Community pharmacy to hospital pharmacy help!

[zxopi99]

Hi Everyone,

I've been working as a pharmacist in community pharmacy for the past two years and though I do enjoy it, I want to work in hospital pharmacy as I want a change and a challenge.
I have applied to a couple in the past few months but no luck, (I haven't been invited to interviews). I do understand that there are newly qualified pharmacists who (if trained in hospital) may be more experienced in this field than I am and the numbers of applicants may be large, which could be reasons why I am not getting the position.
I just wonder if there's something I should be doing that could help me get the job, like should I be doing one of those distance learning clinical diplomas? As I have skill more geared towards community.
Or is this just a what is to be expected! I should just be patient!? I will keep trying but maybe I need to add a skill or something to help me get the hospital pharmacy position!?!

If anyone has any ideas on how to improve my cv I'd be very grateful.*

[Nik]

Firstly I hope you appreciate the fact that you will get a pay cut if you are successful for a band 6 position, (but don't let that put you off too much ). Secondly, you're competing against recently qualified pharmacists so doing a distance learning diploma is probably not worth it (although if it's something you want to do because YOU want to, and not for CV purposes, go for it). You have 2 years experience under your belt, which is 2 years more than most other applicants. Use that to your advantage. Unfortunately whilst it is not impossible to make the transition from primary to secondary care, it is very difficult.

[apple2k12]

I don't think it's difficult to make the transition from community to hospital as I have done it successfully. It may be a case of being patient and applying to the right hospitals. For example if you are applying to a competitive area (such as London or Birmingham) it may be more difficult to get an interview due to demand. I think it is important to emphasise your skill set and say how you can adapt it to hospital pharmacy. For example I had been a relief pharmacist for a while (hence adaptable, able to build rapport, work with different teams, etc), had worked as a manager for 2years (not many band 6's have managerial ability), and had worked to train staff and pre-reg's.

Also be prepared for the awkward statements, for example 'you have no real ward experience' to which I responded that 'my knowledge of medicines and medical conditions can be utilised and applied to the hospital setting quite easily'. I acknowledged the differences (e.g. more exposure to IV administration, specialist drugs, etc) and stated that getting used to guidelines, and any initial training/shadowing should help me cope with that.

Don't let lack of experience get in the way. The old adage 'where there is a will, there is a way' applies quite aptly to this situation.

[zxopi99]

Thank you for your responses, they are much appreciated!! I will get there, just need to be patient and keep trying!!
@Nik - yeah the pay cut is a downer, but I won't let that stop me!!
@apple2k12 - thanks for the interview tips!
Thanks again!