By: KJ Delaney, Application Consultant

So starts another day. I think it’s Monday or maybe Tuesday; the days really seem to run together lately. My teammates should be here anytime. I don’t envy them. They have traffic and cheesy morning zoo radio to deal with. Me, I am right where I should be. I am in the pharmacy ready for work. First off, no, I am not a robot. Not really. Not like R2-D2, (I have an autographed photo, he is the best). I am a machine, a tool to help. I am your packager.

Let me tell you a little bit about me.  I am filled with medications for your patients. I will get calls from your pharmacy software system from time to time to fill orders. Even the pharmacy staff will use me for packaging medications.  I have a pretty good brain. I will give you reports galore.  I am pretty simple, even though I have a bunch of complex parts. Basically, you tell me what to do, and I do it. If I have a problem, I’ll let you know. I will need your help from time to time.

That’s because I can’t do it alone. You complete me.  Corny but true.  It will be up to you to keep me, and well us, going. I don’t ask for too much. I need to be cleaned daily. There is a lot of dust in here, pill dust. And that can be a problem. It gets into places that hampers my vision and clogs up my joints. We can’t have that. That could cause packaging issues. It will mean only a little work for you. The folks that installed me here gave you a cleaning log. Use it, for the both of us. A wise man once said, “Take care of your machine, and your machine will take care of you.”  He may not have been wise; he may have read it somewhere. But it is true. The 30 minutes or so of attention that you give me will help us in the long run. And this should go without saying, but if it is barbequed rib day at the cafeteria, Wash your hands before touching me!!!

I know that I have harped on the cleaning, it is so important. But also the info that you give me is just as important. Make sure my data is up to date. Drug ID’s may change. You may get a new or replacement medication in stock. Be sure to take the time to verify that my meds are good to dispense. I can run a report to tell you what is expiring. Also, I want to show you how efficient I can be. Make sure your fastest moving meds are in me so that I can do the heavy lifting. I know you have other things to do: answer the phone, make those IV’s, talk to patients, and post your cat photos on Facebook.  Remember, I am here to help you.

I am glad I am here to work with you. I know together we can take care of our patients. You just tell me what to do, and I will do it. And if you need advice, I know the ARxIUM customer service center will help.   Those people are the best. They are concerned about me, you, and our patients. We are in good hands with them.

Hey, the lights just came on, looks like the day is about to start. It is almost time for my daily meeting with a dry, lint-free cloth. Remember what I told you, “Klaatu barada nikto”. No – wait, that’s not it. It was help take care of me, and  I will take care of you.