Inside advice

It's a bit obvious but it really is the only way you get to learn anything. The people I worked with were all really nice and happy to point me in the right direction when I asked for help.

This job is all about attention to detail and no matter how hard you're concentrating it's always easier to miss something. That's why you should always double check you've done it right.

Pharmacies are fast, often demanding, places to work. People expect you to keep up - so be prepared to get stuck in!

Whenever you get a chance, take some time to learn all about where you're working. This applies especially to knowing where the different products can be found - trust me, you'll be asked this a lot!

Easier said than done I know, but the only way to get to grips with intimidating tasks like dealing with customers is by giving it a go.

It seems really simple but the amount of problems that arise from misspelled names is amazing. If you're unsure it's always worth getting customers to spell out their names so you can make sure you're writing it down correctly.

There is an unbelievable amount of information to take in, especially during the first few weeks. But rather than struggling to remember everything just make as many notes as you can.

You'll find yourself working with some really experienced Healthcare Professionals and Pharmacists, so make the most of all their knowledge and learn everything you can from them.

There are lots of different roles and areas in the pharmacy so be prepared to help out whenever you're needed.

Yes, people can be a bit frustrating and demanding at times, but that's all part of the job. Be patient, be polite and be helpful and they'll respond better to you.

There's a lot of responsibility on your shoulders, so if you're talking to customers about something and you're not sure what to tell them, always check first with the Pharmacist.

There are a lot of forms, documents and paperwork to fill in, so the sooner you get familiar with how it all works the better.

Pharmacies can be amazingly busy, so when you do get some quiet time put it to good use. Have a chat to the people you're working with when they've not got a hundred other things to think about and you can really learn a lot.

Handwritten prescriptions can be really tricky to decipher, so always ask someone more experienced to double check if you're not totally sure what's been written.

There will inevitably be times when the pharmacy is insanely busy. When that happens the people you work with will be depending on you to pull your weight, so don't let them down.

You'll find yourself having to chase people up, especially doctor's surgeries, to get various things you need. Don't be afraid to keep on their backs to make sure they don't forget to send you what you've asked for.

Your Tutor is there to help you, so be sure to get in touch with them if you've got any questions or need a bit of support or advice.

There will be a lot of abbreviations, acronyms and specialist terms flying around, so get familiar with them as soon as possible. Don't just pretend you know what everyone is talking about if you haven't got a clue!

A pharmacy is generally packed with all kinds of leaflets. Whenever you get a spare minute it's always worth having a flick through them to familiarise yourself with the products and conditions you're working with.

If there's a problem, don't just go running straight off to someone more experienced. Think about it and see if you can't come up with the right solution on your own.

Understandably there are loads of regulations, restrictions and legislation governing what you can and can't do. The sooner you get up to speed with what these are the better you'll be able to cope with customer enquiries and requests.

You'll look much sillier if you pretend you know what you're talking about than if you just hold your hands up and admit you don't know.

Nothing soothes a frustrated customer or puts a nervous one at ease better than a warm and friendly smile.

Most importantly, make the most of your placement. It really is a fantastic opportunity to get some amazing experience.