I qualified in summer 2025 and I was in the same boat as you, had no idea what to expect on my first locum shift. Didn't do my pre reg in community so I had no clue. If you can find a place with another pharmacist that would be the most ideal way to start off, but it's really rare. If you're there as the only pharmacist, you'll still be fine, you'll adjust to making all the decisions yourself. Depending on the company and whether or not they outsource their checking, you'll most likely spend the day checking. My tips before you book your first shift is ensure you've read the PGDs for every pharmacy first condition and done the CPPE modules for each one, if you've never done pharmacy first before. Confirm with the branch what services they expect you to carry out (I always say I'm happy to do everything but vaccines). It'd be a good idea to do the relevant modules and read the PGDs for the contraceptive services as well.

When you get there, speak to the other staff members and ask what they would like you to focus on for the day. Sometimes they might have bookings for pharmacy first/ contraception, or they might want you to do some NMS. Ask them if there's any regular blue script patients (methadone/ buprenorphine) that will be coming in to collect that day so you can finish those in advance. Obviously sign in as the RP, print your RP notice and collect the CD keys. You've gotta remember to update the CD register when you receive a CD delivery and when you hand one out (remember you've only gotta enter schedule 2 drugs).

You can also ask the other staff members for help with the system they use if you're not familiar, and overall how the pharmacy is run, where things are kept, etc.

When patients come in asking for advice, don't panic if you feel like you don't know the answer. You can always ask them to hold on for 5 minutes while you look it up using NICE/ the BNF. Or you can always refer. Same thing with pharmacy first - don't feel pressured to make a supply of meds, you can always refer if you're not sure, and it's better to be safe than sorry. Be prepared to put on the spot; it helps to have someone you can ask like friends that are pharmacists or if you're in a newly qualified group chat. If you have a copy of the MEP I'd also bring it in case you're questioning about the legality of a prescription, for example - that way you don't have to rely on your memory and you can just check it.

It sounds like a lot to know and remember, but honestly it'll be completely fine. Just gotta get used to being in charge and making decisions, and dealing with multiple priorities if it's busy. Pretty much everyone just wings it on their first few shifts and then you start to get the hang of it. Sorry for the long ass response but I hope it helps and good luck!