Helping students take the first step
That moment when you go from learner to practitioner. Taking the knowledge and putting the training into play. We all have been there. It takes courage to venture into an area for the first time. As one goes to school and learns everything there is that nagging fear of will I remember everything? Will I be good enough? Not only have I once been a student and experienced the transition firsthand from an intern to Pharmacist, I have seen and worked with students who are quite literally brilliant. They want to prove themselves yet they are also so scared to do just that.
The transition from student to professional can be challenging, especially for those who are just starting out in the field. That's why I believe it's so important to offer guidance and support to these new graduates as they navigate their early careers in healthcare. It is often easy to get into the mindset that you don't have time or others can mentor. However, so many of us have a unique portfolio that can help students find their potential.
Helping students believe in themselves
Remember you were once there. Looking back, it's easy for me to look back now and remember my mentors. Remember the clinical pearls and knowledge that they so freely shared. I remember them challenging me to trust in myself and encourage me to continue to push myself. I remember that sometimes they believed in me before I believed in me.
Having gone through it, you know that sometimes you need to just put one foot in front of the other and just trust in yourself that you will be able to practice medicine to the top of your potential.
Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome
One of the largest challenges that new graduates face is the fear of interacting or having discussions with providers. This is what many refer to as the imposter syndrome. This is a common phenomenon where people feel like they don't belong or that they are not capable of doing the job they've been hired to do. For many new pharmacists, this feeling of self-doubt can be overwhelming and can hinder their progress and their ability to succeed in their careers. So how does one overcome this imposter syndrome?
That's why mentorship is so important. A good mentor can provide new graduates with the guidance and support they need to develop their skills and overcome these challenges. They can help new pharmacists to understand their role as healthcare professionals and to develop the confidence they need to connect with patients and provide the best possible care.
In addition to offering guidance and support, mentorship can also provide new graduates with the opportunity to network and build connections within the healthcare industry. Having a network of colleagues and mentors can be incredibly valuable as new pharmacists navigate their careers, especially during their early years when they are just starting out.
The importance of connecting with patients
Another challenge that new graduates face is connecting with patients. For many new pharmacists, the idea of working with patients can be intimidating and overwhelming. Often students start by trying to prove their knowledge to patients. I remind students repeatedly that patients know you are smart. They need to know you care.
Students often feel like they don't have the skills or experience to provide the best care possible. However, with the right mentorship and guidance, new pharmacists can develop the confidence and skills they need to connect with patients and provide high-quality care. Mentorship is a critical component of the transition from student to professional for new pharmacists. By offering guidance, support, and networking opportunities, mentors can help new graduates to develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their careers and to provide the best possible care to their patients.
**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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