Change from community to hospital? Advice please!

[Spooky]

Hi,

This is my first ever post so bear with me! My question is, has anyone on this forum worked in community pharmacy and then gone to work in a hospital?

I qualified as a technician last year and would love to progress further (and be paid more!) and was just looking for a bit of advice from anyone with experience of both environments.

Thank you in advance for any replies!

[johnep]

I know of at least two technicians who have done this. You need to have completed NVQ3 first.
johnep

[andrew paxton]

Not quite the same, I'm a pharmacist, but I did my pre-reg in Retail, then my first qualified job was in hospital. I was put on the clinical training scheme straight away and made my share of errors, but my experience from retail was valued. When I returned to retail, my hospital experience was also valued.

[Spooky]

I completed my NVQ3 last year and am currently working as a registered technician. I'm just curious as to how people find/cope with the differences between these two jobs? Do they enjoy it more in a hospital pharmacy or regret leaving the community pharmacy for any particular reason? All in all, I'm just wanting to know that my skills from the community will be good enough for a job in a hospital.

[johnep]

No contest for hospital technicians. More pay. 100% better working conditions. Career progression to possible top jobs. What are you waiting for?
johnep

[Spooky]

Cheers guys, you've really helped

[dizzyb23]

I'm repeating myself here but GO AND WORK IN HOSPITAL if you get the opportunity!!!!! The differences are easily dealt with. You just give yourself a bit of time to get used to the way things are done. I did my NVQ training in hospital then stupidly went for a community position. It was easy to make the transition but I totally regret doing it. I could bang on about the differences but then i'd just get into a silly rant blah blah blah......
So yes, go for it. You won't regret it......

[Spooky]

Thanks for the reply, I will definitely go and work in Hospital if I get the opportunity to. I was basically a bit scared that my retail experience would maybe be looked down on by people that have started from scratch in hospital. I say this because I once went for an interview a few years ago for a hospital position and the woman who interviewed me told me that she came from a community background and enjoyed working there and fitted in well but that some people do 'look down' on community pharmacy staff.

[johnep]

Typical NHS class snobbery. 'We are ethical and professional, but you are trade.'
johnep

[dizzyb23]

Well, if they are the type to look down on ya, they aren't worth bothering with anyway!!! And once they realise you are a hard working and reliable person, they won't give a fig what your back ground is. Please don't let silly stuck up types stop you from pursuing your career. You go for it, learn loads, have fun and progress to greatness!!!!!
Let us know what happens. Its always great to get an update as to how everyone is doing....