As a pharmacy professional, you face unique challenges and opportunities. Here are some key skills that can help you thrive in this dynamic role:
1.Communication and Empathy
Effective communication and empathy are essential in pharmacy practice. You must understand complex medical concepts and explain them in ways that resonate with patients’ varying levels of health literacy. To enhance this skill, I try explaining health topics to friends or family outside the healthcare field and seek their feedback on clarity. Listening to your peers during patient counselling can also provide valuable insights. I like to observe specific phrases or approaches that resonate with patients and incorporate these into my own practice.
Empathy, while often perceived as an inherent trait, is a skill that can be developed. Conveying understanding without overextending yourself is crucial to prevent burnout. When interacting with emotionally charged patients, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings. Instead of dismissing emotions with phrases like “but,” try expressing understanding by using “and” phrasing: “I understand you may feel anxious, and I want to ensure your medications are safe before you leave today. Would you like to wait or return later?”
Additionally, effective communication with colleagues and managers can foster a collaborative work environment. When faced with multiple tasks, consider saying, “You’ve given me another urgent task. Would you prefer I check this script first or assist the next customer?” This approach clarifies priorities and demonstrates your commitment to teamwork.
2. Organisation and Prioritisation
Taking just 10 minutes to plan your day can lead to significant improvements in efficiency. Use a planner or digital calendar to track meetings and deadlines. At the start of each day, create a realistic goals list to determine what you can feasibly accomplish. Prioritisation is key. When overwhelmed with tasks, take a moment to assess which are truly urgent. Ask yourself: “Does this need to be done now? Can it be scheduled for later?” I often prioritise tasks into categories: important and urgent, urgent but less important, or important but not urgent. Tasks that fall into the “not important and not urgent” category should be delegated or removed from your to-do list.
Embrace the concept of “eating the frog” first thing in the morning. I love this saying. The tale behind this phrase is, “if your only job in the world is to eat a frog every day, do it first thing in the morning”. The longer you wait and procrastinate throughout the day, the more you have that hanging over your head and the more mental space it will take up. I “eat the frog” first thing in the morning by tackling tasks that are annoying, boring and time consuming – but I know that I HAVE to have them done by the end of the day. It’s better getting larger, more predictable tasks out of the way first, rather than leaving it last minute. Otherwise, tasks can become compounded throughout the day with other more urgent tasks, and I’ll never finish my work on time if that happens.
3. Willingness to Learn
A successful pharmacy professional must have a strong willingness to learn. The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, and staying updated on new medications, technologies, and regulations is vital. The best way to keep on top of this, is by pursuing professional development opportunities, attending workshops, or engaging in online courses relevant to your practice. Be proactive in seeking feedback and mentorship from experienced colleagues. This openness not only enriches your knowledge but also builds professional relationships that can support your career growth.
4. Adaptability and problem solving
The ability to adapt quickly to new environments and problem-solve on the run is crucial for pharmacy professionals. You may find yourself in various settings, each with its own protocols and team dynamics. Embrace change and remain flexible in your approach. Being open to different workflows and team structures will enhance your effectiveness and make transitions smoother.
Develop your analytical skills by approaching issues methodically. Assess the situation, gather relevant information, consider possible solutions, and implement the best course of action. Encouraging collaborative problem-solving within your team can also lead to innovative solutions.
By honing in on these four skills, you will not only excel as a pharmacy professional but also contribute positively to the healthcare community you serve. Let us know what you think about these skills and if we’re missing any!