Transitioning From Student to Resident

One of the benefits of completing a residency is to be able to hone your skills and build your independence as a pharmacist. However, the transition from student pharmacist to resident is both an exciting and overwhelming process when starting this new chapter in your pharmacy career. As a resident, you will be able to apply the knowledge and skills you gained throughout your time in pharmacy school.

An American Society of Health-System Pharmacists–accredited Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY-1) residency at Dayton Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Ohio was my residency of choice. PGY-1 residencies have 4 competency areas—patient care, practice advancement, leadership, and teaching and education—each with goals strategically aligned to help programs map learning experiences. As you transition through a PGY-1 residency year, you will gain additional training and independence in a multitude of practice areas.

To provide insight and support throughout your journey, this article includes suggestions based on my experience as a PGY-1 pharmacy resident.

Learning Experiences and Rotations

There are similarities between advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) and residency learning experiences, one of which is the structure of rotations. Many residency programs follow a monthly schedule, much like most APPEs, although this can be 6 weeks long or longitudinal. With the start of each new learning experience, the interaction between preceptor and resident should be bidirectional (ie, you share your expectations with each preceptor

when they share their expectations). This communication helps you plan for the activities and timelines expected and facilitates a successful experience. The shift to independence then becomes a mutually shared one, with each party having its own responsibility, and less startling.

The clinical experiences and major projects will often be prioritized during the rotation. There is typically a monthly project, such as a journal club or presentation that is pertinent to the rotation you are on. One common expectation I had in residency projects was that the topic or findings would impact my practice or change patient care. Being intentional and identifying the clinical significance of the projects will strengthen your final projects and your clinical skills. Consistent reflection on your progress will help guide you in
residency and throughout your pharmacy career. Reflect on what went well, what you enjoyed about the rotation, feedback from your preceptors, and what you hope to gain from your residency rotation.

Well-Being Strategies

As residency poses new challenges, I found it beneficial to use several strategies based on positive habits.

The first strategy that will ease the transition is time management. One way to start applying this strategy is by outlining your rotation using a monthly calendar. Add assignments that have structured due dates, such as topic discussions, projects, and meetings. Then, fill in any longitudinal activities and discuss them with your preceptors so you can work together to ensure you have reasonable time to complete all assignments. Additionally, you can add the expectations of your independence so you can track your progress as well. The calendar
method can be used with online platforms, planners, or any other form that allows for tasks to be tracked. I have found that having a physical calendar on my desk has helped me most to keep track of my assignments and progress.

Another strategy that has helped with the transition is to take notes. My notes have ranged from procedures to patient discussion points. If you are completing your residency at a site where you have not had any experience, the learning curve with its electronic health record system and procedures can be a challenge at first. Taking notes while you are observing your preceptor or locating facility resources could provide a good reference for how to complete tasks such as documenting patient encounters and processing medication orders. Keep the notes in the most accessible and reasonable format, whether that is a notebook or a computer document.

One final strategy to use during the transition period and throughout residency is to ask for feedback. Asking for feedback will not only help you reflect on your progress but also guide your pharmacy skills. It is especially helpful during your longitudinal activities, as you may not return to those tasks as frequently and may be at risk of forgetting recommendations. Focusing on building good habits to help manage your time, tasks, and progress will help to ensure success.

Building Connections

The final recommendation is related to an often-overlooked aspect of residency: adapting to workplace culture. Just as friends or study groups can be a positive resource in pharmacy school, making connections throughout your residency will enhance the experience. If applicable, your fellow residents are a great source of support. Sharing experiences, tips, and notes can help limit the frustration that may arise and build a stronger sense of camaraderie. Be on the lookout for celebrations or team-building activities at your program site. My coresidents and I would plan lunch together on the day our program site had food trucks available. The experience helped grow our appreciation for one another and our connection to the community. Continuing professional organization involvement will also be beneficial, as most have resources to help with residency and postresidency activities. Building a community for support during residency is instrumental in the transition from student to resident.

This next step in your pharmacy career will have its own challenges, but reflection and planning will be instrumental in managing the transition. Remember that you have been continuously developing your pharmacy skills throughout pharmacy school, and residency will further guide you toward independent practice. There will be something to gain from each experience, even if it is challenging in that moment. Prepare, connect, and reflect to make your upcoming transition from student to resident as smooth and efficient as it can be.