Starting your first shift as a Clinical Pharmacist in a GP surgery or primary care setting is a significant career step. Whether you’re in a locum or permanent role, adapting quickly and delivering high-quality care is key to success.
At Vela Medical Group, we connect Clinical Pharmacists with top roles across primary care. Here are five essential steps to help you make a great first impression and thrive in your new role.
1. Arrive Early & Get to Know the Team
Settling into a new practice is easier when you build good relationships from the start. Arriving early gives you time to:
- Introduce yourself to the practice manager, GPs, nurses, and admin staff.
- Familiarise yourself with consultation rooms, the dispensary, and key areas.
- Understand how prescriptions, referrals, and clinical queries are managed.
Strong teamwork is essential in primary care, so take the time to engage with colleagues.
2. Learn the Practice’s Systems & Guidelines
Every GP practice operates differently, and you may be using EMIS, SystmOne, or Vision for patient records. Make sure you:
- Check how medication reviews and prescriptions are documented.
- Understand the practice’s repeat prescribing and deprescribing policies.
- Learn how referrals, medication queries, and audits are handled.
Being comfortable with the electronic health record (EHR) system will help you work efficiently and avoid delays.
3. Clarify Your Responsibilities
Primary care Clinical Pharmacists support both patients and GPs, but roles can vary. Confirm what’s expected of you, which may include:
- Medication reviews for patients with long-term conditions.
- Managing repeat prescriptions and deprescribing where necessary.
- Handling medication queries from GPs, nurses, and patients.
- Supporting structured medication reviews (SMRs).
- Ensuring medicines optimisation and safety audits.
Knowing your specific responsibilities will help you work efficiently and avoid misunderstandings.
4. Stay Organised & Prioritise Patient Care
Primary care can be fast-paced, so staying organised and proactive is essential. Keep a notepad or digital tool handy to track:
- Key referral pathways and prescribing guidelines.
- Important patient notes or medication changes.
- Any issues that may require a follow-up discussion with GPs.
Good organisation helps you manage workload effectively while ensuring safe, high-quality care.
5. Ask for Support & Be Adaptable
Even experienced pharmacists need guidance when working in a new setting. If you’re unsure about anything, ask the right people:
- GPs and senior clinicians for clinical queries or complex cases.
- The practice manager for workflow, policies, or logistics.
- Nurses and dispensary teams for patient support processes.
Being proactive and adaptable demonstrates professionalism and helps you integrate quickly into the team.
Why Work with Vela Medical Group?
At Vela Medical Group, we specialise in matching Clinical Pharmacists with high-quality locum and permanent roles in primary care.
- Exclusive access to top Clinical Pharmacist jobs across the UK.
- Competitive pay & flexible working options.
- Hassle-free compliance & placement support.
- A trusted partner in your locum or permanent career.
Looking for Your Next Clinical Pharmacist Role?
📩 Register with Vela Medical Group today and take the next step in your pharmacy career.
