Building Professional Relationships as a Pharmacy Professional

As a pharmacy professional, you’re stepping into new environments and working alongside different teams with every assignment. Building professional relationships in these dynamic settings is crucial not only for a smooth workflow but also for enhancing patient care. Here are some practical tips to help you connect effectively with pharmacy teams and patients during your professional journey.

Be Approachable and Friendly

First impressions matter! When you start a new assignment, greet your colleagues with a smile and introduce yourself. A positive attitude goes a long way in making others feel comfortable. Make it a habit to check in with the team regularly throughout the shift, and express your willingness to help. Clear communication also extends to your interactions with patients. Ensure they understand their medications and feel heard during consultations.

Respect the Established Processes

Every pharmacy has its own systems and workflows. Take the time to learn these processes and respect them. Acknowledge the expertise of the permanent staff and seek their guidance if you’re unsure about something. Demonstrating that you value their established practices can foster goodwill and cooperation.

Be Flexible and Adaptable

Pharmacy work often involves unexpected challenges. Being flexible and willing to adapt can help you integrate into the team more smoothly. If changes arise, approach them with a positive mindset and a readiness to pitch in wherever needed. This attitude will not only impress your colleagues but also contribute to a supportive team environment.

Provide Constructive Feedback

As a pharmacy professional, you may notice areas for improvement in the pharmacy’s operations or patient care practices. When offering feedback, do so in a constructive manner. Frame your suggestions positively and focus on solutions rather than problems. This approach shows that you’re invested in the team’s success and are not just there to complete your shift.

Support Your Colleagues

Help create a collaborative environment by offering support to your colleagues. Whether it’s assisting with a busy prescription line or sharing your expertise on a specific medication, showing that you’re a team player will go a long way in building trust.

Stay Connected After Your Assignment

Just because an assignment ends doesn’t mean your professional relationships have to. Connect with your colleagues on professional networks like LinkedIn. This can open doors for future opportunities and create a valuable support network you can rely on throughout your career.

Building professional relationships as a pharmacy professional may seem challenging, but with a proactive approach and genuine interest in your colleagues and patients, you can create meaningful connections in every assignment. These relationships not only enhance your work experience but also contribute to better patient care and a more collaborative pharmacy environment. So, embrace the journey, connect with those around you, and watch your professional network grow!

Regards,
Vedrana Djurkovic

Pharmacists in 2030: What Will It Really Look Like in Just 5 Years?

In our previous article, Pharmacy Through the Decade – What Has Changed in 10 Years?, we explored the changes in pharmacy over the last decade. This naturally led us to wonder: What will pharmacy look like 10 years from now?

According to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia’s (PSA) Pharmacists in 2030 white paper, the profession is on the brink of significant transformation within the next five years. The report highlights several key trends set to redefine pharmacy, from technological advancements and expanded scopes of practice to a stronger emphasis on patient-centred care and collaboration with other health professionals. We’ve broken these trends down for you below:

Expanded Roles and Integrated Care

By 2030, pharmacists are expected to play an even more integral role within multidisciplinary healthcare teams. As primary care becomes more team-based, pharmacists will work alongside doctors, nurses, and other health professionals to optimise patient outcomes. The PSA report predicts that pharmacists will take on a greater role in managing chronic diseases, particularly in rural and underserved areas where access to healthcare is often limited.

This expanded role may also include increased prescribing rights for pharmacists. This aligns with trends in countries like the UK and Canada, where pharmacists already have broader scopes of practice. As trusted medication experts, pharmacists are well-positioned to manage patients’ medication plans, especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma.

Embracing Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence

Technology will be a key driver of change in pharmacy by 2030. The rise of digital health tools—such as telehealth, wearable health devices, and mobile apps—is already transforming how patients interact with healthcare providers. Pharmacists will increasingly use these technologies to deliver virtual consultations, monitor patients’ adherence to medications, and provide real-time health interventions.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also set to play a major role in reshaping pharmacy. AI-powered systems can analyse large datasets to identify patterns, predict patient outcomes, and assist in clinical decision-making. For pharmacists, this could lead to more efficient workflows, freeing up time for patient-facing activities. However, the integration of AI will require pharmacists to upskill in digital literacy to effectively leverage these tools.

Preventive Healthcare and Public Health

As healthcare systems shift their focus from treating illnesses to preventing them, pharmacists are poised to become key players in preventive care. With the ability to administer vaccines, conduct health screenings, and counsel patients on lifestyle changes, pharmacists will play a more significant role in public health initiatives. The white paper envisions a future where pharmacists lead efforts to promote health and wellness, particularly in communities where they are often the most accessible healthcare providers.

