Elise’s journey as a Trainee Pharmacist at Boots
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
Various members of my family work in the healthcare sector and because of that I have always admired a career in a field where patients and health are at the centre. Growing up with that influence, I became interested in healthcare and wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. Around the age of 15, I developed a particular interest in cosmetics and skin health, which sparked my curiosity about how science can improve wellbeing. When it came time to choose my degree, I settled on pharmacy because I found it both interesting and versatile. With pharmacy, I am able to combine my passion for science with the opportunity to help patients directly by ensuring they receive the correct medications and understand how to use them safely. I am motivated by the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives and be part of a trusted healthcare profession.
Can you describe a typical day in your role as a Trainee Pharmacist?
A typical day can range between a variety of areas. From prescription management, which can consist of clinically and accuracy checking prescriptions under my supervisor’s guidance, to identifying drug interactions and suggesting alternative medication. I also get the opportunity to contact prescribers about dose discrepancies or the appropriateness of a patient’s medication. I interact with patients each day by having over the counter (OTC) and Pharmacy First consultations, as well as carrying out the New Medicines Service (NMS) that are all under the direct supervision of a Pharmacist. I also support the overall running of the pharmacy by managing stock, dispensing, controlled drug balances and many more. This is just a brief picture of what a day can look like as a trainee, however the great thing about working in community pharmacy is that no two days are ever the same.
What skills have you developed since starting your role?
Diagnostic skills: Working in community allows you to perfect your OTC knowledge. At Boots there are various tools such as WWHAM (Who, What, How long, Action, and Medication) and CARE that help you to decide what is the best medication to safely provide for your patient.
Communication skills: As a Pharmacist, communication is vital for helping you to complete tasks effectively and by working at Boots you can develop these skills with your team, patients or other health professionals. As a
Trainee Pharmacist I have been able to learn how to adapt accordingly depending on the circumstance.
Leadership skills: As my confidence grew, I was encouraged by my supervisor and Store Manager to help lead the team, particularly during days where we wouldn’t have our usual Pharmacist in store. This meant that I would help direct the course of the day whether that be prioritising tasks or services.
Clinical skills: My clinical knowledge has improved massively since being a Trainee Pharmacist as you can be thrown into all sorts of situations. From patients asking about end of life care, to women’s health, you will always get the opportunity to speak to people about a variety of different conditions. Although at first this can be daunting, it really is the best way to broaden your knowledge especially whilst you have so many people to lean on for support.
How does Boots support you in your training journey?
Boots provides 7.5 hours of dedicated study time each week, which I find exceptionally generous and truly appreciate. Additionally, they organise off-site study days in collaboration with Healthcare Academy Trainers (HATs) and fellow trainees, fostering a supportive learning environment. These sessions include engaging activities such as case studies, quizzes and even opportunities to interact with service users offering valuable insights into their experiences. To further enhance our learning, Boots offer access to a range of resources including Boots Learning, Stockley’s Drug Interactions and Pharmacy Unscripted. They also contribute towards the cost of Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) membership supporting our professional development.
How do you balance work, study, and personal life?
Having dedicated study days and allocated study time each week really made the difference to my year as a Trainee Pharmacist. It allowed me to structure my revision more effectively which ensured I stayed on top of my learning without feeling overwhelmed. Balancing personal time can be challenging but having two days off each week gives me the opportunity to unwind and recharge.
What’s something you wish you’d known before starting this role?
Looking back, I wish I had known just how challenging this year would be – it’s a big shift from university life. But despite the challenges, I can confidently say that starting my career at Boots was the right choice. Not only is the support amazing but the company constantly put patient care at the forefront of everything we do, and it is this that has helped to build Boots’ reputation as a trusted community pharmacy.
What opportunities are you most excited about as you continue your career?
Progressing as a Boots Pharmacist as I gain more experience and hopefully delving into other sectors as a Pharmacist. Whether that be working in head office to be involved with policy making or getting travel vaccine trained so I can expand my career. I also look forward to starting my Independent Prescribing journey which will allow me to broaden my clinical expertise and grow as a medical professional.
