Moving from community to hospital pharmacy

[New pharmacist]

Hi, Im just wondering if anyone had avice on moving from community to hospital pharmacy. Im currently applying to several hospitals in London but my main concern that I don't have any prior work experience in a hospital. I have done summer training progrrams with a multiple in the past though. Im also wondering if anyone had advice on what exactly recruiters are looking for in your personal statement and cv. I have only a few months locum experience as a pharmacist in community but Ive decided to move into hospital. Id really appreciate any advice you could give me.

[AntPharm]

Hi there

I am involved with recruiting our residents pharmacists (or basic grades) which is probably the role you are looking at. The process usually involves an interview and a clinical test. Firstly the test: Usually an inpatient drug chart is provided and candidartes are expected to review the chart and comment on it. Everything from inappropriate prescribing, interactions, missing meds for likely conditions, etc etc.... i.e. a clinical assessment. Second part tests your ability to prioritise, which is essential for a resident pharmacist, especially when you are on call.

Obviously recruiters will be looking for demonstration of clinical ability. However in addition to this, we look for general knowledge of current affairs within the pharmacy/medical profession; Knowledge of legislations and any national guidance; and the usual pharmacy related things.

Finally it is about the person. essentially we need to know that when it comes to the crunch, this person will have the knowledge, ability, confidence and dedication to be on-call over night whilst providing a service to two 1500 bed hospitals, single handedly. It is not an easy job and does require hard work and determination. Especially as you are likely to be enrolled into a clinical diploma programme which you will not have any time to do other than in your own time!

We do look for colourful characters and I know that our residents enjoy a very active social life (perhaps a little too active!), so I guess they play hard but they do also work very hard.

I would definitely recommend speaking to a few people who are working as resident pharmacists currently and getting their opinions. I loved my residency and hated it at the same time. But one thing I do know is that those two years were invaluable to me and I am certain they are to anyone who is diligent enough to take up a residency.

I hope this waffle is helpful!

Regards

[New pharmacist]

Thanks for your very informative advice.

[AntPharm]

Thanks for your very informative advice.

No problem. Please feel free to ask for any further advice.

By the way, between now and may is the best time to be looking for band 6 (resident/non-resident) pharmacist jobs. In the PJ and on NHS Jobs webiste.

[New pharmacist]

Im currently applying via the nhs jobs website. would possitions be posted more in the pj or on the nhs jobs site?

[moomin]

I know this thread have been left for a while, but as a pharmacy student I've got some more question on this matter. I would be grateful if anyone could shed some light on my query.

I'm currently a third year student going into my fourth. It's that time of the year when most people start applying for hospital pre-reg. I've always wanted to work in hospital and become a clinical pharmacist as I think the knowledge a clincical pharmacist have is amazing (in my eyes). However, due to a sudden family problem, I would be out of this country when the interview process begins in September. So I would miss my chance of applying for a pre-reg in hospital this year . I have however secure a pre-reg placement in a community pharmacy.

My question is, is it much more difficult to go into hospital if you have been trained from the community sector? What extra work would I need to do to 'catch up' on the clinical knowledge and skills that I have missed compared to other pharmcists who were trained from hospital?

And questions to other pharmacists out there who did move to hospital from community- what did you think the biggest challenge was and how did you get over it? Is there really a big knowledge gap between community and hospital? How difficult was it to get your first hospital job from working in a community.

[Nik]

The answers to a number of your questions are already on this forum somewhere. Its just a case of finding it. If you want to jump from retail to hospital you'd probably be likely to have to take a pay cut as you'd be on a band 6 post. You'd also be facing some stiff competition from hospital pre-regs for the band 6 post initially.