I had newly graduated from university after completing the MPharm course and I was enthusiastic to put what I had learned into practice during my foundation training year. I would like to liken this enthusiasm to a brightly burning candle that was extinguished within a few months of placement during my trainee year.
My excitement for the next steps of my pharmacy journey quickly disappeared when I realised that the environment I was working in was unsupportive and unkind. I had opportunities that would have enhanced my learning actively hindered and was I demeaned whenever possible. Although I am self-motivated by nature, the unpleasant working environment weighed heavily on my mind. Staying in such a place was not only diminishing my self-esteem but abolishing any chance I had of completing the foundation training year successfully. I felt despondent, lost, and unsure of what to do.
Support from the PDA
I decided to contact the PDA who kindly assigned a PDA Union Representative to take on my case. This representative was empathetic and knowledgeable, guiding me on what I could do and how I could change my placement. This included answering a multitude of emails and phone calls, in an efficient and timely manner, as well as explaining procedures that should take place and deadlines by which they should be achieved in order to create the smoothest transition to a different pharmacy placement provider.
I cannot recommend the PDA more highly. Please contact the PDA Member Support Centre in your hour of need however small or large, they will make a profoundly positive difference to the situation you are facing.
By an anonymous trainee pharmacist
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