This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at RCSI chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Starting placement is one of those things that sounds exciting yet terrifying at the same time. You spend so much time imagining how it’ll go – Will I know enough? Will I mess up? Will I be awkward? And then suddenly, it’s day one and you’re standing behind the pharmacy counter wondering how you got here so fast.
I’ve just finished my first week of placement at a community pharmacy, and honestly? It’s been such a positive experience. Here’s what I learned, both professionally and personally, during my very first week.
- Placement is a learning space, not a test
One of the biggest things I learned straight away is that placement isn’t about already knowing everything. It’s about learning on the job. At the pharmacy, there’s always something new happening: Different patients, different medicines, different problems to solve. I quickly realised that it’s completely normal to ask questions, even if the answer appears obvious. Asking questions isn’t a weakness – it’s how you make sure the job is done correctly. In healthcare, it’s far more important to get something right than to rush just to say it’s done. The pharmacists and staff would much rather explain something twice than risk a mistake, and that really changed how I viewed asking for help.
- Community pharmacy is busier and more fun than I expected
I’ll be honest, I expected community pharmacy to be quite routine. Same tasks, same processes, same pace every day. I was very wrong.
I was placed in a pharmacy that’s in the city center, and it is SO busy. While it can be overwhelming at times, it’s also what makes it fun. There’s always something happening, from over-the-counter consultations to dispensing for chronic conditions like diabetes. I loved seeing how many different medicines patients rely on and how important accuracy and communication are. Busy doesn’t mean chaotic – if anything it means you’re constantly learning.
- OTC work teaches you real life pharmacy skills
I didn’t realize how much I’d love working over the counter. Helping patients choose the right products, asking the right questions, and making sure they understand how to use their medications really showed me how important pharmacists are on the front line of healthcare.
It also made me more confident in speaking to patients, especially when explaining how and when to take medicines. One of my favorite moments was being asked to explain medication instructions to patients who didn’t speak English and only spoke Arabic. It reminded me how valuable communication skills and cultural awareness are in healthcare.
- Your body will feel it, and that’s okay
Let’s be real, standing all day is no joke. Between date checking, stocking shelves, and running around the pharmacy, my back was definitely feeling it by the end of the week. But it also made me appreciate how physically tiring pharmacy work can be – and how much effort goes on behind the scenes that patients don’t always see. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable when on placement.
- The people you work with make all the difference
I can’t stress this enough, but the people you work with can make or break your experience. I’ve been lucky enough to work with a team that’s genuinely kind, supportive, and patient. Having people who are willing to explain things, check in on you, and encourage you makes such a difference – especially when you’re new and still finding your feet.
- Preparation matters more than you think
A few practical things I learned quickly
- Plan your outfits ahead of time: sounds small, but saves so much time in the morning
- Show up early: it gives you time to settle in, ask questions, and start the day calmly.
- Be proactive: if you finish a task, ask what else you can help with
These are little habits that make you feel more confident and professional, even if you’re still learning.
After my first week, I can honestly say I’m beyond happy with my placement experience so far. It’s been busy, challenging, and sometimes tiring – but also incredibly rewarding.
Placement isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, being curious, asking questions, and learning as much as you can. If you’re nervous about starting yours, trust me you’ll find your rhythm faster than you think. And remember, everyone was new once, and every expert started as a learner.