Locum Pharmacy (starting off)

[geordie1]

Hi

Im a third year student still unsure about hospital or community! Im thinking about becoming a Locum pharmacist when i qualify however i have a few questions!

1. Is it easy to find work?
2. Do you use agencies?
3. Can a young locum get a mortgage etc as you dont have a set income?
4. What about holiday pay? how do you manage not working for a few weeks??

Thanks

[Zoggite]

Hi Geordie & welcome!
I wouldn't want to curb your enthusiasm but... I think you would be biting off more than you can chew if you were to launch yourself into being a locum straight out of uni, a bit like wanting to be a cabdriver when you've only just passed your driving test...
There is SOOO much more to the job (of community pharmacist, anyhow)than what they teach you at uni or even in you pre-reg time;learn the ropes working for somebody else, then launch yourself as a locum after a year or two.
The vast majority of locums I know are self-employed, which means that when they're on holiday, they're not getting a penny, but they can choose to work 6 days/week for a few months and then have a couple of months off or any work pattern they want.
"Is it easy to find work?" Answer: if you're any good, you'll be booked months in advance and be able to pick and choose where you want to go. If you're useless/lazy/sloppy/unreliable, bookings will quickly dry up.
Agencies: not indispensable,depends how good you are at "networking" and who you know; you could get yourself on the lists of a large multiple, they'll quickly fill you diary. A good reputation quickly spreads!
As for the mortgage question I really have no idea. Sorry!
Any further questions, just ask!

[geordie1]

Thanks, good advice!

It probs would be best to get experience first,

Do hospitals require locums at all? if they do is the pay similar to community rates?

[admin]

Im a third year student still unsure about hospital or community! Im thinking about becoming a Locum pharmacist when i qualify however i have a few questions!

1. Is it easy to find work?
2. Do you use agencies?
3. Can a young locum get a mortgage etc as you dont have a set income?
4. What about holiday pay? how do you manage not working for a few weeks??

Hi Geordie

I work as a locum pharmacist, and have posted about rates of pay on the forum before. To your questions: -

1. Yes usually - depends where you are in the UK
2. Yes I do - they offer help if you are having problems like not getting paid etc
3. Yes you can, but I would first get a job, get experience, get your mortgage, and be a locum when you have enough experience and confidence.
4. You charge £25/hour and save some up - for tax and holidays etc

Any more questions just ask.

[geordie1]

Cheers!!!!

[admin]

Geordie

No problem. Have a look at the thread: -

http://www.pharmacy-forum.co.uk/foru...topic.php?t=26

It's in retail pharmacy question/locum rates.

This will give you an idea of some things!