you to join VSHP?
I was initially motivated knowing I could earn CEs by attending Fall/Spring Seminars. A pharmacist informed me how interesting the topics were and a great networking of meeting other technicians and pharmacist in our area.
Where have you trained or worked?
I have worked for Riverside Regional Medical Center (Newport News, VA) as a Senior Lead Pharmacy Technician for over 20 years.
I have also, taught pharmacy technician at New Horizons Adult Education Center (Hampton, VA)
Describe your current area of practice and practice setting:
I work in the inpatient pharmacy as the primary chemo IV pharmacy technicians and assist daily in the IV room preparing infusions, TPNs and routine IVs.
What advice would you give to a new technician?
The advice I would give to a new technician would be to gain as much experience in all aspects of a pharmacy technician. The pharmacy technician are given more responsibilities, as well as expanded. Don’t limit yourself!
The following fields have been added as a pharmacy technician duties/responsibility such as:
- Ø Medications to Beds,
- Ø Emergency Room – Medication Reconciliation Technician,
- Ø IV Compounding Specialist,
- Ø Diversion Technician Specialist,
- Ø Pyxis – Automation Technician,
- Ø Buyer/Purchaser,
- Ø Pharmacy Technician Supervisor
Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?
My special interest are food critiquing, crocheting, reading, taking pictures and volunteering in my local community.
What is your favorite place to vacation?
My favorite place to vacation is the Caribbean. I love taking pictures/watching the waves on the beach at sunset. I have a love of Caribbean foods.