Challenges and Opportunities

While these developments are promising, the white paper also highlights potential challenges. Continuous professional development will be essential to keep pace with advancements in technology and expanded practice scopes. Additionally, securing adequate funding for new pharmacy services—particularly preventive care and chronic disease management—will be crucial for sustaining these changes.

Despite these challenges, the future of pharmacy looks bright. The PSA’s vision for 2030 positions pharmacists as vital contributors to Australia’s healthcare system, with expanded roles, advanced technologies, and a stronger focus on patient-centred care within the next five years.

As the profession evolves, pharmacists will continue to be at the forefront of improving health outcomes—one patient at a time. We’re excited to see how much the profession will transform in the next decade.

For more information, you can explore the full “Pharmacists in 2030” white paper here

Regards,
Ella Shearing 

Rural Health Month Insights

Rural Health Month is an annual celebration each November that honours rural health professionals. This month-long program features key events such as the National Rural and Remote Health Awards, and the Rural GPs Conference, along with many other educational and networking opportunities designed for rural health professionals. For detailed information on event dates and links, visit Rural Health Month 2024.   

Locum pharmacists play a vital role in supporting our rural and regional communities. This situation creates immense pressure, as one individual is responsible for addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the entire community, leading to stress, worry, and burnout. 

That’s where locums come in. Locum pharmacists are the crucial bridge in providing care in order to support or fill in for other pharmacists. Our pharmacists will often spend weeks to months on long-term locum shifts to support the community and for this we thank you! We are grateful for your support in holding down the fort, ensuring continuity of care and access for all within the community. 

Working in rural and regional areas offers unique rewards and perspectives. It allows pharmacists to break away from the typical 9-to-5 routine, meet diverse people, and develop greater independence and confidence. Additionally, it presents opportunities for both professional and personal growth, along with the chance to travel and experience some spectacular places.

However, working in remote areas can sometimes feel isolating, especially during longer assignments. This makes rural engagement activities and networking events particularly important. We encourage you to participate in this month’s events as part of Rural Health Month, in order to meet like-minded people and share your experiences.

 As a special highlight, we recommend checking out our podcast episode with Shaylee, a pharmacist working in Pilbara, WA. It is well worth the listen! Her insights may inspire you to consider regional or rural work, even if it’s just for a shift. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all locum pharmacists, especially those dedicated to serving rural and regional communities across Australia. Your contributions are invaluable!

Regards,
Ella Shearing 

Protected Breaks

Lunch breaks in the pharmacy have become a significant pain point. This has been extensively highlighted by numerous discussions on online forums such as Reddit, and it appears this issue has a global reach. In one thread, a pharmacist shared their experience, where they were pressured by their manager to skip breaks and lunches, with the implication that their registration could be “revoked” if they didn’t comply. The pharmacist stood their ground, taking their 30-minute lunch break and two 15-minute breaks as allowed by law, in defiance of the manager. “It drives me crazy when people skip [lunch breaks] and they’re not even getting paid for it!” they shared. 

 

In light of the pressure, the pharmacist took to Reddit to discuss the age-old question: “AITA?” Reaching out to a group of peers to shed insight into the demanding work environment of the pharmacy.

 

This post struck a chord with many others, who shared similar stories of being pushed to the limit by their employers. “They can’t revoke your licence for taking the break you get by law.” one user advised. “Your licence is issued by your state, not by the store, so how do they plan on revoking it?” This sentiment echoed throughout the responses, with many emphasising the importance of understanding state labour laws and standing up for one’s rights.

 

Other users shared experiences from different pharmacy chains, where the situation wasn’t much better. “So when I worked at [a community pharmacy], in my onboarding paperwork I unknowingly signed away my break waiver,” one commenter revealed. After realising the mistake, they cleverly told their employer they would just leave a half hour early to make up for the missed break. It was a small victory in a system that often disregards the well-being of its employees.

 

Another Reddit thread titled “It’s Always About Lunch Breaks” offered an equally frustrating glimpse into the expectations placed on pharmacy staff by the general public. In this thread, a customer shared disapproval for the inefficiencies of pharmacists taking breaks: “People take work off to go to the doctor, and need their meds before they go back. So they’re burning off PTO waiting for a prescription, all because a pharmacist wants to eat a sandwich.” They continued “I get pharmacists want to eat, but people need their meds more.”

