Firstly, congratulations! Qualifying as an Independent Prescriber is a huge achievement and an exciting step in your pharmacy career. Once you’ve had the chance to celebrate, there are a few important things to do before you can start prescribing in practice.
Here’s a quick guide to your next steps:
- Your university will confirm your qualification with the GPhC.
- Contact the GPhC to arrange your Independent Prescriber annotation and pay the relevant fee.
- Get in touch with the Community Pharmacy Lead at your NHS Board. They will advise you on local processes and governance requirements, as well as arrange for your prescription pads to be ordered. Prescription pads are printed on a six-week cycle for new prescribers, so depending on where your request falls within that cycle, they can take up to eight weeks to arrive. We know you’ll be keen to get started, but unfortunately there is currently no quicker route.
- Complete your local Board sign-off process. Each NHS Board has its own arrangements and requirements, which form part of the Board’s governance of the service. This must be completed before you can begin delivering the service.
- Let the relevant people in your pharmacy know you’ve qualified so that any necessary arrangements can get underway. If your pharmacy does not already provide the prescribing service, it will also need to complete the relevant service registration before you can begin prescribing.
Looking Ahead
Getting the paperwork and governance requirements completed is one thing, but many newly qualified Independent Prescribers tell us the biggest question is what life as an IP actually looks like in practice.
If you’re looking for reassurance, practical advice and the opportunity to hear from pharmacists who have already made the journey, join us for Scripts & Slices on Tuesday 28 July at 7.00pm.
This informal online session brings together experienced Independent Prescribing pharmacists who will share their experiences, offer honest reflections on their first months as prescribers and provide practical advice to help you feel confident as you prepare for this next stage of your career.
The evening will cover:
- What the transition to Independent Prescriber status looks like in practice.
- Common challenges and opportunities for newly qualified IPs.
- The support and resources available.
- Professional indemnity, insurance and legislative considerations.
- Practical advice from pharmacists who have already made the journey.
There will also be plenty of opportunity to ask questions in a friendly and supportive environment, gain reassurance about the role and hear how other pharmacists balance prescribing responsibilities with day-to-day practice.
Whether you’re feeling excited, curious or a little apprehensive, Scripts & Slices is a great opportunity to gain practical insights, build your confidence and connect with others who are at the same stage of their prescribing journey.
