Jamila Negatu / Monday, January 22, 2018

The student pharmacist’s guide to professionalism

Professionalism in the workplace is essential in any occupation, but even more so in health care settings. However, is no uncommon for one’s professionalism to be challenged during an academic career.

The transition from undergraduate to professional school can be especially challenging. It is essential that student pharmacists develop and maintain the highest level of professional conduct throughout their academic career to promote positive career outcomes. Establishing professional habits at the start of one’s academic career—in aspects of social media, e-mail communications, and pharmacy practice experiences—prepares students to respond appropriately in an array of situations.

Social media

The era of college-aged young adults who remember life before social media platforms is quickly coming to an end. It can be a challenge for young professionals to balance attempts to attain a high level of professionalism with maintaining a social media persona. As such, it is important that users strongly consider aspects that are not private, including profile pictures.

It is suggested that students immediately modify social media settings to create the impression of a professional young adult upon admission to pharmacy school, if not sooner. Some have found benefit in restricting social media settings in such a way that media cannot be viewed unless users approve requests for connection.

Additionally, implications of connecting with colleagues on social media should be considered before accepting or making requests. What once was granted is not easily revoked.

Some students have benefited from making conscious efforts to consider content posted to social media platforms. Specific considerations include, “Is this the right method of communication,” “Is this the best forum,” and “Is this the appropriate audience?” Taking a moment to ask these questions may prevent mishaps that affect how students are perceived by their peers, educators, and current or potential employers.

E-mail communication

Effective, professional written communication skills are imperative for success in the academic setting and while learning the intricacies of high-quality patient care. Some students have benefited from following e-mail etiquette guidelines pertaining to communications with administrators,

professors, preceptors, and colleagues.

General suggestions include communicating through a university e-mail address (.edu), always using a professional greeting, and including a brief reason for the e-mail in the subject line. Emoji, emoticons, and hashtags should be avoided in e-mail communications as these detract from your professional image. It is best to use professional language. It is a professional courtesy to allow sufficient time for response from e-mail recipients—time-sensitive matters are best managed face-to-face or via telephone.

Pharmacy practice experiences

Pharmacy practice experiences expose students to a variety of practice settings and provide opportunities to attain residency or practice positions upon graduation. Student pharmacists participating in experiential learning should display professional demeanor in dress and grooming. The age-old, parent-endorsed notion to dress for the job you want, not the job you have, is sound advice and directly applicable to pharmacy practice experiences. While a preceptor may not recall specific professional attire, one is sure to recall students who presented to rotation in unprofessional dress and grooming.

Monitoring interactions with pharmacy and non-pharmacy staff is equally as important for young student professionals. Students should treat interactions with preceptors and other members of the health care team as not only an opportunity to develop and practice clinical skills, but also a time to display professionalism. Many of the aforementioned suggestions positively affect how students are perceived during experiential learning situations.

While students should start practicing professionalism early in their career, it is important to acknowledge the transition from undergraduate to professional school can pose particular challenges. Social media, e-mail communication, and pharmacy practice experiences provide ample opportunity to display professionalism. Many recommendations noted in this article empower student pharmacists to succeed and reap the assured benefit that comes with developing and maintaining professionalism in all situations.

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The student pharmacist’s guide to professionalism

Social media

E-mail communication

Pharmacy practice experiences

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