One of Us: Kim Tarver, Pharm.D.
One of Us is a series that provides a glimpse into the working world of USA Health, one employee at a time.
What is your job?
I work at the Mitchell Cancer Institute Springhill location as a pharmacist. My job is to make sure that patients receive the correct medication and the right dose according to their weight and lab results. I am responsible for entering the patient’s order, compounding chemotherapy drugs, ordering the drugs, and communicating with the doctors and nurses concerning the patient’s treatments.
What is your favorite or most rewarding part of your position?
The most rewarding part of my job is hearing the bell ring indicating the end of a patient’s treatment.
What originally made you want to join USA Health?
I prefer a hospital setting over retail. I chose USA Health because it’s a learning environment. I am forever learning from other pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, nurses and doctors.
How long have you been with USA Health?
Including full-time and PRN, 23 years
What has working with USA Health taught you?
How to work as a team. We are all in this together, and patient care is first, no matter what.
Do you have any goals that you want to achieve in the health system?
I’ve met my goal. Before becoming a pharmacist, I was a respiratory therapist for 11 years. My goal was to come back to USA Health as a pharmacist.
What is your favorite hobby or pastime outside of work?
I like to read, exercise and spend time with family.
Do you have any advice for people who want to work in the health system?
It can be rewarding, and it can be stressful. But at the end of the day, if you love what you are doing, the reward trumps the stress. Be open to opportunity, because you never know what’s around the corner that will pique your interest.
