Newly qualified and not confident...

[pharmer7]

Been out of work for 3 months or so since I qualified, and no luck finding a full-time job in one pharmacy, so now resorting to locums. Problem is, i have been out of work a while, and the support by my pre-reg tutor was not briliant to say the least. Therefore, I really don't feel prepared for going out to locums, and just dread that I won't know something that someone asks me, or I'll do something stupid - like sell someone the wrong product. I know I should really know myself, but just wondering how you guys would prepare for going out to locums - like what are the most common things I should read up on, what would actually be expected of me as a locum?

[DavidS]

Therefore, I really don't feel prepared for going out to locums, and just dread that I won't know something that someone asks me, or I'll do something stupid - like sell someone the wrong product.

Not a good time of year to start, really, but anyway.

Try and find work in small independents, and let them know you are newly qualified and make sure that they have experienced counter staff. Charge a few quid an hour less until you find your feet. Don't work the week before christmas unless you are feeling confident.

It won't take you long. Counter staff enjoy showing off their knowledge - and quite right too.

[dizzyb23]

No one knows everything!!!! You have to start somewhere.

And well done on qualifying...the funs starts here.

[howe928]

can work as a second pharmacist and learn from more experienced colleagues (pharmacists or technicians) e.g. by observing, asking questions

pick one or two products to recommend, a good start is
cough - Robitussin Dry or Chesty, suitable for most patients
cold or flu - Benylin Dry Cough or Chesty Non Drowsy
diarrhoea - Dioralyte sachets
allergic - loratadine
nose - normal saline nasal drop
pain or fever - paracetamol
indigestion - gaviscon
ask them what they took before

take your time to read through the labels especially careful for pregnant or breastfeeding patients

other recommended readings:
OTC advice - symptoms in the pharmacy, responsing to symptoms, minor ailment, community pharmacy
Dispensary advice: BNF, BNF-C, Drug Tariff, NPA guide, MEP, SOPs

learn the computer software pharmacies use, have a look at the software manual

arrive 10 minutes early, greet staff, sign in, display responsible pharmacist poster, check SOPs and staff qualifications, know where references are, lunch arrangement, any blue scripts? any delivery? checking prescriptions, answering queries, sign for CDs, enjoy your work, sign out, take your RP poster, wait till the pharmacy closed safely before leaving

[johnep]

Large branches of BTC have two or more pharmacists. In Milton Keynes there are regularly three. In such a pharmacy always someone to help. Suggest you contact BTC.
johnep

[frither]

I would not recommend being a locum if you are not confident also at this time of year depending on where you are situated there is not a lot of work. Who did you do your pre-reg with can they not help? Working as a second pharmacist or in a managed care centre might be a good start or how about offering to work on ACT rate in return for help in gaining confidence?

[pharmer7]

offered a locum in Edinburgh for my first one. Its on a Thursday in February, and is in Sainsbury's Meadowbank superstore in Edinburgh. Although it is a 12 hour shift. How busy do you think this will be?

[dizzyb23]

No idea how busy you will be but congrats on the job and best of luck to you....