My year as a hospital trainee pharmacist within the NHS has been exciting and fulfilling, with each day presenting new challenges and learning opportunities. The induction period lasted two weeks and included meeting essential members of the pharmacy team, completing e-learning modules on the Electronic Staff Record, and gaining an understanding of the different clusters within the trust.
Throughout the year, we participated in teaching sessions where specialist pharmacists from different clinical areas presented on various clinical conditions, treatment options, and their experiences. These sessions were incredibly helpful in building the foundation of my future role and preparing me for the upcoming GPhC exam.
During my training year, I had four to six-week rotations through major clinical areas like elderly medicine, children’s general medicine, acute medicine, and general surgery. I also had the opportunity to observe more specialised sectors such as the DOAC (direct oral anticoagulant) clinic, cystic fibrosis, neonates, liver clinic and medicines information. In the beginning, I spent my mornings with the pharmacy technicians, learning how to conduct drug histories accurately and order time-critical medication to the wards. In the afternoons, I shadowed the ward pharmacist, seeing firsthand how they collaborated with other members of the multi-disciplinary team, handled queries and carried out medicine reconciliations. Over time, I developed my approach, incorporating lessons from the pharmacists I worked with.
As I gained confidence throughout the year, I started to manage the afternoon bleep, address complex queries, and empower patients to take control of their medicines, all under the pharmacist’s supervision. Towards the end of my training year, and with the pharmacist’s supervision, I managed a small number of patients, reviewed their treatment plans daily, and communicated any issues to the wider multi-disciplinary team.
Beyond professional development, the social aspect of working within the NHS Trust has also been fantastic. From football matches and welcome drinks to the pharmacy ball and events like ‘Fast with a Friend’, the positive, supportive environment has made this year even more enjoyable. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be a member of such a fantastic team, making a real difference in patient care while enjoying a great work atmosphere.
Being a PDA Trainee Pharmacist Representative was a great experience, especially when I attended the PDA’s ‘Shaping Pharmacy’ development day in Birmingham. I had the chance to meet key figures from the PDA and see their incredible work in supporting individual members and advocating on their behalf. I also enrolled in the trainee revision programme offered by PDA Education which included clinical and math questions designed to help prepare for the GPhC exam. PDA Education also offered other programmes I signed up for, such as courses to help with interview preparation and CV creation.
Note: Polla Raza has now qualified and is now working at Leeds University Teaching Trust.
By newly qualified pharmacist, Polla Raza
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- Trainee pharmacists and pharmacists in the first five years of their careers are encouraged to get involved in the PDA Early Careers Network by joining the dedicated WhatsApp group here.
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