The intern has been hired by the pharmacy as an employee, and is expected to meet the requirements of the employer. The intern, while acting as a pharmacy employee, is given special status by the State Board of Pharmacy through the issuance of the intern certificate. This certificate gives the licensed intern certain privileges not available to other pharmacy employees. These privileges to work in the prescription department under the supervision of the preceptor give the intern the opportunity to apply knowledge gained in the classroom to the actual practice of pharmacy.

The intern and preceptor should work together to provide an optimal practical experience for the intern. The Practical Experience Application / Affidavit should be completed and signed by intern and preceptor prior to the experience. The guidelines below should be reviewed at the start of the internship period in order to promote an understanding of what is to be accomplished during the period the intern works in the pharmacy.

The intern and preceptor will be required to complete a final report outlining hours worked and experience gained. The preceptor is required to verify the information and is encouraged to offer written comments to the intern and the board.

1. Introduction of Intern to General Work Setting. The intern should be familiarized with various aspects of the pharmacy operation.
   1. Tour of facility and introduction to other employees.
   2. Review of history and facts about the pharmacy
   3. Personnel Policies to include: work hours, expected grooming and dress, and relationship to other employees.
   4. Professional Conduct to include: patient confidentiality, relationship with other health professionals, legal status of intern.
   5. Work to be done by intern outside professional area.
2. Introduction of Intern to Pharmacy Department. The intern will be expected to gain knowledge of the pharmacy department through practical experience.
   1. Security of Pharmacy Department and authorized personnel.
   2. Professional Responsibilities to include: telephone prescriptions, controlled substance security, functions of support persons in pharmacy.
   3. Stock arrangement, Inventory control, and Ordering procedures.
3. Introduction To Dispensing Procedures. The intern will be informed of procedures and legalities of handling prescription orders.
   1. Receipt of prescriptions.
   2. Interpreting prescription orders and use of drug profiles.
   3. Information required on prescription orders.
   4. Preparation of prescription labels.
   5. Requirement for preceptor to check all completed prescriptions.
   6. Dispensing prescription to patient and consultation.
   7. Record keeping requirements and third party procedures
4. Introduction To Other Pharmacist Opportunities/Responsibilities. The intern will be informed of the role of the pharmacist as a consultant to the consumer and other health professionals.
   1. Over-the-counter Products.
   2. Health Aids.
   3. Relationships with Allied Health Professions.
   4. Nursing Home  /Hospital Consultant Functions.
5. Other Topics.
   1. General Store Operation.
   2. Civic Activities

1. The intern must exhibit a professional appearance in manner and dress. The intern must adhere at all times to the standards of dress and behavior specified by the employer.
2. The intern must wear a name badge at all times. This is a requirement of the State Board of Pharmacy.
3. The intern shall regard all information and activities relating to the pharmacy, the medical community and customers to be confidential and, under no circumstances will such knowledge be revealed to anyone else.
4. The intern must keep in mind that the primary aim of internship is learning. Learning is not a passive process, but requires a continuing, active commitment.
5. The intern should recognize that the best learning environment is one that fosters mutual respect and courtesy between the intern and preceptor.
6. The intern should never question the advice or directions of the preceptor in public, but should discuss any disagreement in private. Criticism should not be viewed as personal, but rather accepted as a means of learning.
7. The intern should never be hesitant to admit that something is not known, and should seek help whenever needed.
8. An intern should be aware of all laws and rules which govern his practice, and should seek clarification of any points which are not clear.
9. If the intern is regularly asked to violate state or federal laws or has knowledge that the pharmacy where employed violates such laws, the Board of Pharmacy is to be notified in compliance with ARSD 20:51:16:05(05).
10. The intern will promptly report any changes in preceptor or work sites on the Practical Experience Application / Affidavit.
11. The intern shall send to the Board of Pharmacy a Progress Report of Internship within five days of the end of the internship period.