How to Survive Your First APPE Rotation

Nadia
Oct 15
3 min read

Transitioning from the classroom to your first rotation site is a significant milestone.

First off, congratulations on making it this far in your pharmacy career. 🎉 That’s huge.

Secondly, I know you’ve probably done rotations before—maybe over winter or summer breaks—but this is different. As a fourth-year pharmacy student, rotations are your life for the next 11 to 12 months.

The good news?

No more exams (unless your school gives you weekly RxPrep quizzes like mine did 🙃).
No more OSCEs with hypothetical patients.

Now, you actually get to see real patients, in real time, alongside your preceptor.

And though this may seem exciting, it can also feel overwhelming at first. However, with time, experience (each APPE you complete), and this guide to surviving your first APPE rotation, it will get easier.

So here is your recipe for success for your first rotation as a fourth-year pharmacy student.

1. Get There Early (and Always Be on Time)

Preceptors expect punctuality. So, get to the rotation site early on your first day. This will give you ample time to figure out parking and map out how to get where you need to be.

This is crucial, especially if you’re working in a large hospital or at a health care system you are unfamiliar with.

I remember my first time at my cardiovascular rotation site; there were so many hallways and elevators (purple, yellow, red). It was very confusing trying to figure out where I needed to be and how to get there. I got lost several times! But by being early, I still managed to make it on time every time.

And always, be on time. If something happens, communicate with your preceptor. Life happens, and that’s okay, but don’t make being late a habit.

👉 Pro tip: If you know being on time is not your specialty or you just really love sleeping in (Like me), set yourself up for success the night before. Pack your bag, make your lunch, lay your clothes out. Do whatever you need to do to make your mornings easier.

2. Get to Know Your Preceptor’s Expectations

Day one usually comes with a syllabus or at least a breakdown of what you’ll be doing for the next four to six weeks. Take that time to really understand what your preceptor expects from you by asking questions.

When you’re given an assignment, clarify what exactly your preceptor is looking for.

👉 Pro tip: If your preceptor does not give you a rubric, show them examples of your previous work (journal clubs, patient cases, topic discussions) to ensure you are meeting their criteria. This way, they can tell you what should be included or removed before the assignment is due.

3. Stay Fueled

Bring snacks. Bring water.

Some rotations have long shifts, or you might have to take a later lunch because of rounds or meetings.

Being prepared with drinks and protein bars will keep your energy up and your brain sharp.

4. Manage Your Time Wisely

Assignments pile up fast: topic discussions, journal clubs, patient cases. Make sure you know the due dates and that you are completing assignments on time.

👉 Pro tip: If your preceptor gives you an assignment verbally, write it down. It’s too easy to forget otherwise.

You can use a digital or paper planner to take inventory of all assignments. Be sure to set reminders for yourself for anything upcoming.

5. Don’t Be Hard on Yourself

Remember—you’re still learning.

Sometimes clinical practice is different from what we learn in school. If you don’t know the answer to something, be honest and follow up with the answer later (email or in person).

And if you do know the answer—speak up! Preceptors and other clinicians admire when students can answer clinical questions or if they at least try to do so.

Bonus Tips

✨ For topic discussions, know your topic thoroughly. Don’t just memorize your PowerPoint. Preceptors expect you to understand the disease state you researched and be able to answer follow-up questions.

✨ Follow up with the whole group. If clinical staff ask you something during a presentation and you don’t know, follow up later with everyone, not just the person who asked.

✨ Ask for extensions if needed. Sometimes multiple assignments hit at once. If you need more time, ask. Don’t abuse it, but the worst they can say is “no.”