Building confidence through structured development

Engaging in Post-registration Foundation (PRF) credentialing has had a significant impact on my development as an early career pharmacist. The structured nature of the programme provided a clear framework for progression, helping me understand the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of an early career pharmacist. As a result, I have become more confident in my practice, particularly in relation to clinical decision-making and managing the care of increasingly complex patients. Rather than relying solely on experience gained through day-to-day work, the credentialing pathway encouraged me to actively reflect on my development, identify learning needs and take a more deliberate approach to professional growth.

Finding time for development

One of the main challenges I faced was balancing my professional development alongside service demands. While opportunities to learn existed, it was often difficult to know where to focus my efforts or how to evidence my progress. Time remains the greatest barrier to development, both for learners and for the colleagues who support them. In a busy healthcare environment, protected time for learning is difficult to secure. However, creative approaches such as incorporating development discussions into regular rotational supervisor meetings, engaging in peer learning, and contributing to existing quality improvement or service development activities as evidence for the portfolio helped make progression more manageable.

Looking beyond day-to-day clinical practice

The pathway also changed my attitude towards learning and reflective practice. I now view professional development as a continuous process rather than a box-ticking exercise. The credentialing framework encouraged me to be more proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and helped me recognise the value of reflection in improving practice. It also demonstrated the value of working within a supportive environment where ongoing professional development is actively encouraged.

Although the clinical domains are closely aligned with everyday pharmacy practice, the greatest developmental benefit has come from engagement with the leadership and management, education and research domains. These areas encourage early career pharmacists to think beyond their immediate clinical responsibilities and become involved in activities such as quality improvement, service development and teaching from an early stage in their careers. This broader perspective has not only supported my own career progression but also enables pharmacists to contribute more effectively to organisational priorities, service improvement and the future development of the profession.

The impact on my practice and career

Alongside these broader benefits, the credentialing process has had a direct impact on my clinical practice. Through structured reflection and the development of my evidence-based practice, I feel more confident and capable when assessing patients, making recommendations and contributing to multidisciplinary decision-making. Undertaking PRF credentialing has also influenced my career aspirations. The process has increased my confidence, improved my understanding of professional progression and provided greater clarity about future career opportunities. Without the confidence and self-belief, I developed through the structured support of the PRF credentialing pathway, I do not think I would have considered, let alone applied for, my current role.

By Sophie White, Specialist Rotational Pharmacist at NNUH and a Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice at UEA.

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