Thanks to a close friend,
I found myself working as a locum pharmacist at a community pharmacy a few
paces from where I reside. It was something completely unplanned. He was
leaving the country to further his education and was asked to provide his
replacement and he selected me. I find his confidence in me reassuring as he
knows me well enough. Naturally, my timid self wanted to safely decline the
offer but my friend insisted. He’s someone who looks out for me. Upon his
stubborn insistence, I decided to give it a try. How bad could it be? What
could go wrong? How wrong was I, at least considering my first day experience?
Afterwards it was smooth sailing with a few rough patches here and there. We’re
still doing our best to adapt to the situation at hand.
I was told to resume work
on a Saturday and I was to work alone. Considering the fact that prior to
starting work I had about two years post-graduation experience, it was supposed
to be a simple jig. The only wrinkle was that I had never been in charge of a
community pharmacy all alone. This was to be my first time. I promised to give the
best and be at the top of my game before I started. I even studied up on a
number of topics including malaria guidelines and mechanisms of administering
injections.
I was to be on duty the
whole day. Due to the length of the work hours, I decided to open the place by
11 am and work for twelve hours. And that’s what I did. I wanted to appear in
my lab coat to boost my confidence but my lab coat was a bit dirty and that
plan failed. I appeared without a lab. I began attending to my patients; recommending
medications for them based on their conditions and our available stock. The
moment of truth came when I was asked to administer an injection. At first I wanted
to evade by giving an excuse but I decided to be courageous. I then administered
with confidence and my client was happy. That’s what I wished happened! In
reality, the courage left me the first time. I was praying when the patient
came in, and I overheard him saying he is here for an injection. I prolonged
the prayer with the hope that he would lose patience and leave. Alas he stayed.
After my lengthy prayer, I faced him and he explained that he was here to
receive his second dose of a three dose antimalarial intramuscular injection.
As I wasn’t confident enough, I explained to him that I couldn’t find the
record of his medication and I wasn’t sure of the exact medication. ‘I was safe
for now’, I thought. I was wrong! The same guy came back and asked that I call
the person that administered his first dose. I claimed that I didn’t have his
number. This guy looked for the person’s number and called him. I was told the
injection over the phone and I had no further excuse. I then told myself, if
this is it, so be it. I led him to the injection room and used my theoretical
knowledge to administer the injection. It was a smooth one. My patient was
happy to have received his injection and I was overjoyed and thanked Allah for
aiding me to escape humiliation.
At the end of the day, I
gave numerous injections and saw many patients. The sales were also modest. I
knew then that there was hope yet for me and that I may survive the work. At exactly 11pm at night, I closed the place and I was ready to go home. Instead of
me to use opay I was stupid enough to use a regular tricycle. I hailed down one
and entered. Upon entering I noticed the young barely sober guys giving me the
side eye. I was terrified. I had a lot of wrong thoughts at the moment. I was
afraid I would lose my belongings at the very least. In a rare moment of quick thinking,
I asked them to allow me to alight as I forgot something at work. They insisted
that they could take me back and I refused. I alighted and got myself a safer
ride home.
In retrospect, it’s surprising
how much of a scaredy-cat I am. Only Allah aids me to survive through all the
ordeals I have been through. Alhamdulillah.
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