Getting into locum pharmacy

[afhussain]

Hi people; I am currently a prospective Pharmacy student and I am hopefully wanting to get into Locum Pharmacy. I want to get into Locum Pharmacy as soon as I have done my pre-reg year; I am not only interested in the money from locum work, rather I am interested in the fact that there are flexible hours and I can work when I want.

This is useful for me as Pharmacy is not my main goal;I am also working on another prospective career on the side that also requires much time and practice (working to become an athlete).

Back to the point; can I begin locuming straight after my pre reg year or do I need to actually develop some experience in the Community Pharmacy field before actually starting locuming?

Thank you for your time;

[DavidS]

can I begin locuming straight after my pre reg year or do I need to actually develop some experience in the Community Pharmacy field before actually starting locuming?

I think that you would be safe if you are doing the locum work for the same group of shops as the one in which you spent your pre-reg year. So, for instance, if you did your prereg with alliance boots, then I'm sure you could easily cope with locuming for them. In any other circumstances you would be extremely reliant on the shop's supporting staff.

The situation may well be different in five years, however, but I suspect that professional locums will always be required.

[SolomonQ]

I'd try to get atleast a years experience as a pharmacy manager, going straight into locuming is a big risk with your career as a pharmacist.

[Asterix]

I want to do my pre-reg in hospital but move into community straight after due to the wage difference. is that a really bad idea?

[bleepholder]

I want to do my pre-reg in hospital but move into community straight after due to the wage difference. is that a really bad idea?

not really, i've seen it done before with friends that have done that transition, although having gained all the clincial knowledge during pre reg they go and lose it out in community, so you'd want to ask yourself, is it worth it...to gain something, only to go and not use it..you may as well stick with community all the way

as for the original post...can't see why you can't go styraight into locuming...you ahve got to start somewhere!

[Asterix]

I won't really be losing it as such will I, surely it will prove beneficial at some point

[bleepholder]

if you don't use it, you lose it! i doubt in community you will be advising on adjusting antibiotics in someone with renal failure, or advising when gent and vanc assays are due and whether the next dose needs to be given or not....

[Asterix]

I feel as though I would have more chance of passing the pre-reg exam by doing hospital, more breaks, more study time etc

[El-loco]

Hi Guys,

Read the small print:

Hi people; I am currently a prospective Pharmacy student ...

This guy is not even a pharmacy student yet and he is showing a total lack of commitment to the profession. He regards pharmacy as a bit on the side to rake in the shekels until he can do what he really wants.

Is this what our profession has come to?

[Pharmanaut]

Hi Guys,

Read the small print:

This guy is not even a pharmacy student yet and he is showing a total lack of commitment to the profession. He regards pharmacy as a bit on the side to rake in the shekels until he can do what he really wants.

Is this what our profession has come to?

Must see pharmacy as 'easy money' with no stress or pressure?