Consistent with ASHP guidelines, each resident is required to complete a pharmacy practice component of the residency program. Often referred to as "staffing," the practice component is crucial to the development of professional practice skills and of pharmacy practice distribution skills.

With this experience, residents will gain proficiency in distribution skills, incorporation of clinical services and development of personnel management skills. They also will develop insight into the operations, policies and procedures of acute care facilities. The guidelines for the Pharmacy Practice Component are:

• Each resident is expected to practice as a pharmacist in a designated area throughout the residency year.
• PGY1 residents are required to staff every other weekend.
• The weekend practice experience options include A) Weinberg- Oncology/Surgery; B) Pediatrics; and C) Adult Medicine, Emergency and Surgery. 
• Residents are assigned to an area, attempting to match the area and the resident's interests.
• Residents, as members of the professional staff of the Pharmacy Department, are expected to assist with holiday coverage during the residency year. Residents are expected to cover one winter holiday shift (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day) and one minor holiday shift (Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day) during the residency year. Every effort will be made to accommodate a resident's preference for the specific holiday assignment. The final day and shift for major or minor holidays will be mutually agreed upon with the area manager.
• Residents may choose to cover additional pharmacist shifts and will be compensated at a pharmacist rate. Residents are reminded that the primary objective of the residency year relates to the residency a objectives. Achievement of these objectives should not be hindered by other activities.

Pharmacy managers for the assigned practice areas serve as preceptors for the practice (staffing) rotation. Evaluations of residents' performance in this component of the program are completed quarterly during the residency year. Residents are expected to complete an evaluation of the staffing component and offer suggestions for improvement of operational procedures.