Having students and mentoring is a very rewarding experience both both the student and mentor.
It is fun to learn the personality and interests of each student. Remembering that we were all beginners at one point and at one time someone helped us. The career world can be difficult to navigate in the beginning. I am here to encourage everyone to mentor and be a supporter to those learners as they are entering into their careers.
As a Pharmacist, one of the roles that I have is being a preceptor. This is where I have student Pharmacists that are with me for 6 weeks. (The final year of Pharmacy School consists of 6-7 rotations within various areas or disciplines of Pharmacy. Each rotation is 6 weeks long).
I encourage students to utilize that final year to watch all of their preceptors and decide how they want to practice. I am a true believer on no matter where you practice, you can put your own stamp or imprint on things there. I remember when I was a student, one of my preceptors truly impressed me by taking any amount of time needed, despite being in a busy retail pharmacy, to make sure each and every patient knew she cared. I tried to take what I had observed and utilized it in my practice.
Students first instinct is often to show their knowledge. I stress to them that our patients know that you are smart. Patients need to know you care.
In the 6 weeks students spend with me, they learn how to interact with both Providers and Patients. They put into practice all of the education and learning that have had up until that point. This has given me an opportunity to help give them direction as they pursue their various Pharmacy careers.
As a mentor..
lead by example: they are watching and picking up tips on how they want to practice and work in the future.
encourage growth: always encourage continued learning
be a listening ear and help to give encouragement
Students will get out of the rotation what they put in. To get the most out of a rotation, Students should...
become acquainted with the most up to date guidelines
be on time
be professional
continue to work hard
be eager to learn
**Please take note, my views are my own and are not associated or representative of my employer(s). This website and its associated platforms are for education purposes only and not medical advice.
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