 

In response to this, one pharmacist remarked, “If you’re so deathly ill that our measly half-hour break will kill you, get your happy [self] to the ER, as you need more than a prescription.” This comment reflects the immense pressure pharmacists face to be available at all times, even when taking a legally required break. The commenter further noted how many medical clinics shut down entirely for lunch breaks, while pharmacists are often expected to forgo their own.

 

These experiences highlight a broader issue within the pharmacy industry: the unrealistic expectations placed on pharmacists and technicians, which can lead to burnout and reduced job satisfaction. While technological advancements, such as e-scripts, have streamlined many pharmacy processes, the industry’s work culture has lagged. The pressure to skip breaks or work through lunch is a symptom of a larger problem – prioritising profits and patient demand over the well-being of staff.

 

Pharmacists are crucial frontline healthcare providers, yet their working conditions often fail to reflect the importance of their role. Ensuring pharmacists and technicians take their breaks isn’t just a matter of following labour laws; it’s about maintaining a healthy and sustainable workforce. Studies have shown that regular breaks improve employee productivity, mental health, and overall job performance. In a profession where precision and attention to detail are critical, the potential for errors increases when staff are overworked and deprived of necessary rest.

 

While many pharmacists are stepping up and advocating for their rights, it’s clear that systemic change is needed. Employers must prioritise the well-being of their employees, ensuring that breaks are not only encouraged but enforced. The idea that a pharmacist’s time is less valuable than that of other healthcare professionals, must be challenged.

 

The discussions on Reddit offer a snapshot of the broader challenges faced by pharmacists and technicians across the industry. It reveals a broader truth and can be validated for other pharmacists who have been caught in similar positions or left feeling burnt out at the end of the day. The stories shared reveal a stark reality: while pharmacy has evolved in many ways over the past decade, work culture remains stuck in the past. For the future of the profession, it’s essential that both employers and regulatory bodies recognise the importance of employee well-being. After all, a healthy pharmacist is a better pharmacist, and ultimately, that benefits patients too.

https://www.reddit.com/r/PharmacyTechnician/comments/1839xi8/what_do_you_do_if_your_denied_a_breaklunch/ AITA breaks 

https://www.reddit.com/r/pharmacy/comments/12hzogd/its_always_about_lunch_breaks/

 

Regards,
Ella Shearing 

Pharmacy Through the Decade – What Has Changed in 10 Years?

Over the last decade, the community pharmacy landscape has undergone significant innovations. These changes have been driven by technological advancements and evolving regulations – with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating this over the last 5 years. Let’s dive into the key shifts that have shaped the pharmacy landscape and consider what the future might hold.

Technological Innovations

Technology has revolutionised the way pharmacies operate, making processes more efficient and patient-centred. One notable advancement is eRx, which has streamlined the script-dispensing process. Patients now have access to greater flexibility with their prescriptions, thanks to systems like MySL that allow repeats to be dispensed without a physical script or QR code. This digital shift not only improves convenience but also enhances the transparency of patient history, aiding in safer healthcare delivery.

Another critical development is the introduction of the electronic S8 register, which simplifies the management of Schedule 8 medications. By digitising this process, pharmacies have been able to maintain better records and ensure compliance with regulations more efficiently.

Regulatory Changes

Regulations governing pharmacy practices have also seen significant updates. For instance, the implementation of the SafeScript program (also known as QScript, ScriptCheck and many more names depending on which state you’re from) has been a game-changer in managing high-risk medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines. Real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM) through SafeScript has enhanced transparency and helped pharmacists make safer clinical decisions for their patients.

The Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) is another vital addition. In response to global medicine shortages, including common drugs like amoxicillin and metformin, the SSSI provides advice and recommendations for allowing pharmacists to supply substitutable medications during times of scarcity. This flexibility has been crucial in ensuring continued patient care amidst supply chain disruptions.

Expanding Roles and Responsibilities

Pharmacists’ roles have expanded beyond traditional dispensing functions. Continued Dispensing, particularly useful during COVID-19 when GP appointments were hard to come by, has now become essential for rural and regional patients who face geographic barriers to healthcare access.

Pharmacists have also stepped up as key players in public health, with vaccination services growing to include over 20 types of vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines. This shift not only enhances community health outcomes but also cements the role of pharmacists as frontline healthcare providers.

In addition, Pharmacist Prescribing is now a reality, with pharmacists authorised to prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs. This change empowers pharmacists to provide more comprehensive care, though it comes with added responsibilities and the need for ongoing professional development.

