Pharmacy Career at Penn State Health: Pharmacist Shares Benefits

Pharmacist shares prescription for fulfilling career

After 33 years of service, Elizabeth Kendall, an acute care clinical pharmacist at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center, is preparing to retire in 2025. Reflecting on her experiences, Kendall shares insights and the love she has for her profession.

Kendall’s path to becoming a pharmacist was not straightforward. Initially pursuing chemical engineering, she realized it wasn’t her calling. “I didn’t love the chemistry part of it,” Kendall recalls. Her sister’s friend, who was studying pharmacy at Ohio State, inspired her to switch majors. “Once I got into the subjects of physiology and biochemistry, I loved it,” she explains. This decision set her on a fulfilling career path.

“When I first came to Holy Spirit Medical Center, we didn’t have computers. It was all written orders and paper charts,” she said. Today, technology has transformed pharmacy practice, making information more accessible and enhancing clinical services. “We do kinetic services, anticoagulation, renal dosing and go on rounds with physicians,” she said.

Elizabeth Kendall is a pharmacist at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center.

The power of teamwork

One aspect of her job at Penn State Health Kendall values most is the teamwork. “I sit and process orders from a nursing station, which really helps the interface between nurses and pharmacists,” she said. This proximity fosters a collaborative environment, benefiting both health care providers and patients.

Kendall also enjoys the diversity of her daily tasks. “One day I’m in the IV room, the next day I’m up on the floors. It keeps you well-rounded,” she said. The variety has kept her engaged and knowledgeable about various aspects of pharmacy, ensuring she stays current in her practice.

Balancing work and personal life

Beyond her professional life, Kendall has enjoyed work-life balance and indulged her love for travel, thanks to the flexibility of her job. “When my son was growing up, I worked four days a week as opposed to five,” she said. This flexibility also allowed her to take trips to Iceland, Switzerland and other countries with her family. She looks forward to more adventures in retirement. “Right before I retire next April, I’m going on a hiking trip in one of the Lake District National Parks of England.”

Indispensable advice

Kendall’s career at Penn State Health has been marked by continuous learning, meaningful connections and personal growth. As she prepares to start a new chapter, she offers advice to those considering a career in pharmacy: “If you like the medical side of pharmacy, a career at a hospital pharmacy is much more rewarding than retail pharmacy.”

Join a supportive community

Passionate about making a difference through a career in pharmacy? Consider joining Penn State Health. You’ll experience a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and your professional growth is supported. Join us.

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