Help!!

[pharm112]

Its now 5 months since I qualified. I have absolutely loved being a pharmacist n have been doing a great job I think! but lately I have started to feel like I'm losing my confidence. I wasn't like this when I stated. I'm allover sudden so scared of making mistakes. Is this a normal stage I have to go thru? Anyone ever felt the same?

[Defblade]

You will make mistakes. You have to realise that, being human, you cannot be perfect.

In the meantime, are there external factors (increase in workload, poor staffing etc etc) which is increasing the pressure you feel?

[quizbuff]

Hi
I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years and still get times when I worry if I have made mistakes or worry if a mistake is made.. The important thing to remember is we all will make mistakes and to try and learn from them and maybe think about the reasons why they have happened.. i.e workplace pressure etc etc.. Working with experienced staff also makes a massive difference, try and avoid the places which are disorganised and have inexperienced staff.. these places are usually waiting for mistakes to happen... but try and enjoy your role as pharmacist those customers who appreciate you and your help will make up for the negatives of the job..

[radiohead]

I agree with the above. Thats good advice.
The only thing I would add is that if you are feeling anxious, then, as strange as it may seem, apply yourself wholeheatedly to your work and ignore any other thoughts you might be having.
Secondly, I have always found that coming out from behind the counter and spending a few minutes with a patient can help. Most of them really like what we do, and some even encourage.
Good luck.
PS. I nearly changed carriers, I was so stressed, but now enjoy what I do for the community

[crit care]

At the end of the day we are still human, and will make mistakes! The main thing would be to learn from the mistakes and move on. the moment you start to dwell on them then you are setting yourself up for more mistakes to be made!

[El-loco]

And make sure to go to the PDA conference on 26th/27th Feb if you can.

You don't have to live in fear and take all the flak when a mistake happens - and they WILL happen.

You are not alone. Find out what is being done to help you and talk about this person-to-person with other pharmacists. I guarantee you will feel better.

[johnep]

Absolutely, I attended the first conference some years back when they worried if anyone would turn up. Now a great success and well worth going to. Remember, all costs including mileage will be claimable against tax. Comes under Training Costs etc in your accounts.
johnep

[pharm112]

Thanks very much everybody. Its absolutely true about working with experienced staff. I worked with a chap today that's a dispenser but has not done the dispensing course but the truth is he is so dedicated to his job, kept looking in the bnf at doses..imagine that?and was so meticulous...I felt really calm n on top of things. I have been doing alot of my shifts for a certain large chain of pharmacies that is so big on repeat prescription and is also big at staff shortage!!! I have decided to start reducing the no. of shifts I do for them with the aim of stopping completely at some point to work for them. Ifeel working for them has contributed to my misery.I will definately be going to the PDA conference, would be great to meet all u good people..and I also think a holiday is long over due..some sun might sort me out