Controversies and Challenges

Not all changes have been welcomed uniformly. The introduction of 60-day dispensing for certain PBS-listed medicines, aimed at reducing costs and doctor visits, has sparked debate. While it offers convenience for patients, many pharmacists are concerned about potential safety issues, such as the risk of medication hoarding, and have faced financial losses due to reduced dispensing fees.

Similarly, the rescheduling of codeine to S4 (prescription-only) from S3 (pharmacist-only) has stirred discussions. While the move aims to curb misuse and addiction, it also reflects a growing concern over pharmacists’ roles as gatekeepers for potentially harmful substances. 

Looking Ahead

The past decade has seen pharmacists in Australia embrace new roles, technologies, and regulations, all aimed at enhancing patient care and safety. But as the landscape continues to evolve, it raises an important question: What will the next ten years hold for community pharmacy?

Will we see even more integration of digital tools? How will ongoing regulatory changes shape the profession? One thing is certain: the role of the community pharmacist will continue to expand, requiring adaptability and a commitment to professional development.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! What changes have you noticed, and what do you think the future holds for pharmacy? Join the conversation and share your insights!

Regards,
Ella Shearing 

Chair or No Chair? That Is the Question.

Should Pharmacists Be Entitled to Seating at Work?

The age-old question in pharmacy—how to avoid sore feet—often makes us envious of the checkout staff in Aldi. Should pharmacists also have the right to a chair at work?

 

The Locumate team recently posted a short-form video on LinkedIn, playfully highlighting the various standing positions pharmacists adopt behind the dispensary counter. This video unexpectedly sparked significant online discourse about the working conditions of pharmacists.

 

One commenter noted, “While this video humorously depicts the creative ways pharmacists try to rest their feet, it highlights a significant issue in our profession. Standing for extended periods, often 8+ hours, can take a toll on our health.” Another added, “I understand the nature of the job requires movement, but we need to take care of ourselves and rest when needed. Several [pregnant] pharmacist mothers have mentioned they must stand through 8-10 hour shifts with no place to sit.” Another comment joked, “Being able to sit at work was one of the main reasons I switched to hospital pharmacy!”

 

Indeed, standing for prolonged periods of time poses a health risk. SafeWork Australia states, “Prolonged standing can increase the risk of fatigue and illness. Workers should not stay in a seated, standing, or static posture for long periods.” Risks of prolonged standing include lower back pain, cardiovascular complications, and varicose veins, with these risks amplified during pregnancy.

 

Conversely, sitting for long periods also carries risks, including musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, poor mental health, and some cancers, according to SafeWork Australia.

 

To achieve a balance, employees should alternate between sitting and standing. One commenter from the LinkedIn post remarked, “This is an OHS issue, and an employer cannot prevent an employee from sitting if needed. A reasonable request for seating should not be refused.” While pharmacy work often involves standing and moving around, some tasks, such as administrative work, checking prescriptions or DAAs, can be done while seated.

 

Requesting a chair may feel uncomfortable due to current pharmacy workplace culture, but, as one commenter pointed out, “Everyone in pharmacy has a right to a physically safe working environment, and we need to address and change this.” It’s a cultural shift that requires collective effort to normalize safe working conditions for pharmacists.

 

“It’s important to remember that as we care for our patients, we also need to take care of ourselves. No healthcare role should demand that professionals work without adequate rest and comfort,” another commenter concluded. Pharmacy owners should be accountable for their staff’s comfort and safety, initiating conversations around improving working conditions. Pharmacists and staff should support one another’s needs to avoid unsafe working conditions.

 

“Providing seating options and encouraging regular breaks are essential for the well-being of healthcare workers, which ultimately benefits patient care. It’s a conversation worth having to promote a healthier work environment for all.” In terms of moving forward we hope this article opens up a bigger conversation around working conditions for all pharmacists in all stages of their career, in the hopes of fostering a better working culture.

 

“The next video should feature a pharmacist eating lunch without a lunch break!” And yes, thank you for the video inspiration!

Regards,
Ella Shearing 
 

Pay Next Day: Get Paid Faster with Locumate 

Imagine finishing a day’s work and waking up the next morning to find your payment already sitting in your bank account. Sounds too good to be true? Not anymore, thanks to our “Pay Next Day” (PND) feature – it’s essentially a faster payment system designed and developed by Locumate for locums who usually face traditional waiting game or delays in receiving their earnings. When you’ve completed your work, instead of waiting for the typical payroll cycle that could extend for weeks, PND ensures that you receive your payment within 24 hours after your work has been verified and approved. This offers you predictability and greater financial stability. 

