In many different ways, people are drawn to the healthcare industry. It might have originated from a childhood dream, a role model, a TV show, volunteer work, or a recommendation from friends and family. You may be pondering whether becoming a pharmacist is what you want to do with your life?
A pharmacist can work in a wide range of disciplines. This can include general practice, nuclear medicine, oncology, paediatrics, psychiatry, geriatrics, nutrition, retail, community, hospitals, long-term care, consulting, research, insurance companies, drug companies, and long-term care to name few popular specialisations.
Because pharmacists are experts in medications, patients fare best when they are included in their healthcare teams. There are opportunities for patient care, scientific research, and innovation in the diverse and rewarding field of pharmacy. The increased demand for patient services, the rise in the number of prescriptions filled annually, the rise in the number of medicines on the market, and the rise in the elderly population all contribute to the ongoing demand for pharmacy services.
I have been out of pharmacy school for three years as of today. Once you get to work, it’s amazing how quickly time goes by. It seemed like an eternity to me when I was in school. I envisioned graduating and beginning my career every single day. My level of experience is similar to that of a pharmacist with five years’ worth of experience given the number of hours I put in at work! I have experienced both highs and lows and I want to offer some advice for a recent pharmacy graduate after learning from my own mistakes and failures:-
My 6 Points Advice for a New Pharmacist Graduate:-
1. Fear of making a mistake –
All pharmacists especially many new pharmacists, are very concerned about fear. This is a good thing as it keeps you under control. You are inspired to prioritise patient safety above all else. Fear and productivity must however, coexist in harmony. In the end, it can harm patients by delaying patient care if fear paralyses you and prevents you from finishing your work. Discover what works best for you, gain knowledge from others to become more skilled, and constantly work to get better.
2. It is OKAY if you “don’t know” the answer –
Being unable to respond to a doctor’s or nurse’s question was one of my worries when I first started as a pharmacy intern. I would be worried about the customers’ questions going unanswered in a retail environment. Instead of lying or making things up, just say that you don’t remember off the top of your head and you’ll find out and get back to them, I’ve learned over time, it really doesn’t matter as long as you know where to find the answer. Wasn’t that easy, then?
3. Avoid Work Gossip –
I have to admit that I enjoy workplace rumours. I’ve been burned before, so I’ve learned to just keep quiet. Listening to other’s gossip is acceptable. Just make an effort to refrain from adding your own viewpoint. You can never be sure whom to believe. Sooner or later, it will turn around and harm your reputation at your workplace. I promise it is not worth it, so unless you enjoy drama in your life, don’t bother!
4. Work E-mail Etiquette –
Thankfully, I haven’t been involved in any email scandals. Choosing carefully who to include in the email, how you respond, and whether to click “reply” or “reply all” can all have a significant impact! Always keep in mind that the written words have more room for interpretation than spoken ones. Emails are records that will live forever and may be used against you at any time. Therefore, I do not advise sending any emails when you are upset or angry.
5. Treat everyone with Respect –
It makes no difference if you are a pharmacist, technician, an assistant, a nurse or a secretary, always be respectful to others. You learned to “treat others how you want to be treated” in pre-school” it is quite simple. But I have seen so many pharmacists make fun of other people or act in a very condescending manner. Guess what, there are more eyes on you! You never know if that person might someday be the deciding factor between you and your job, so why would you want to risk it?
6. Part-Time Positions –
Finding a full-time job immediately after graduation can occasionally be difficult particularly if you lack much experience. Just get any work experience, swallow your pride. Finding part-time or per-diem employment is a great place to start (its how I got my start). You’ll not only gain more work experience in various environments, but you’ll also meet a lot of people along the way who can give you a great learning experience.
I hope the guidance, inspiration, and motivation provided by my advice above, will help you succeed in your pharmacy career. Best of luck!
