Month: December 2023

December 2023 Newsletter

Posted on | by Locumate

As we reflect on the past year, it’s clear that we have faced challenges, particularly with the impact of Covid and then the announcement of the 60-day dispensing. Through it all, your commitment, hard work, and ongoing support have been nothing short of amazing. We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for allowing us to support you, whether as a locum or a pharmacy in need. Getting to know some of you has been such a highlight, and we are so happy to have you on this
Locumate journey with us. Please remember, we are always here to support you. Whether you have questions, concerns, or just want to chat, our door is always open.

As we approach the holiday season, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas filled with joy and time spent with loved ones, and a very Happy New Year!

Please click below to access our newsletter. 

Locum Newsletter – December 2023

Pharmacy Newsletter – December 2023

 

How To Start The New Year Off Right: A Pharmacist’s Guide to New Year Preparation and Goal Setting

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

As the year comes to a close, pharmacists everywhere are gearing up for a fresh start in the new year. It’s the perfect time to reflect on achievements, learn from challenges, and set the stage for professional growth. In this guide, we’ll explore how pharmacists can best prepare for the upcoming year and leverage Locumate to set and achieve meaningful goals.

Reflect on the Past Year

Before diving into the new year, take a moment to reflect on the past one. What were your successes, challenges, and areas for improvement? Reflecting on your experiences can provide valuable insights that will inform your goals for the future.

Set SMART Goals

When setting goals for the new year, remember the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Instead of a vague resolution, such as “improve patient interactions,” try setting a specific and measurable goal like “attend a communication skills workshop to enhance patient interactions by March.”

Explore New Training and Certification Opportunities

Pharmacy is an ever-evolving field, and staying updated on the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Use the PSA, AJP and other CPD platforms to explore training and certification opportunities that align with your career goals. Whether it’s expanding your knowledge in a specialised area or gaining a new certification, continuous learning contributes to professional growth.

Network and Collaborate

Networking is a powerful tool in any pharmacist’s arsenal. Leverage community groups to connect with fellow pharmacists, share insights, and even collaborate on projects. Building a strong professional network can open doors to new opportunities and provide a support system for your career journey.

Utilise Locumate for Career Advancement

Locumate, your trusted ally in finding locum opportunities, can play a pivotal role in your career advancement. Update your Locumate profile with your latest achievements, certifications, and skills. This ensures that potential employers have an accurate and comprehensive view of your capabilities.

Balance Work and Personal Life

While career goals are important, don’t forget to set personal goals that contribute to your overall well-being. Use Locumate to manage your locum assignments efficiently, allowing for a better work-life balance. Whether it’s allocating time for hobbies, exercise, or family, a balanced life contributes to overall happiness and success.

As the new year approaches, pharmacists have a unique opportunity to set the stage for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. By leveraging Locumate, reflecting on the past year, setting SMART goals, exploring new opportunities, networking, and balancing work and personal life, you can chart a course for success in the ever-evolving field of pharmacy. Cheers to a year of growth, learning, and achievement!


The Future of Work: On-Demand Workers Reshaping the Labor Landscape

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

In recent years, the nature of work has been evolving rapidly, driven in large part by technological advancements and shifting societal attitudes towards traditional employment structures. One prominent facet of this transformation is the rise of on-demand or gig workers, fundamentally altering how individuals engage with work and how businesses operate. This article explores the emergence and impact of on-demand workers, shedding light on their role in shaping the future of work.

The Rise of On-Demand Workers

On-demand work, often referred to as the gig economy, encompasses a diverse range of work arrangements where individuals provide services on a temporary or flexible basis. Enabled by digital platforms and mobile applications, on-demand work spans various sectors, including transportation (e.g., Uber, Lyft), accommodation (e.g., Airbnb), freelancing (e.g., Upwork, Fiverr), and more.

The appeal of on-demand work lies in its flexibility and accessibility. Individuals can choose when, where, and how much they work, aligning their employment with personal preferences and circumstances. This flexibility is particularly attractive to students, freelancers, stay-at-home parents, or those seeking supplemental income. Moreover, the gig economy allows workers to diversify their skill sets, gain experience across multiple industries, and enjoy a better work-life balance.

Impact on Traditional Employment

The rise of on-demand workers has disrupted the traditional employer-employee relationship. Many individuals are opting for gig work over conventional jobs due to the perceived freedom and autonomy it offers. This shift is prompting businesses to reevaluate their hiring practices, compensation models, and workplace policies to stay competitive and appealing to modern workers.

Companies are increasingly leveraging gig workers to enhance their agility and scalability. On-demand workers can be swiftly deployed during peak demand periods, ensuring companies can meet customer needs without maintaining a large, fixed workforce. This approach optimises labor costs and enables companies to adapt more efficiently to market fluctuations.

Challenges and Concerns

While the gig economy presents opportunities, it is not without its challenges. On-demand workers often lack the traditional benefits and protections associated with standard employment, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave. This raises concerns about financial stability, social security, and the long-term well-being of gig workers.

Additionally, the gig economy can exacerbate income inequality. Earnings for gig workers can vary significantly based on demand, location, and the specific platform they work on. Some may struggle to earn a sustainable income, leading to financial insecurity and limited access to essential services.

Regulation and Future Outlook

As the gig economy continues to grow and reshape the labor landscape, governments and policymakers are grappling with how to regulate it effectively. Balancing the need to protect workers while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship is a delicate task. Proposed regulations often aim to strike a balance by providing certain rights and benefits to gig workers without stifling the flexibility and innovation that defines the gig economy.

