Summer Vacation Student Review

Although my placement was in a very busy pharmacy, I have enjoyed the experience I have gained by working in the dispensary, on the counter and dealing with queries is highly valued. Just by dealing with queries or asking my pharmacy tutor questions, I feel as though I have gained lots of knowledge not only scientifically but also into the way Lloyds Pharmacy (as an organisation) works. The summer placement file that I was given at the start is now so full of notes from the tasks and case studies completed- it was a great way to keep up to date and develop practically and theoretically!

All the staff at my placement branch were welcoming and made me feel very comfortable working there. Although it was a busy pharmacy, the atmosphere in the branch was kept lively, positive and humorous. This made me feel at complete ease whilst working there and I felt comfortable asking questions whenever I needed help.

Being placed in a pharmacy with a walk-in medical centre across the road, two very close GP surgeries and on top of that a mental health care contract meant that this pharmacy was very busy. My supervisor (the pharmacy manager) was always on her feet and constantly kept busy, she still made time for me to go through my file, answer my questions and go through anything I was not sure on, even if it meant staying behind after closing hours or coming into the branch before the shop opened. And for that, I am truly grateful that she was able to give me that time for my own progress and development.

This pharmacy was definitely busy, but along with a great staff team and a brilliant pharmacy manager all the tasks and jobs were fulfilled in good time in such an organised fashion. I am glad that I was placed in a busy pharmacy as this has really opened my eyes and exposed me to the different queries, scenarios and problems that are dealt with in the pharmacy on a day-to-day basis.

During the first week, I was not given much responsibility as I was given the opportunity to find my feet around the pharmacy, understand the workings of the branch and what happens where and when. From the second week onwards, my tutor gave me additional tasks to carry out so that I can experience the different roles and responsibilities that the branch carries out. On the last week of my placement my tutor, a dispenser and a technician went on holiday, which meant that there was just the supervisor (who took care of the mental health care contract), a locum pharmacist and myself. This was the week when I felt I had to step up and take the initiative to take up the responsibility of the work load due to the missing staff. In a way after working there for five weeks, on the sixth week I felt rather protective of the pharmacy, helping out wherever possible on the store and in the dispensary. Helping the locum pharmacists out wherever I could assisting them in any possible way, whether it was in dispensing, handing out medications, putting stock away and letting them know which patient's prescriptions need delivering or when the CD stock check needed to be done. I probably gained much more about myself on that week, realising that I am capable of working in such a busy pharmacy and the importance of taking on responsibility.

I know for sure that the skills I have gained during this placement will help me during my studies and for my future careers. My communication skills have developed, I am very comfortable talking to different members of the public, different healthcare professionals and working as a team with the staff. My organisational skills have improved along with my ability to prioritise the tasks that need to be done. These skills that I have gained are vitally important during my final year at University where I will be doing many presentations, group work and learning to manage my time with the work load of my studies. Not only that, I feel that these skills will help me in the future in any pharmacy I work in and the different people that I will work with.

The atmosphere in the pharmacy was kept positive, lively and humorous. Not once did I see any staff member get stressed or over-worked, all problems and tasks were dealt systematically and energetically.

The placement was very well organised. Not only was the practical experience beneficial, the file that I was given to complete complemented my placement wonderfully! I was able to keep up to date with my scientific knowledge and development and at the same time get some brilliant hands on experience of working in the pharmacy dispensary and healthcare counter.

My pharmacy tutor and the rest of the staff were able to help me wherever possible. If I ever needed help they were always there to point me in the right direction or give the appropriate advice. My pharmacy tutor was also very supportive, helping me out wherever she could during her busy schedule and sometimes making time outside working hours to help me gain the maximum knowledge and experience from this placement.

I loved working for Lloyds Pharmacy and would absolutely love the opportunity to do my Pre-registration placement with Lloyds pharmacy and hopefully continue my career with the organisation.

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I was able to live at home during this placement.

I worked in Oadby Parade, a lovely shoping area for the general public.

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