“Alison,” congratulations on reaching a huge milestone—graduating from pharmacy school! According to the U.S. Census, only about 2% of the adult population has a doctoral degree. You and the Class of 2018 have worked so hard to achieve this. Take a moment to celebrate this great accomplishment.
And to those of you who went through the residency match process, congratulations! For those who did not match with a program, your career was meant to go in a different direction. It’s okay. I chose not to pursue a residency and have not regretted my decision. Residency just wasn’t right for me. Here are some tips for transitioning from student pharmacist to new practitioner.
Connect the dots
Studying for the NAPLEX is all about making connections within the knowledge you have gained during pharmacy school. Pick up those books off the floor and spend time each day reading and working through questions. Don’t forget about calculations. And most importantly, don’t question what you know. You have the knowledge, just connect the dots.
I, too, got licensed in two states. The most important tip I have for you is to stay organized. Do your homework to determine what you have to do for each state licensure. Make sure you plan for the costs associated with these applications. I focused on studying for my main licensure law exam first; if you try to study both at the same time, you will get confused.
Continue connecting with your patients
I really enjoyed your words describing the personal connections during your oncology APPE rotation. I think it is so important to go to work each day seeing your patients as somebody’s grandmother, uncle, sister, or dad. Treat them accordingly. Patients are not customers. Pharmacists should fiercely advocate on their behalf. Work hard to find ways to connect with your patients.
Connect with your community
Many new practitioners move to new cities after graduation. It can be hard to find friends in these new places. My best advice is to find ways to connect with your community by attending local events or joining a professional or social group. Since my pharmacy is a member of the local Chamber of Commerce, I have had the opportunity to attend monthly Chamber Afterhours events where I can network with other member businesses. I also joined the City Band, where I play my flute once a week with a diverse group of city members. This has been a great way to get away from pharmacy for a couple hours a week.
Other groups you could join are service organizations like Kiwanis or Lions, a development organization like Young Professionals, or a sports group, like a running club or adult sports league.
Stay connected to your profession
As student pharmacists, it is really easy to be active in a professional organization like APhA. As a new practitioner and pharmacist, it can be a little more difficult. The APhA New Practitioner Network (NPN) exists to help in your transition from student to pharmacist, and beyond. Follow the NPN on Facebook and Instagram. Attend the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition, your local APhA–ASP Midyear Regional Meeting, and Day of NP LIFE in Washington, DC, to reconnect with your fellow new pharmacists.
Also, don’t forget to be involved in your state association. Attend their annual meetings and make sure you get involved in advocacy efforts. Advocate for the profession by writing to your local and state representatives about the great things you are doing for your patients.
Congratulations again, “Alison” and the rest of the Class of 2018. Your pharmacy journey has just begun!
