Could I be sent to any location for my placement? If I don’t like where I have been placed can I change?

APPEL will endeavour to arrange a placement close to your stated location preference. Please remember that it may not be possible to arrange a placement to suit everyone’s location preference. You will be provided with a choice of possible placements for your longer 4th and 5th-year placements, but this is not feasible for these short 2nd-year placements. Changes to this placement are only possible in exceptional circumstances and no changes can be made without the prior approval of your Practice Educator.

Can I go back to my 2nd-year placement for later APPEL placements if I get on well there?

You are allowed to undertake your 4th-year or 5th-year placement (but not both) in the same pharmacy where you attended the 2nd-year placement.  However, APPEL cannot guarantee that such an arrangement can be made.  You may engage in part-time, holiday and/or summer work experience with the 2nd-year Training Establishment, but such arrangements are between you and the Training Establishment.

What if I make a mistake?

You are on this placement to learn and are required to be supervised. You should alert your Supervisor immediately if you believe that you have made a mistake.  Do not be afraid to admit that you have made a mistake, or that you think you may have made a mistake.

What if I feel that my supervisor doesn’t let me do anything / enough?

Remember to discuss and to plan your learning activities with your Supervisor. If your Supervisor does not allow you to engage in the activities right away, make the most of your time and be patient.  You will still gain important experience by observing the pharmacy’s operations and engaging with the team. If the situation persists after several days, discuss the issue with your Practice Educator.