Category: Pharmacy Insights

Pharmacy Update: Pay rate display change

Posted on | by Bayleigh S
Pay Rate display changes  

As part of our recent release of Locumate version 2.0, we made a few adjustments to make your experience on the platform even better. Today, we wanted to chat about the changes we made to how your pay rate is displayed.  

We know how confusing it can be when you are trying to calculate how much you can afford to pay the locum when there is super, travel, tax and so many other things to consider. To make this easier for you, we updated the rates advertised for each shift to now be displayed without super.  

So, what does this mean for you and your pharmacy?  

When you are posting shifts, you will see the payment range for the shift excluding super, so you know exactly what the locum will need to receive in their bank account. Our built-in calculator will then automatically determine the super amount and display the total compensation you will be expected to pay. This saves you time and effort in calculating total costs and enables you to budget accordingly.  

Screen Shot 2024-03-28 at 11.24.20 am

Figure 1. When posting a shift, you will enter the payment range excluding super, and the Locumate calculator will automatically inform you of the super amounts and the total rates including super 

You’ll be able to see how much super you will need to pay the locum when you accept their timesheet. 

Image 28-3-2024 at 11.33 am

Figure 2. View how much super you will need to pay the locum when you accept their timesheet.  

You can also review your super contribution when you receive your invoices.  

We hope this provides some clarity and explains how this change makes it easier for you to know exactly how much you are spending on your locums.   

Thank you again for your patience, support and for being part of the Locumate Family!  

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

 

 

How to Transform Your Pharmacy into a “Green Pharmacy”

Posted on | by Bayleigh S

As the spotlight turns towards the pharmaceutical sector’s commitment to environmental sustainability, individual pharmacists emerge as catalysts for change. In anticipation of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm (Eastern Australian Time), the call is clear: it’s time to make your pharmacy a green pharmacy. While large pharmaceutical companies undoubtedly play a significant role, recognising the potential for impactful contributions from individual pharmacists through small, everyday changes becomes imperative.

  1. Sustainable Packaging: A Lighter Load on the Earth

Start by minimising packaging waste, using only what is essential, and ensuring proper disposal methods. Actively encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging within the pharmacy, complemented by the initiation of recycling programs. Small changes here amplify the collective impact on waste reduction.

  1. Medication Disposal Programs: A Beacon of Responsible Practice

Be a champion of responsible medication disposal within your community. Educate patients on proper disposal methods and take the lead in organising local disposal programs. These initiatives not only align with environmental stewardship principles but also create a ripple effect, fostering a sense of collective responsibility.

  1. Energy-Efficient Practices: Illuminating a Greener Tomorrow

Contribute to energy efficiency by adopting simple practices—turn off lights and electronic devices when not in use. Encourage colleagues to follow suit and implement energy-saving measures within the pharmacy. Showcase how minor changes can make a substantial impact in reducing energy consumption.

  1. Digitalisation and Paperless Practices: Lighting the Path to Efficiency

Embrace digital platforms for prescription management and documentation to significantly reduce paper consumption. Transitioning to online systems such as e-scripts and email not only enhances efficiency but also demonstrates how individual pharmacists actively contribute to a more sustainable future, one digital record at a time.

  1. Pharmacist and Patient Education: Enlightening Minds for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Engage in ongoing education to stay informed about environmentally friendly practices within the pharmaceutical field. Become a catalyst for change by sharing this knowledge with patients, colleagues, and the community. Each pharmacist, through collective efforts, no matter how small, becomes an integral part of a sustainable healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, this article reinforces that while large pharmaceutical companies lay the groundwork for sustainability, the transformative power to make a difference lies in the hands of individual pharmacists. As Earth Hour beckons a symbolic dimming of lights, let every pharmacist illuminate the path to a greener future. These collective efforts, no matter how small, contribute significantly to environmental stewardship in pharmaceutical care, showcasing the immense impact that individual actions can have on our planet.

Locumate 2.0 Update(Pharmacy Edition)

Posted on | by Bayleigh S
Hey Locumate Community, 

We hope you’re doing well!  

You might have noticed a few changes on the app over the last few days and that’s because we recently released Locumate version 2.0! We wanted to take a moment to express our gratitude for your patience and support as we’ve been hard at work bringing you these significant updates. 

