Benefits of Being a Pharmacist Preceptor

A preceptor is, by definition, a teacher, one who is an experienced pharmacist (or other healthcare provider). A preceptor provides supervision and instruction during clinical practice and facilitates applying clinical knowledge and skills to practice. Preceptors work with learners, like student pharmacists or pharmacy residents, to help them gain the competencies they need to provide safe, effective, and legal patient care. Preceptors help learners meet learning objectives by setting expectations and providing feedback on their performance.1

It has been noted that quality preceptors demonstrate enthusiasm in their teaching, are open to questions, and provide constructive feedback.2 Being an effective preceptor takes time, effort, and training. Some pharmacists, especially new practitioners, may feel unprepared to take on the role. However, there are many benefits to doing so, including the following:

•       Giving back to the profession: Preceptors are credited with helping learners become confident and skilled pharmacist practitioners. We all have had preceptors we remember fondly who helped shape us into the pharmacists we are today. Being a preceptor allows you to help the next generation of pharmacists grow and learn.
•       Professional growth and development: Often, preceptors are given access to continuing education and other resources to help them stay up-to-date with current practice trends and guidelines. Additionally, learners help preceptors become aware of new clinical pearls or technology since their knowledge is potentially more current.
•       Increasing access: Pharmacy learners or trainees can help pharmacists expand their reach in different practice settings. With some training, a student or resident can learn how to partake in some practice activities, like documentation or interviewing patients, that can help expand the reach of different services.
•       Enhancing job satisfaction: Being a pharmacist is both gratifying and challenging. Serving as a preceptor allows one to revive passion for health care and to reduce stress, which can reduce the risk of burnout. Evidence shows that giving support to others can be an effective way to reduce stress.3 Additionally, working with students and new practitioners can bring fresh perspectives and a renewed sense of excitement or motivation to a workplace.

So, if you’re ready to take the next step in becoming a preceptor, consider reaching out to local pharmacy schools to connect with experiential departments. You can also consult these resources to help you in your journey:

•       American Pharmacists Association preceptor resources: https://www.pharmacist.com/Practice/Practice-Resources/Preceptors
•       American Society of Health-System Pharmacists preceptor resources: https://www.ashp.org/pharmacy-practice/resource-centers/preceptor-toolkit?loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly [NK1] 

References:

1.       Faculty of Health. What is a preceptor? Dalhousie University. Accessed January 3, 2024. https://www.dal.ca/faculty/health/practice-education/for-students/what-is-a-preceptor-.html
2.       Skrabal MZ, Kahaleh AA, Nemire RE, et al. Preceptors' perspectives on benefits of precepting student pharmacists to students, preceptors, and the profession. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2006;46(5):605-612. doi:10.1331/1544-3191.46.5.605.skrabal
3.       Inagaki TK, Haltom KE, Suzuki S, et al. The neurobiology of giving versus receiving support: The role of stress-related and social reward–related neural activity. Psychosomatic medicine. 2016;78(4):443-53. doi: 10.1097/PSY.0000000000000302

by Nira Kadakia, PharmD, BCACP
Assistant Professor of Teaching in Pharmacy Practice, University of Findlay College of Pharmacy; and Clinical Pharmacist, Bon Secours Mercy Health – St. Charles Hospital