Sarah Coverdale

Job title:

Clinical Pharmacist at a Mental Health Hospital.

What degree did you study?

I studied on a four-year Pharmacy degree, MPharm, at the University of Nottingham.

What are your main duties of work?

As part of the clinical team, I work closely with consultant psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, etc. and advise on drug treatments, including doses, side effects and blood tests. I also research and answer queries from different members of staff and teach nurses about drugs.

What are your favourite aspects of the job?

I like the variety of work available to a pharmacist. After qualifying, I worked for two years as a resident pharmacist in a very busy teaching hospital, getting experience in different specialities. A lot of time was spent on the wards advising doctors and nurses and talking to patients about their medication. Most hospitals support you to study for further qualifications and I gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy. 

Pharmacists are in demand in many countries and the next step for me is to work in Australia for a year!

What kind of salary can a graduate expect to earn in this job?

The salary depends on where you choose to work. Currently, hospital pharmacists start on £22,000 to £30,000 per year and get extra payment for being 'on call' at night. With a few years experience, this rises to £30,000 to £40,000. Hospital Chief Pharmacists can earn about £60,000 per year.

How has your degree helped you?

A degree is essential for this job. Mental health is a fascinating area to work in and every day is different. I really enjoy being part of the team working to help the patients. I learn a lot from the other professions and I always feel that my contribution is valued. It's very rewarding to see patients improve.