Advice & Insight From Pre-Registration Recruitment Exam Specialists
The fifth set of attributes for pharmacists laid out in the professional framework in the UK involves Multi-Professional Working & Leadership. This is a diverse range of attributes which cover all aspects of working alongside, and on behalf of, others. Much as you should respect patients and put them first, so too should you respect those that you work with and do your best to help them in their work and learning.
Team working questions are a common part of the situational judgement test, and will rely on the attributes detailed on this guide as well as your communication skills, decision making, etc. Common questions or themes might include: supporting a colleague who appears to be facing difficulties in their personal life; dealing appropriately with a colleague who isn’t conforming to the level of professionalism expected of them; working to resolve a dispute between two colleagues; or helping a colleague who’s unable to deal with their workload.
A typical question might see another pre-reg pharmacist, who you know relatively well, approach you whilst you’re having lunch. They sit down and explain to you that they’ve recently begun to feel that they’re struggling with their workload, and are unable to balance learning for assessments, dealing with their typical workload, and having to organise learning opportunities for students as well. With a question like this, you should look to demonstrate empathy and that you are willing to work on your relationship with the colleague – so an initial option should be one that explores the issue with them directly in a compassionate manner. Next options should show a willingness to provide assistance – this should be done in an appropriate manner, so asking them how you can help, for example, or accompanying them to a meeting with a tutor, would be sensible options. Options that show less empathy – like discussing the issue with their tutor without telling them, or telling others about their issues – would be seen negatively.
Learn the best Pre-Reg Oriel strategies and practice with reflective questions & worked solutions.
5.1 Understands, values and respects all roles (including their own) within the immediate and wider team, as well as team members’ skill sets and knowledge
Always make sure to include other team members as appropriate, and to show an awareness of how valuable others’ input – be they nurses, physios, or other AHPs – can be.
5.2 Willing and able to facilitate others’ learning through sharing own knowledge/experience and/or supporting others when learning
You should support others as appropriate, but only (in the context of the SJT) if it does not impede on your own work. Typically if someone else is struggling with their workload, you are better selecting options that see them deal with it (e.g. helping them book a meeting with a tutor) than taking on their workload, as the latter option doesn’t solve the problem.
5.3 Builds and maintains meaningful and trusting relationships with team members and other health and social care professionals outside of the immediate team (NHS Values 1)
The core part here is that you should value all professionals both inside your team and outside – which means that options focused on members further from your working environment may be correct as well.
5.4 Demonstrates an awareness of other team members’ workloads and pressures and adapts their interactions accordingly
As above, you should be empathetic and supportive, but look to solve the root problem rather than simply take over others’ work for them.
5.5 Works collaboratively; provides assistance, support and guidance to other members of the team for the benefit of the person receiving care (NHS Values 1)
The key takeaway here is that teamwork is still focused on the patient – you are looking to work efficiently and in an empathetic manner with others to benefit those that you have a duty of care for. Therefore you must prioritise patients and their safety.
5.6 Provides constructive feedback for both individual development and continuous improvement (NHS Values 5)
If options are presented that allow you to help others develop, they should typically rank highly.
5.7 Motivates and leads others; acts as a role model
This should be evident and isn’t of huge importance for the SJT.
5.8 Demonstrates willingness and ability to actively learn from others
This attribute is worth bearing in mind for the SJT, as you may well have an option that (for example) sees you set aside some of your personal time to learn a new skill from a colleague.
5.9 Demonstrates an awareness of the available resources within the team and makes use of these through appropriate
This ties in with decision-making; you should avoid contributing to your team members feeling overworked and burnt out, whilst maintaining a focus on your own mental and physical health. Leadership and communication skills should be used to direct team resources appropriately.
