Help! Pharmacy locum in Scotland: Is this possible?

[danyul87]

Hi all this is my first post!
Basically I'm still doing my pre-reg but will qualify in August n getting a job in Glasgow seems impossible. Can anyone tell me if I'm going to end up on the dole if i attempt to become a locum? I think I'd really like it but I don't know if I'd be able to find enough work to get by n I can't seem to find anywhere that can give me a straight answer. I'm thinking if i lived in Glasgow I'd be willing to travel within an hour which means I could basically work in Ayrshire, Forth Valley, and even towards Edinburgh. Does anyone know if it would be a waste of time to consider?
Thanks much,
Daniel

[johnep]

Put an ad in the PJ to see the response. Just say to callers, sorry circumstances have changed, can I take details etc for next time?
johnep

[lamzee]

Most of the NI graduates have moved to Scotland to get jobs, as no work in NI. You might be better going a bit further south, maybe England.

[Hello]

Starting in August as a locum is bad news, all the newly qualifieds get jobs with the big boys and the need for locums drop. Any jobs will go to experienced locums, can you imagine dispensing 300+ items on your first day qualified, in unfamiliar surroundings, not knowing anyone and having no 2nd pharmacist for support?

You really need to get some work experience before you go locum.

[Pharmanaut]

Starting in August as a locum is bad news, all the newly qualifieds get jobs with the big boys and the need for locums drop. Any jobs will go to experienced locums, can you imagine dispensing 300+ items on your first day qualified, in unfamiliar surroundings, not knowing anyone and having no 2nd pharmacist for support?

You really need to get some work experience before you go locum.

Would agree with that.
Its ill advised to become a locum on day 1 of being on the register.
Seek a position for 6 months or so to gain experience.
You will be better for it.

[shonap87]

I just qualified out of NI and I'm one of those doing the irish sea hop. I only came across here for the year though, from aberdeen.

I'm heading back north, hoping a few less people will be willing to venture to the frozen northern heights of aberdeenshire and possibly moray.

It's interesting you guys say don't locum straight away, as a lot have people have been telling me locum is a good way to start and sort of see the lie of the land. I have only worked in one shop, my pre-reg placement, and I realise I have a limited experience because of that.

[admin]

It's interesting you guys say don't locum straight away, as a lot have people have been telling me locum is a good way to start and sort of see the lie of the land. I have only worked in one shop, my pre-reg placement, and I realise I have a limited experience because of that.

I think people say get some experience before you locum, as you come across so many different scenarios when you do work as one. If you get a good network of people you can ask for help, and get familiar with all the different PMR systems etc you'll be ok. It may seem a little scary at first but people do it all the time. This site is a great place to network with other pharmacists and ask for help if/when you need it.

Good luck!

[culchie82]

Tbh I've locumed from day one and never found it a problem. Advantages and disadvantages to permanent and locum work, though everything considered, I think locuming is still the lesser of two evils in modern day community!

All newly qualifieds, when considering a permanent position, should always ascertain how many items are dispensed a day, how many addicts there are and what the staff levels/ competencies like. I've very little sympathy for anybody who ends up in tears, after walking into a permanent position just for the money without first researching the job.

[pharmer7]

Depending on the region you're in, it can vary. If you're in Glasgow, then you've probably guessed, there is next to no work. Expect to be working maybe 2-3 days a week, even if you want to cover a 40 mile radius. Its ok in the summer months, but Winter there is barely no work. Not trying to put you off here, just being honest.

[andrew paxton]

The problems with working in Scotland are 1) the low rates and 2) the different rules and systems in Scotland compared to England (This is obviously only a problem for us English, and as we're hated by the Scots, it's academic). Try England, the weather is better