Trainee wellbeing campaign returns to help manage assessment pressures

Our now well established weeklong campaign will focus on topics ranging from getting mentally prepared for the assessment, practical assessment support and becoming a fully-qualified pharmacist, through to stories from former trainees who have come through their own struggles.

From Monday 22^nd – Friday 26^th May, Pharmacist Support is running our trainee ACTNow wellbeing campaign. This now well-established weeklong campaign, aimed at people coming to the end of their training placement, will provide crucial support to help trainees get mentally prepared for the upcoming summer GPhC assessment and subsequent transition to being a registered responsible pharmacist.

Why the campaign is important

“We know just how overwhelming this period can be for trainees managing work and revision” our Chief Executive of Pharmacist Support, Danielle Hunt, said. “We understand many trainees have anxiety about the upcoming assessment and results, as well as the prospect of the weight of responsibility that comes with becoming a registered and responsible pharmacist.

“We recognise too just how challenging these past few years have been for this particular group, who have had a disrupted and uncertain pharmacy journey so far. Through this year’s campaign we aim to alleviate some of their worries and to build confidence. We want to share the stories of others who have experienced challenges in their training, but who have gone on to enjoy successful careers.

There are many pharmacy leaders now in quite prominent and high-profile positions, for example, who didn’t pass on their first or second attempts at the assessment… and they often say that it made them a better pharmacist. We’d love to get people talking more about this!

“We also want to provide support and tools that help trainees to prioritise their wellbeing during this time, that may help them better manage their stresses and anxieties around the assessment and result days. Ultimately, we hope through this campaign that our trainees feel better equipped for the journey ahead – whatever path it may be that they take.”

Thank you to our campaign partners

Thanks to the support of campaign partners Boots and Locate a Locum and Charity Partner, the PDA, across the campaign week we’ll be sharing a range of resources and activities focused on topics ranging from managing anxious thoughts, preparing for the assessment and sleep, through to getting ready for the pharmacy. In conjunction with Charity Partner the PDA, we’re also running a live Get Mentally Prepared for the Assessment Workshop.

Boots

Speaking about their support for the campaign, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, Claire Nevinson said “Pharmacists are at the heart of delivering care to patients and customers in their communities and so it’s important that we at Boots look after their wellbeing and the wellbeing of the team that support them. This is especially important for our trainee pharmacists as they take their final step and enter into the profession to play an important role as part of a wider healthcare team in community pharmacy. We are delighted to partner with Pharmacist Support to get involved in its ACTNow campaign and I encourage all Trainee Pharmacists to explore and utilize the resources now available.”

Locate a Locum

Commenting on the Locate A Locum sponsorship of the ACTNow campaign, CEO Jonathon Clarke said: “We are happy to be working with Pharmacist Support to help guide the next generation of pharmacists at the beginning of their careers. Starting your pharmacy career can feel daunting and the work Pharmacist Support do at this time to help trainees is crucial.

My advice to anyone sitting the exam is to be confident, ask questions and build relationships with your team. Best of luck to everyone sitting the exam this summer, all your hard work and dedication will be worth it.”

The PDA

Commenting on their sponsorship of the campaign, Paul Day, Director of the Pharmacists’ Defence Association (PDA) said: “The PDA is pleased to continue to support the ACTNow campaign. The intensity of learning while also working and caring for patients can present serious challenges for trainees and it is essential that their wellbeing is given the appropriate attention by the individual, and by those around them, such as their colleagues, manager and employer.”

We are absolutely delighted to be partnering with these organisations. As an independent charity this funding enables us to respond to need and develop resources targeted to the specific issues and challenges faced by each grouping in their pharmacy family. Through their support the charity is able to continue to provide free and confidential services to thousands across the sector every year.

How to get involved

We are encouraging trainees across Great Britain to sign up to the campaign, to Allow time for wellbeing, Consider the needs of others and to Take action! By doing so, you will gain access to a range of free resources and information to help you get mentally prepared for your upcoming assessment and pharmacy career.