Does anyone know when I should apply?

[caz]

Hi all,

I hope someone can help me.

I am currently half way through my pre-reg year (in hospital), but am seriously considering moving into community - I have lots of community experience and enjoy both equally, I also missed out on a band 6 role in my hospital, and am attracted by the pay in community.

I am wondering if anyone knows when I can start applying for pharmacist jobs - do Boots or Lloyds etc allow you to apply for posts before you've qualified, or do you have to be fully registered first?

Any advice/ help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[Sir_Dispensalot]

i would stay in hospital and finish your pre-reg. once qualified you could do some locuming in your spare time to get some experience and a feel for community, rather than plunging in at the deep end - if you don't like it then you can always stay in hospital then!
once you have a better grasp of community, you may even find yourself being approached with job offers. At the very least you'll be better equipped to know which chain / group / independent fits best with your work style and can go jobhunting with a bit of a better direction!

[caz]

Thanks for your advice Sir_Dispensalot,

I'm sorry - I didn't make myself clear - I am definitely staying to finish my pre-reg (wouldn't dream of leaving half way through!!!)

Thats very good advice about locuming in for a while. Although it would be full time as hospitals only take pre-reg's on with fixed term contracts (actaually most staff nowadays). I suppose a major concern is I will end up locuming forever: I'd like a permanent job really.