Elevate Your Pharmacy Career with Locum Pharmacy Work

Are you ready to take your pharmacy career to the next level? Locum pharmacy work may be just the thing for you! But before you dive in, there are some important things you need to consider.

1.  Pay and Benefits 

Here are six essential factors to keep in mind. Starting with pay and benefits: Do your research and compare rates and benefits for different locum positions. Locumate makes it easy to compare remuneration and benefits, so you can understand your earning potential and what benefits (such as travel and accommodation) are on offer. Plus, don’t forget to apply for an ABN (Australian Business Number) – it’s free and is required for most contracting and locum work.

2. Gain Valuable Experience

Gain Experience: Start by working with an experienced dispensary team, preferably with other pharmacists on duty, who can provide guidance and advice. Ask questions and learn from their expertise.

3.  Availability 

Availability: Be aware of your availability and consider whether you’re willing to work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, holidays and evenings. Some pharmacies may require you to work outside of the usual “9 to 5”, so make sure you’re able to commit to the work schedule.

4. Considering Location for Your Locum Pharmacy Career

Location: Think about the locations you’re willing to work in, including rural or remote areas. These positions are often in higher demand and offer higher rates.  Pharmacy owners may also decide to organise and cover accommodation and travel costs as part of the benefits they offer. 

5. Familiarising Yourself with Different Practice Settings in Locum Pharmacy

Practice Setting: Familiarise yourself with different pharmacy settings and services offered, including Opioid Replacement Therapy, Dose Administration Aid Services and nursing home management. Different pharmacies may also use a variety of dispensing softwares including Fred, Z Software and many more (Brush up on each and put yourself ahead by using our ‘Dispense Software Cheat Sheet’). Try out different environments early in your career to discover what you enjoy and where you excel.

6. The Role of Professional Development in Locum Pharmacy Work

Professional Development: Keep learning and growing as a pharmacist. Locum work can provide exposure to a variety of practice settings, but professional development may be more challenging to achieve as an individual. It’s important to continue learning and growing as a pharmacist. PSA have a variety of online CPD courses that will help to expand your skill set, keep up to date with AHPRA CPD requirements and become a more diverse locum. 

Advancing Your Career with Locum Pharmacy Work

Make the most of your early career and take the leap into locum pharmacy work. Know your worth and don’t stop growing as a pharmacist. Considering these six factors, you’ll be set up for success and ready to run!

Effective Communication: An Essential Skill for Pharmacy Locums

As a pharmacy locum, clear and effective communication is essential to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of patients. Building relationships with patients and working with diverse teams requires strong communication skills. So, how can you sharpen your communication skills and excel in your role?

The Role of Active Listening for Pharmacy Locums

Actively listen: When working with patients and colleagues, show that you are fully engaged in the conversation. Hold appropriate eye contact and avoid distractions such as mobile phones. Use open-ended questions when speaking with patients to gain a better understanding of their needs and actively listen to their responses.

Practising Empathy as a Pharmacy Locum

Practice empathy: To better understand the perspective of the person you are communicating with, put yourself in their shoes. Focus on enhancing your EQ to build stronger relationships with patients and colleagues.

Conveying Clear and Confident Messages as a Pharmacy Locum

Speak clearly and confidently: It is important to convey clear and concise messages to patients and healthcare professionals. Use confident body language and tone of voice to reinforce your message and build trust and rapport.

Adapting Communication Styles in Pharmacy Locum Work

Be adaptable: Communication styles vary from person to person. Be aware of the communication style and health literacy level of the person you are speaking with and adapt your own style accordingly. Adjust your language and tone to suit the workplace.

The Importance of Visual Aids for Pharmacy Locums

Use visual aids: Visual aids such as diagrams and graphs can be helpful in explaining complex information to patients, especially those with low health literacy. Using a table with images of medications and how to take them can go a long way in ensuring patient safety and building rapport.

Asking Questions: A Key Communication Skill for Pharmacy Locums

Ask questions: If you are unsure about something, don’t hesitate to ask questions. This demonstrates engagement and interest, and ensures you have all the information you need to provide the best care possible.

Excelling in Your Pharmacy Locum Career Through Effective Communication

As a pharmacy locum, communication is a critical part of your role. By practising active listening, empathy, clear speaking, adaptability, using visual aids, and asking questions, you can improve your communication skills and succeed in your career.

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