In the future, we may witness a hybrid model that combines the flexibility of gig work with some of the protections associated with traditional employment. Initiatives like portable benefits, which would allow gig workers to accrue benefits across multiple employers, are being explored to address some of the challenges faced by gig workers.

Conclusion

The rise of on-demand workers and the gig economy is transforming the nature of work, challenging traditional employment models and prompting a reconsideration of labor regulations. While it offers newfound flexibility and opportunities, addressing concerns related to job security, income stability, and worker protections remains crucial.

The future of work is likely to be a blend of traditional employment and on-demand arrangements, striving to strike a balance that benefits both workers and businesses. As the gig economy continues to evolve, it will be essential to find innovative solutions that foster a fair, inclusive, and sustainable work environment for all.

Prioritising Mental Health: A Prescription for Pharmacist Well-being

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

In the bustling world of healthcare, pharmacists are the unsung heroes who ensure timely access to medicines. Yet, amidst the constant rush to serve others, their own mental health often takes a backseat. In this article, we’ll delve into the crucial importance of mental health for pharmacists, shedding light on the impact of recent and upcoming mental health awareness campaigns, and gaining insights from our Locumate partners.

Why is mental health particularly vital for pharmacists?

First and foremost, the cornerstone of a pharmacist’s role is to provide patient care and assist others. To deliver optimal care, maintaining good mental health is paramount for making sound decisions and effectively communicating with patients. Empathy plays a significant role in this equation. To help and understand others, pharmacists need to ensure their own well-being first. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Working in a pharmacy can be exceptionally high-pressure, with long hours and a profound responsibility for patient safety. Stress and burnout are common challenges, underlining the urgency of prioritising mental well-being to cope with the demands of the job.

Pharmacists also regularly confront emotionally taxing situations when dealing with patients facing serious illnesses and end-of-life care. Developing emotional resilience is a vital asset, enabling them to navigate these challenging scenarios while safeguarding their own mental health.

By prioritising mental health, pharmacists set a powerful example for their patients and colleagues. It underscores the significance of seeking help when necessary and fosters a culture of well-being.

Mental Health Awareness Campaigns: RUOK Day and Movember

Every September, RUOK Day brings the critical role of mental health to the forefront. This nationwide event encourages a simple yet profound question: “Are you okay?” It serves as a poignant reminder for pharmacists who, amidst long hours and the weight of patient care, sometimes forget to ask this crucial question – not only to others but also to themselves. We invite you to check out our latest Elevate My Pharmacy Career Series podcast with Kay from the Pharmacists Support Service Australia (available on Spotify). In this episode, Kay shares invaluable insights on how pharmacists can navigate the demanding aspects of their profession while making their mental well-being a top priority. She offers practical tips for pharmacists aiming to enhance their mental health in our fast-paced working world today.

In addition to September, Movember, the month of magnificent moustaches, is more than just a facial hair fashion statement. It’s a rallying cry for men’s mental health awareness. Men often find it challenging to openly discuss their mental well-being, but Movember strives to shatter the stigma surrounding these conversations. Within the Locumate team, several valiant souls are gearing up to participate in Movember, embodying the spirit of unity and raising awareness about mental health challenges that affect everyone, regardless of gender. Stay tuned on our social media for updates throughout the month!

In the realm of healthcare, the well-being of pharmacists is intricately connected to the well-being of the patients they serve. RUOK Day serves as a poignant reminder to initiate crucial conversations about mental health, while Movember encourages open dialogue and solidarity in the face of these challenges. The importance of mental health for pharmacists cannot be emphasised enough; it forms the bedrock of their ability to provide exceptional care and navigate the formidable aspects of their profession. Let’s unite, raise awareness, and wholeheartedly support the mental health of our dedicated pharmacists. After all, a healthy pharmacist is a better healer.

Day in the life of Vedrana Djurkovic

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

I am currently writing this piece almost at the end of my intern supervised hours, and studying for my exams. When I was asked to write about a day in my life, I think I screwed my face up and thought “why?” because there is nothing interesting about my life at the moment. I work, eat, study, sleep and repeat. 

 

I work full time in a community pharmacy where I have been since I started my degree. So I am very familiar with the staff, store processes and customers. At work I have been trying to focus on asking as many questions as I can, to best prepare myself for when I graduate and am working on my own. The closer I come to getting my registration, the more I am excited, but also nervous, about the future. I’ve thought about being on my own and not having a support team, pharmacists to check my work, and it can be daunting coming to the realisation that I will be completely responsible for the decisions I make. It’s a huge responsibility, and it surprises me that I didn’t really think about this until now. 

 

Working full time and studying at the same time has been really tough for me. I come home from work and I’m too exhausted to study most nights. I let go of some of my hobbies at the start of my internship because I felt I was struggling to maintain them, and simply did not have the mental capacity to uphold them. However, after checking in with the owner of the pharmacy, she did remind me to think about myself and my mental health. Shortly after realising I was just a big ball of stress, I got back into working out and feeling better about myself. Which, in turn, made me feel more relaxed, and led me to have a clearer head.

 

Most of the year I was trying to keep up with my school work. I study at work by interacting with customers, doctors and involving myself in new situations to further enhance my knowledge and skills. As well as, spending time to sit down with my preceptor every week and go through medicine knowledge. 

 

The most challenging part of my internship thus far, is the pressure. This year felt like you were being punched from every angle at the same time. So many things you need to do, all at once. But my advice would be to stay organised, and write out everything you would like to complete every couple of months and work towards completing these tasks. Most importantly, we do need to be reminded to look after ourselves. We are so focused on finishing our degree, that we can neglect our personal health. I’ve learnt this is so important to maintain balance and without that, we’re unable to show up at our best.