IWK Pharmacy

08/15/2025

On vacation! See you the week of September 15th with new content. 😎

08/13/2025

We've just updated the website with information about our pharmacy residency program. You may want to have a peek 👀 for some interesting changes since last year. Here's a hint: 👯‍♀️

In affiliation with Dalhousie University College of Pharmacy, the IWK Department of Pharmacy offers a 52-week post-graduate residency program that provides experiential training specifically focused on the development and refinement of skills required for clinical pharmacy practice. Based in Halifax...

08/08/2025

Did you know? Our goal is provide information for other pharmacy professionals in the Maritimes who also care for women, children and families.

If you have any specific topics you'd like to see addressed here regarding pharmacotherapy, medication safety, best practice, or recommended tools and resources for neonatal, pediatric, adolescent mental health, obstetrics, or gynecological or breast health; please email druginfo@iwk.nshealth.ca or comment below so we can put your suggestion on the calendar for upcoming posts.

07/25/2025

Hey pharmacy students and new grads! 🍭Let us sweet talk you 🧁about our pharmacy residency program and what a learning experience at IWK looks like. Our passionate preceptors are ready to share about their own careers, what their clinical practice is like, and how they support our students and residents to succeed. We are proud of our role in mentoring the next generation of clinical pharmacists. Use the QR code or this link to register:
https://forms.office.com/r/mnUJrUiJzq

07/21/2025

July 21st is Uterine Fibroid Awareness Day! Uterine fibroids are common, impacting 70% of women by the age of 50. Presentation and management vary, with 20-50% of cases being symptomatic. For more information, refer to the SOGC Guidelines!

The Management of Uterine Leiomyomas: https://doi.org/10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30338-8

Guideline No. 389-Medical Management of Symptomatic Uterine Leiomyomas - An
Addendum: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jogc.2019.01.010

07/11/2025

Important reminder for pharmacists!! ⚠️

07/09/2025

We are so lucky to work with the best! Congratulations Thi, well deserved.

PS - if you want to come work with awesome colleagues like Thi, check out our postings for pharmacy technicians and assistants!

Congratulations to Thi Nguyen on receiving the All Stars Clinical Staff Recognition Award

Recipients of this award are nominated by peers for outstanding contributions and demonstrating a positive and professional influence on the work environment.

Thi, a dedicated pharmacy technician at IWK Health, was nominated by Susan MacDonald for outstanding contributions to the pharmacy team. After completing the technician bridging program, Thi developed advanced knowledge of IWK’s pharmacy systems and is now a key resource for colleagues. As Team Lead for Inventory, Thi plays a vital role in managing inventory, supporting the Pyxis MedStation and Anesthesia cart upgrades, and driving process improvements—including advocating for and mastering a more efficient packaging machine to enhance workflow.

Thi is known as the department’s “problem-solver,” handling billing, Meditech, technology, and inventory with a calm, positive approach. Thi’s efforts have been essential in navigating national drug shortages, ensuring patients receive needed medications without disruption. A valued member of the OPOR project and a provincial RFP committee, Thi is recognized for a quiet, steady commitment to patient safety and system improvement. Their leadership, expertise, and dedication have made the pharmacy safer and more efficient for patients, families, and staff alike.

IWK Health recently recognized and celebrated the outstanding contributions of IWK colleagues with All Stars awards. Congratulations to the nominees and recipients and thank you for all you’ve done. We wish you continued enjoyment and success in your work!

07/04/2025

Do you have a pediatric patient or parent to support giving subcutaneous injections? Practice supports are available! Check out the IWK step by step instructions on how to give subcutaneous injections:

https://libraries.iwk.nshealth.ca/Presto/content/Detail.aspx?ctID=OTMyMjcxOWMtZmVmNS00N2QxLWEwNWQtZGJkYWMwZjQ4ZGQ1&rID=ODUw

For video guidance please check out the resource below!

https://cassieandfriends.ca/injections/

06/27/2025

Sun protection is crucial to minimize sunburn risk and the long-term consequences of UV ray exposure. Please see the infographic below for more information on sunscreen use in children! ☀️

06/20/2025

Need a quick clinical refresher on rickets?

This visual guide is a handy tool for recognizing and managing this often-preventable condition and contrasting calcepenic and phosphopenic subtypes.

06/20/2025

Impetigo, a highly contagious skin infection is common among children. First appearing as reddish sores around the nose and mouth, hands or feet, it develops into honey-colored crusts. Nova Scotia pharmacists can assess & prescribe for impetigo. This service is offered at no charge with a valid NS Health card at CPPCC locations, book at: https://pans.ns.ca/CPPCC

06/13/2025

Did you know pharmacist play a key role in preventing heat-related illness by recognizing medications that impair heat tolerance in pediatric patients?