Working in a leading pharmacy chain or in a respected independent one??

[Spartanriot]

Dear all

I am a qualified pharmacist and registered with the RPSGB.
I am an overseas pharmacist though without any experience in the UK.

I have received some emails for potential roles in the UK and briefly they are:

Working as a relief pharmacist in a leading pharmacy chain probably based near a big city but with a contract of two years and have to pay around 4000 pound in the case of leaving. They are offering a very good training program for overseas pharmacists, relocation costs and also programs for developing your career.

Working as a relief pharmacist in a respected independent pharmacy chain based near a bit city probably without any contract. I have not received yet the "package" of benefits offered by that company. It was suggested to me by a highly respected as well recruitment company.

Working in a pharmacy based in one of the biggest supermarket chains in the UK and offering a training program for overseas pharmacists. I have not received yet the "package" of benefits offered by that company. I think they are going to require a contract but I am not sure.

Obviously knowing the benefits offered by each company would be better in order to compare but I will soon know about that.

I would like though to ask about the pros and cons for working in an independent pharmacy chain or in a multiple one.

I would like to find a job as a pharmacist in the UK where i could have further training. Also I prefer to work in a place where learning opportunities are offered and get hopefully into a management role after furthering my development as a pharmacist.

So what do you think would be better for someone like me with no UK experience and coming from EEA?? For example if I am going to work for a multiple pharmacy chain with a 2 years contract but after a while for some reasons I decide to change location or even company what would be the consequences?? I know that I have to pay back 4000 pounds but they are going to assist me in the relocation as well in the very beginning. I would not be considered as well from the same company if I want to move in a different location??

Then I heard about independent pharmacies that are more flexible and they pay a higher salary. Is that true?? I am planning to fly over to see the areas that I could be potentially be working as well!!

It would be easier to find a new job as a pharmacist after one year of experience in a multiple pharmacy chain, a pharmacy based in supermarket or in a good independent one??? Take into account that I will take accreditation for MUR and also other services.... It would be almost the same then if you will have that experience???

I am really confused of deciding what would be the best option for me.
The salary is not so important as I am looking for a successful career and to develop professionally. I don t know the impact of previous working experience (this is my concern and what company to choose) on the decisions taken by other pharmacy employers in the UK. Does that matters a lot??


Please if there is someone available and willing to give me some advices I would be glad to discuss about that.


Kind regards

Sorry for my not good level English.

[johnep]

Well your English is better than many. We have a case at the moment unrelated to pharmacy where a Latvian driver could not read English warning notice and was struck by a train at a level crossing locally.
There is a cap on immigration from non EU countries and pharmacists are not immune. Check your entry will be allowed. If you want training, then go where it is offered. If you get thrown in at the deep end, then high risk that you may make an error and errors are criminal acts leading to prison.
johnep

[DavidS]

I agree with Johnep, but would add that working as a second pharmacist in a multiple doing lots of prescriptions should be OK.
I wouldn't allow yurself to me the "responsible pharmacist" until you have about six months of that.

[Minestrone]

Hello
Thank you for replying, johnep and DavidS. I am in a similar situation as Spartanriot. I have been working in industry and in community (most of the time in industry though). Think I have the chance to start a job as an industrial pharmacist when I move to England. I have always been working very carefully no matter in what role, however we know that mistakes can happen, that’s how it is. The fact that even a single mistake in a lifetime of devoted work is so severely persecuted is putting off and counterproductive. But I do like working in a drugstore. I feel like I cannot decide and prefer to have both options preserved
I wander if it is possible to switch from industry to community if I decide to go for industry but change mind later?
Sincerely

[johnep]

No problem moving from industry to retail.
More difficult other way round.
johnep