If you have never worked in a pharmacy before or do not regularly work at one during the school year, practicum can be nerve-racking. 40 hours a week, for 4 straight weeks will go fast and being prepared will make the experience more enjoyable, allowing to you to use this time to the fullest.
Preparation - Creating a 'Practicum Binder'
Set aside a day before practicum to review the syllabus and requirements, and to collect any documents you may need.
Common required documents for Day 1:
72 hour check-list
Confidentiality agreement
Safety Orientation
Resume
Make sure in your binder you can easily access the weekly schedule found in the syllabus to keep you accountable. From the syllabus extract all the practicum activities that you are required to complete, and keep this at the front of your binder. Personally I like to add notes to the practicum activities so I know the requirements.
What to Bring
1. Practicum Binder
Keep it on hand to store any notes collected during the day and to keep track of your activities.
2. Pad of paper/sticky notes that can fit in your lab coat pocket
Lifesaver for taking notes during the day (see tip #3)
3. Snacks that are simple and not messy
During practicum you get a few breaks but sometimes not enough to curb your hunger and get your energy up. I like to keep a granola bar or candy or crackers, just something quick and one bite so if I need something I can go to the backroom for less than 30 seconds.
3. RxFiles
This an AMAZING resource that is good to have on hand if you need to refer to any material.
Tips during Practicum
1. Have a conversation day 1 with your preceptor about your background
Every student has the same background of conditions and drugs, but every student has different experiences. Tell your preceptor about your past shadowing experiences and/or jobs you have held related to health care, and even your interests. This allows your preceptor to know what you have experience with, thus they will allow you to take on more complex tasks. During my 1st year rotation I told my preceptor that I played a lot of sports and did a lot of physical therapy in my lifetime so I was comfortable with sports injuries. Because of this, she allowed to fit people for sports tape, bandages, air casts, and braces.
2. Do not be afraid to answer the phone
If you have never worked in a pharmacy before that phone can be intimidating but the phone is the most underestimated way of learning. People will prefer to call in before having to make a trip to the pharmacy , so it will get you familiar with the computer system, troubleshoot refill requests, and solve concerns around insurance. Sometimes the phone is an underestimated method of communication but since the patient does not see it makes it one of the most important.
3. Record (almost) everything you do
Always have a notepad and pen in your pocket to takes notes or record activities you do. If a new drug or condition comes up during the day, write it down and then at the end of the day spend 10 or 20 minutes to briefly research it to expand your knowledge.
Remember practicum is your chance to apply what you learned to real patients. You know more than you think as it comes more easily the more you get to apply the material.
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