Why did we introduce PND? 
  • Locums often juggle multiple jobs and financial commitments. Waiting for payments can disrupt their cash flow and planning. 
  • No financial stability and predictability for locums. 

 

How does it work? 

 Pre-requisite: 

  • Locums verify their “Bank Details” on app. 
  • Locums upload their “Identification and Insurance Documents” on app. 

Process: 

  • Locum completes the shift. 
  • Locum submits the timesheet. 
  • Pharmacy approves the timesheet within 48 hours after which time it will be auto approved. 
  • Locum receives payment within 24 hours of timesheet approval. 

 

Benefits: 

  • Fast payments – no more waiting for weeks. 
  • Financial predictability. 
  • Simplified payment process. 

Still having any issues with payments? Our support team is always ready to help. Just reach out to [email protected].au with your shift details, and we’ll sort it out. 

 Pay Next Day is revolutionising how locums get paid. It’s fast, efficient, and designed with you in mind. Ready to say goodbye to traditional payment systems and delays? Start using Pay Next Day today and experience the difference! 

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

 

Prescription for Success: Psychological Safety in the Pharmacy World 

In the fast-paced environment of pharmacies, where precision and empathy are paramount, the concept of psychological safety holds huge significance. This concept revolves around creating a workplace culture where individuals feel secure to voice their opinions, share concerns, and contribute ideas without the fear of judgment or negative consequences. 
 
Pharmacists deal with complex medication regimens, patient queries, and evolving healthcare protocols daily. By fostering psychological safety, pharmacy teams can enhance communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. When pharmacists feel safe to express themselves and take calculated risks, they are more likely to innovate, adapt to challenges, and deliver exceptional patient care. 
 
To cultivate psychological safety in pharmacies, it’s essential to prioritize open dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect among team members. Encouraging feedback, acknowledging diverse perspectives, and supporting each other through challenges can create a nurturing environment where pharmacists feel valued, heard, and empowered to excel in their roles. 
 
Psychological safety is not just a buzzword but a fundamental aspect of promoting well-being, teamwork, and professional growth in the pharmacy setting. By embracing this concept, pharmacists can build stronger connections, enhance job satisfaction, and ultimately elevate the quality of care they provide to their patients. Let’s strive to create pharmacies where psychological safety thrives, creating a culture of trust, collaboration, and excellence in pharmaceutical practice. 

 
Regards,
Vedrana Djurkovic

Single locum to work multiple shifts.

Based on valuable feedback we have received, we understand that when stores advertise multiple shifts, particularly to cover periods of annual leave, there is a strong preference for having a single locum to work all these shifts. This preference stems from the need for consistency and continuity within the store, which ultimately benefits both the staff and the customers.

Having the same locum for all shifts allows a single locum to become familiar with the store’s operations, staff, and procedures, which enhances efficiency and reduces the need for training to suit that specific store’s needs.
It assists in fostering trust and familiarity as customers benefit from interacting with the same locum over multiple shifts.

To address this need, we are excited to introduce a new feature that caters specifically to this requirement.

When applying for shifts, you may now see a note stating: ‘This is a bulk shift. This pharmacy requests a single locum to book all listed shifts.’ This feature is designed to streamline the process and ensure that the same locum can work all the specified shifts.

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When viewing these bulk shifts, you will have the option to select or unselect all shifts as a group. This means you will not be able to pick up individual shifts within the bulk listing. By ensuring that only one locum is responsible for all the shifts, we are supporting stores in achieving their goals of operational consistency and efficiency.

Selecting a single locum to work multiple shifts

We appreciate your feedback and understand the importance of having the same locum work all necessary shifts. To address this, we are excited to introduce a feature that allows you to book all shifts with a single locum.

How it works:

1. Select dates: Begin by selecting the necessary dates for the shifts you need to fill, followed by selecting the ‘next button’.

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2. Confirm shift hours page: You will then be prompted to enter the shift hours. On this page, you will now see an option to ensure all shifts are booked by one locum. Simply select ‘Yes’ when asked, “Do you want this job to be booked by a single locum?”
By enabling this feature, you can prevent multiple locums from picking up individual shifts, ensuring consistency and continuity in your store.

 

 

 

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3. Proceed with posting shifts as normal.

We hope this new option enhances your experience and helps maintain a smooth workflow in your store. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

[email protected]

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team