One of the most valuable opportunities for an insight into arguably the most important year for budding pharmacists was taken by over 130 third year students from universities across the UK and Ireland, recently. The annual Ulster Chemists’ Association Pre-registration and Tutor Evening welcomed speakers from across the pre-reg spectrum, including current students, tutors and recently qualified pharmacists, to talk about their experiences.

Anita Gribbin, a pre-reg tutor and Pharmacy in Focus Award winner from Toomebridge, spoke about the importance of liaising with healthcare professionals from an early stage in a pharmacy career. “You would be surprised at how many other professionals you will encounter, such as midwifes, podiatrists, physiotherapists and practice nurses; so not just doctors!” she said. “Communication skills are essential with patients also – it doesn’t matter if you have very good levels of medicines understanding because if you cannot relate to them in a communicative and therapeutic way, you will probably find they don’t understand or take your advice. Working together with colleagues in a way you all understand and that can build empathy is also very important.”

Anita then advocated the benefits of getting involved with the wider community and extending health promotion messages to other organisations within the area. “Projects such as an outreach programme or a health and lifestyle day run in conjunction with your local school or community group can be hugely rewarding,” she said. “There is no reason why you cannot get involved with or suggest the establishment of a project during your pre-reg year. Funding from Building the Community-Pharmacy Partnership is available and can facilitate some great work. It is also important to have a sound business brain, and added value within the pharmacy is something you can have a go at developing. Make suggestions as you see them, sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can be very helpful. And remember, a good leader leads others to leading themselves.”

Kathryn Granleese, who graduated from Liverpool John Moore University and is currently doing her pre-reg year at Clear Pharmacy in Bangor talked about how she is finding the year so far. “Your first day is full of apprehension, but be prepared be positive and open your mind,” she said. “It really is a case of your pharmacy degree meeting the real world and every day brings a new experience.

“My big advice is to be 100 per cent certain of your decision every time you dispense or make a recommendation. It is not dispensing class, and the patient across the counter will not correct you if you’re wrong! As soon as you get used to being on your feet for nine hours or more each day, you do really enjoy it. When choosing your placement, don’t necessarily select the most high tech or visually impressive pharmacy, as you need to get on with the staff so look at the people you’ll be working with before you look to see what standard a consultation room has been fitted out to. I’d also advise you not to take any shortcuts or the easy way out – this year really is about gripping opportunities.”

Stephen McHughes, who recently qualified after doing his pre-reg year with McKeevers Chemists in Moy, has stayed with the group and is now working in Keady. “The pre-reg year is all about putting theory into practice and is also an opportunity to develop your professional attitudes and judgement, working to achieve levels of competence and to gain an appreciation of the role of pharmacy,” Stephen said.

“It certainly gives you a heightened awareness of the profession and although there is no such thing as a typical day in pharmacy, there are usual routine tasks such as sorting the previous day’s prescriptions from coding and batching, then dispensing, giving appropriate counselling to patients and dealing with other members of allied health professions, such as local GPs and dentists. Health promotion and advice on services, as well as study time, will also play big parts. Keep a diary of your progress which you can transfer to your portfolio and make the most of training days, both compulsory and offered.”

Stephen also discussed the different services that students can have an input in, including the Minor Ailments Service. “MAS is an excellent opportunity for pre-regs to develop counter prescribing skills and to increase confident in direct involvement,” he said. “Pharmacy is incredibly diverse and gaining experience in retail and merchandising is also important, since many pre-regs go on to become managers, superintendents or contractors.”

Lisa Smith, pre-registration facilitator at the Pharmaceutical Society of Northern Ireland discussed performance standards, how they are measured and what is expected from students. “Get started on the portfolio within the first week and remember that your tutor is the one who will make a declaration of its validity,” she said. “A recent survey showed that overwhelming percentages of students valued the pre-registration year. The vast majority of students have also spoken very, very highly of their tutors and the standard of training. The quality of one to one education is very high in Northern Ireland and we are delighted that tutors are seen as excellent role models.”