What is It Like to Be a Hospital Pharmacy Intern?

Hello, I’’m Pharm. Osinahi E. I wish to share my journey, on what it’s like to be a hospital pharmacy intern.

So It was 8:50am, on a cold Monday morning, when I walked into the hospital pharmacy for the first day of my internship, I had a mix of excitement and nerves swirled inside me.

After years of studying pharmacy, this was my chance to put theory into practice.
I’d always heard that working as a hospital pharmacy intern was demanding but rewarding, and I was eager to experience it firsthand.

My First Few Days: Overwhelming Yet Eye-Opening

The sight of the hospital pharmacy amazed me. Rows of shelves were filled with medications of every type, organized for a quick retrieval.

My preceptor greeted me warmly and introduced me to the team.

“In a hospital pharmacy,” she explained, “it’s all about accuracy, speed, and patient safety.”

And I was like “OK!….. I can do that “ So then came my initial responsibilities which included dispensing medications, restocking inventory, and familiarizing myself with the hospital's electronic prescribing system (EPIC).

It was overwhelming at first, but I quickly realized the importance of my work. As patients depended on us to ensure they received the right medications at the right time.  

Learning the Importance of Collaboration

So one thing I hadn’t anticipated was the level of teamwork required.

Unlike the community pharmacy, hospital pharmacists work closely with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

 During my first week shift, I shadowed a senior pharmacist during rounds in the ICU, where I observed her reviewing patient charts and recommending adjustments to medication regimens.

It was inspiring to see how much impact we pharmacist can have on patient care.
I learned that hospital pharmacy isn’t just about filling prescriptions—it’s about active problem-solving, clinical expertise, and collaboration.  

Challenges of Being a Female Intern in a Hospital Pharmacy

As a female intern, I surely, did encountered my fair share of challenges, not in a bad way… duo, Balancing confidence and humility was tricky.

In a high-pressure environment like hospital where i work, I had to learn how to assert myself while respecting the expertise of others.

There were moments when I felt underestimated or doubted, but I used these instances as motivation to prove my capabilities.

One of my memorable moment was when a nurse questioned my dosage calculation for a pediatric patient.
I double-checked my work and confidently presented the evidence supporting my recommendation.

Later, the nurse thanked me, and that small validation felt like a huge victory.  

Finding My Rhythm

By the second month or there-about, I found my footing. I became more comfortable in counseling patients, especially in the discharge process (Out-Patients). 

Many patients were overwhelmed when leaving the hospital, so explaining how to properly use their medications—especially for conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or post-surgical pain—became one of my favorite parts of the job...

Hello ... Am a lady, sometimes the mother instinct in me, activates for sure I also gained exposure to specialized areas of pharmacy, such as oncology and cardiology.

That reminds me, I’ll never forget the first time I prepared chemotherapy medications in the sterile compounding room. It was nerve-wracking but deeply satisfying to know I was contributing to a patient’s fight against cancer.  

My Work-Life Balance: A Lesson in Resilience

Hospital pharmacy internships are demanding. Shifts were long, and balancing work, study, and my personal life was tough.

There were days I doubted myself, wondering if I was cut out for the profession. But with each challenge, I grew stronger.

My preceptors often reminded me that resilience and adaptability were key traits for any successful pharmacist.  

Moments That Make It Worthwhile

The most rewarding aspect of my internship was seeing the direct impact of my work on patient outcomes.

I’ll never forget the elderly woman who held my hand after I explained her medications, saying,

“You’re an angel. I finally understand what to do.”

Each time I helped a patient avoid complications or resolved a medication error, I felt a sense of purpose that reaffirmed my decision to pursue pharmacy.  

Key Lessons from My Internship Journey

• Teamwork is Essential: Working in a hospital pharmacy means constant collaboration with healthcare professionals.
  
  
• Attention to Detail Saves Lives: Even the smallest error in medication can have serious consequences.
  
  
• Adaptability Is Key: Every day brings new challenges, and being flexible is crucial.
  
  
• Patient-Centered Care Matters: Taking the time to explain medications makes a world of difference for patients.

So to anyone considering a career in hospital pharmacy, I’d say this: it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the most rewarding paths you can take.

You’ll grow in ways you never imagined and play a critical role in improving patients’ lives.

Hope my journey, inspired some pharmacists, as it serves as a reminder of the meaningful impact we can have in healthcare.