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Explore: Student Assistant – Hospital Pharmacy Department
Brief description of the role
Key responsibilities and day to day tasks of the job
In my role as a Student Assistant in the Hospital Pharmacy Department, I supported the pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by helping prepare and label medications under supervision. I assisted with organizing and maintaining the pharmacy inventory, including checking stock levels and expiry dates to ensure everything was up to date. Part of my daily tasks involved supporting administrative work such as filing prescriptions, updating patient records, and managing essential documentation. I also observed the medication dispensing process and learned about important safety protocols. Additionally, I helped restock medication shelves and ensured that all medicines were stored properly. I regularly responded to requests from hospital wards and departments, making sure they received the supplies they needed on time. Keeping the pharmacy workspace clean and orderly was also a key responsibility, helping maintain hygiene standards. Throughout the experience, I attended briefings and training sessions that deepened my understanding of pharmacy procedures, patient confidentiality, and health and safety practices.
Enjoyed this the most
What I enjoyed most about my time in the Hospital Pharmacy Department was gaining a real appreciation for the vital role that pharmacy plays in patient care. It was fascinating to see how pharmacists and their teams work meticulously behind the scenes to ensure that every patient receives the correct medication, in the right dosage, and at the right time. Even though I was assisting in a supportive role, knowing that the work we were doing directly impacted patients’ health and recovery made every task feel meaningful.
I also really valued the learning environment. The pharmacists and technicians were very approachable and willing to explain things whenever I had questions, whether it was about medication preparation, safety protocols, or the importance of patient confidentiality. Each day brought new insights, and I was constantly amazed by the level of detail and care that goes into every part of the pharmacy’s operation.
Another aspect I enjoyed was the teamwork. The pharmacy department functioned like a well-oiled machine, with everyone working together to manage inventory, process prescriptions, and respond to urgent requests from hospital wards. Being part of this collaborative environment helped me improve my communication skills and showed me how important it is to work effectively as part of a healthcare team.
Overall, this experience inspired me by highlighting the responsibility and professionalism required in healthcare roles. It deepened my interest in pursuing a career where I can contribute to patient wellbeing, and it gave me a better understanding of how different parts of a hospital come together to provide quality care.
Biggest Challenge
My biggest challenges during this vacation work were
1. Adjusting to the strict protocols and high level of responsibility that come with working in a hospital pharmacy. At first, I found it a bit overwhelming to remember and follow all the safety and hygiene rules, especially around handling medications where even small mistakes could have serious consequences. I also had to get used to maintaining patient confidentiality and being very careful about how information was shared.
2. Another challenge was managing the pace of work. The pharmacy team often had to respond quickly to urgent requests from different hospital wards, and keeping up with the fast flow of tasks while ensuring accuracy was tough at times. I also found some of the technical aspects, like understanding medication names and dosages, quite complex in the beginning.
How this vacation work relates to your field of study
This vacation work was directly related to my field of study because it gave me practical insight into how the theories and concepts I learned in class apply in a real hospital setting. For example, studying pharmacology and medication management in school provided me with a solid foundation, but working in the hospital pharmacy showed me how those principles are put into practice—how medications are prepared, stored, and dispensed safely to patients.
It also helped me understand the broader role that pharmacy plays within the healthcare system, especially how pharmacists collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care. This experience bridged the gap between textbook knowledge and the realities of patient safety, inventory management, and regulatory compliance.
Overall, the vacation work deepened my understanding of the responsibilities and challenges in pharmacy, confirming my interest in pursuing a career in this field and motivating me to develop both my technical skills and professional attitude.
Skills acquired
During my time in the Hospital Pharmacy Department, I developed several important skills. Technically, I learned how to assist in the preparation and labeling of medications, manage inventory, and handle pharmacy documentation accurately. I also gained a strong understanding of medication safety protocols and the importance of maintaining patient confidentiality.
Beyond technical skills, I improved my communication by working closely with pharmacists, technicians, and other hospital staff—learning how to ask the right questions and share information clearly. I also developed better attention to detail, which is crucial when handling medications where mistakes can have serious consequences.
Time management was another key skill, as I had to balance various tasks, from restocking shelves to updating records, all while responding to urgent requests from different departments. Finally, I learned how to work effectively as part of a team in a high-pressure, professional healthcare environment, which taught me professionalism and adaptability
School subjects / tertiary courses / required certificates
Mathematics: Strong foundation for calculations and dosages.
Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics): Essential for understanding drug composition and interactions.
Biology: Important for grasping human anatomy, physiology, and how medicines affect the body.
Life Sciences: Covers biology and health-related topics relevant to pharmacy.
English: Critical for communication, reading prescriptions, and writing reports.
Tertiary Courses:
Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm): The primary degree to become a registered pharmacist.
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Sciences: Focuses on the science behind medicines, often leading to research or manufacturing roles.
Bachelor of Health Sciences (Pharmacy or Pharmacology specialisation): Offers foundational knowledge and can be a stepping stone to pharmacy studies.
Diploma in Pharmacy Assistance: For roles supporting pharmacists, like a pharmacy assistant or technician.
Kind of work environment (e.g Office based, remote, fieldwork etc)
The work environment in a hospital pharmacy is mostly office-based and clinical, taking place within the hospital’s pharmacy unit. It’s a professional setting that requires working indoors, often standing or moving around to manage medication shelves, prepare prescriptions, and handle inventory. The atmosphere is busy and fast-paced, especially when responding to urgent requests from hospital wards. There’s a strong focus on cleanliness, safety, and confidentiality, so following strict protocols is essential. While it’s not remote or fieldwork, the role involves collaborating closely with pharmacists, technicians, and other healthcare professionals to ensure smooth daily operations.
Tips for gaining vacation work experience in this field
Start early and be persistent. Hospital pharmacy placements can be competitive, so apply well in advance and don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.