What Does a Pharmacist Job Description Say in 2021?
Pharmacists who provide locum services are essential to the pharmaceutical industry - could this be right for you? As a locum pharmacist you are employed by a pharmacy agency on a contract basis rather than being employed on a salaried basis. There are some less attractive elements, however, even though the advantages are clear to some - the ability to pick your own hours and pay. A locum pharmacist has both advantages and disadvantages that the experts at LocumCo have shortlisted for you, which will be discussed in this blog.
Diversity Locum pharmacy provides a lot of variety, which is why it's the spice of life. You get the chance to see everything by working in various settings - GPs, clinics, and hospitals. The type of drugs and dosages prescribed in each pharmacy will differ, as will the habits and processes. According to experts at LocumCo, as you build up a familiarity with each new contract, you will become more knowledgeable about the industry. You can take this approach with you to every new pharmacy you work at, delivering improvements if you apply yourself well. Many locum hiring firms like LocumCo believe that it is the pharmacists who apply the mindset of learning and development to their duration at different pharmacies that are the best locums.
Flexibility It's not unusual for people to debate the so-called 'work/life balance', where they have their way with working when, where, and how they want to be more productive and fulfilled. Since locum pharmacists already enjoy this level of flexibility, they have greater control over their own schedules, say the recruitment specialists at LocumCo. Although pharmacists are unlikely to have the option of working remotely in the near future, they can still choose their length of contract, their hours, and their location as well. There's no problem taking six weeks off to travel, working only three days a week, or seeing a new part of the city. You may only be able to gain this flexibility if you’ve built up a good network of contacts and bank of experience. Often, the competition for locums can be very intense, so while you
may be looking for the least amount of work possible there may also be times that you feel forced to work a certain amount.
Market Competitive Salary You may have heard of locum pharmacists through conversations about 'good pay'. Pay is very competitive, it's true. Keep an eye on the pharmacy's rates and decide on a fee upfront before you offer them your services. Since locum work is a profitable proposition, many salaried pharmacists choose to add some extra cash to their income by picking up some night or weekend shifts. It can be said that the high pay levels are a reflection of the position's flexibility. If there is a chance that you will not be working for the next couple of weeks, you should be paid well for a few weeks' work.
Working Long Shifts (Sometimes) There are some potential drawbacks to working on your own as a locum pharmacist. It can be difficult to establish meaningful working relationships with fellow salaried employees as well as regular patients when one keeps moving and not settling into one place for more than a year. Defending, demonstrating, and re-proving your talents can wear you out over time, which can negatively influence your overall work performance. Additionally, it is unlikely that you have trusted individuals in your life who can provide you with advice and support. Although this view might be ideal for some, it's worth keeping in mind for those seeking a more sociable and stable work environment.
Capability to Manage Things There is no HR or finance team for locum pharmacists to turn to when they have questions about payroll or administrative issues. All tax affairs with HMRC, including scheduling, billing, and billing, must be your responsibility. Performing this duty during opening hours of a pharmacy should be viewed as an additional layer to the day job. In order to be a successful locum, you have to stay on top of admin, whether you are seeking payment from an employer or planning your next six months' travel. In the absence of such action, things will quickly get messy. Nevertheless, locums have resources available to them, such as placing shifts with an agency or outsourcing financials to an accountant. You must run your services like a business and complete the necessary administration.
Going Through Technical Training In most organizations, salaried jobs are accompanied by training, at least to some degree. Providing employees with the tools and skills to perform effectively is how to ensure an organization's workforce is operating at its most productive level. Despite the fact that all pharmacies are different, you cannot expect to attend regular training courses along with salaried employees when you work as a locum pharmacist. If they were not going to invest in someone who was leaving after a certain period, why would they bother? It is, therefore, your duty as a locum pharmacist to stay current with industry development by attending training courses. There may also be a fee associated with this, so it's important to consider that as well.