Locum Dispenser?

[vicchapple]

I am looking to work as a locum dispenser in the North-East. Do you think this is something there's a need for? Have you heard of many people who might use this service? I'm NVQ2 qualified, and have lots of experience, but it's quite daunting starting out on this new venture. If there's anyone with advice or experiences to share, I'd love to hear

[andrea]

yes do it , I was a perapatetic dispenser for 12 months , in the same company though, you must be confident in your ability to fit into any dispensary. The rules are the same anywhere you work , so long as you concentrate on the dispensing bit and try not to make any errors your flying. If your good theyll have you back, send out plenty of letters advertising what you do then I cant see a problem getting work.Just one bit of important advice , dont get involved in the regular dispensers problems or politics,keep quiet when the other girls start talking about their colleagues and it will happen believe you me , just remain professional , advice any good?

[johnep]

Certainly it is common practice to double up on pharmacists on some days. Contact the local locum co -ordinators. They would certainly prefer a dispenser above a pharmacist. Mainly on cost grounds I'm afraid.
johnep

[vicchapple]

Thanks for that, Andrea... sounds like good advice
Did you have indemnity insurance, or did you not need it because you were employed by a company? I'm hoping to work for various independants, so I think I might need to be insured :/

[laura/nottingham]

Hi all. I have just signed up for Locum dispenser. I have worked 4 days over 3 weeks, and have 3 more days over the next 2 weeks.

I am really confused and would like someone to help me, I have no clue how to do all these tax and national insurance things etc.

Any advice would be much appreciated

Thanks

[johnep]

At the end of the tax assessment form (which you may have to request from IR) is a section saying 'any other earnings'. List your income and expenditure--mileage, lunch,
stamps, telephone. % of heating, lighting, telephone etc, and that should be sufficient to start. If your expenditure is greater than income, can deduct from PAYE. I did so for years.
johnep

[Lalaland85]

Hia how would I go about looking for locum work for say odd Saturdays etc? I am an ACT/NVQ3 Reg Phram Tech and I am sure there would be some pharmacies which would prefer to pay an Act to come in rather than paying for an extra pharmacist just to check.

[johnep]

Pattern of dispensing changed profoundly since PCS came in and Surgeries closed on Saturdays. Monday no longer busiest day, now it is Friday. Saturday usually very quiet.
However, few want to work Saturdays so best bet is contact the multiples and offer to assist the pharmacist and work on the counter as well.
johnep