Performance-based pharmacy internship program

A structured training program based on behavioral objectives was developed for interns in a hospital pharmacy department. In an 831-bed hospital that employs eight pharmacy interns, each for an average of less than or equal to 20 hours per week, a program was developed to ensure (1) that interns have experience working in all service areas and (2) that staff pharmacists are consistent in the tasks they assign to interns. Interns worked with area supervisors and the internship coordinator to develop 23 learning objectives that covered 10 pharmaceutical service areas. A manual listing the objectives is used by interns to document their progress and by pharmacists to ensure uniform experience for all interns. All staff pharmacists work with interns and participate in their evaluations. This program using behavioral objectives provides interns with basic experience in all areas of hospital pharmacy operations.