With any major product release, there may be a few bumps along the road. Your patience and cooperation during this time are invaluable to us. Rest assured; our dedicated team is working diligently to address any issues swiftly. 

So, what can you expect from the latest version of Locumate? 

  1. The ‘First Come, First Served’ vs ‘Apply’ feature: We know that sometimes choosing the right talent for your pharmacy can be challenging. This is why we created the Apply feature to empower you to make informed decisions.  
  • When creating a new job, you can either allow locums to book shifts immediately by choosing ‘First Come, First Served’ or ask for locums to apply for the shift when outside a radius of your choosing.  
  • Once locums apply for the shift, you can review their applications and offer the position to the best candidate. Locums will have 24 hours to accept the offer before you can choose to offer it to someone else.  
create job

2. New text tags on your search window of the app: To give you a quick snapshot of the status of all your shifts, we introduced a colour-coded tagging system as show in the image below. Now you won’t need to click into each shift to get an update. 

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3. Flexibility over locums: To give you more control over your locum search, we introduced the Block feature and the Preferred Locum feature. These features give you the ability to categorise your locums. With the Block feature, you can stop a particular locum from viewing or booking shifts at your pharmacy. By making a locum a preferred locum, you can create an exclusive list of locums you know and trust for future shift bookings. But don’t worry, you can reverse this just as easily. This can be done at the time of timesheet approval, feedback provision and via the locum’s profile.  

 

We really hope these updates make your Locumate experience even better! And your feedback is always welcome so please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] with any questions or suggestions.  

Thank you again for your patience, support and for being part of the Locumate Family!  

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

How Locumate’s Seamless Communication Features Enhance Pharmacy Operations

Posted on | by Locumate

In today’s fast-paced healthcare industry, effective communication is paramount for ensuring optimal patient care and streamlining day-to-day operations. For pharmacies seeking to maintain efficiency and provide consistent services, Locumate emerges as a game-changer. Our platform goes beyond mere locum staffing solutions; it offers a comprehensive suite of seamless communication features designed to connect pharmacists and pharmacies effortlessly. In this article, we will explore how Locumate’s seamless communication features elevate pharmacy operations and create a harmonious work environment for all stakeholders.

Instant Messaging for Real-Time Updates

Locumate’s real-time messaging system enables direct and instant communication between pharmacies and locum pharmacists. Gone are the days of playing phone tag or waiting for email responses. Pharmacists can share updates on their availability, schedule changes, and query pharmacies about shift details. Similarly, pharmacies can quickly reach out to locums for urgent assignments or to address any unforeseen changes, ensuring a continuous flow of essential information.

Notifications and Reminders

Staying on top of schedules is vital for any pharmacy. Locumate’s built-in notification system acts as a virtual assistant, sending timely reminders to both pharmacists and pharmacies about upcoming shifts and assignments. This feature minimizes the risk of missed shifts and prevents any potential staffing gaps, thus contributing to improved patient care.

Secure and Confidential Communication

Confidentiality is a non-negotiable aspect of healthcare. Locumate prioritises the privacy and security of all communication exchanged on the platform. Both pharmacies and locum pharmacists can rest assured that their conversations remain protected and exclusive to the relevant parties. 

Feedback and Ratings

Effective communication is a two-way street, and Locumate acknowledges the value of constructive feedback. After each assignment, pharmacies can provide ratings and reviews for locum pharmacists, offering valuable insights into their performance. Conversely, locum pharmacists can share their feedback on their experience with the pharmacy, helping both parties to improve and grow.

Centralised Communication Hub

Locumate acts as a centralised communication hub, making it easy for pharmacies to access and manage all communication related to locum staffing. There’s no need to juggle between various platforms or channels; everything is consolidated on Locumate, leading to increased efficiency and time savings.

In today’s competitive healthcare landscape, pharmacies need efficient solutions to connect with locum pharmacists and maintain smooth operations. Locumate’s seamless communication features are designed to meet these needs and go beyond, creating a dynamic ecosystem where pharmacies and locum pharmacists can interact effortlessly. By leveraging real-time messaging, secure document sharing, notifications, and feedback systems, Locumate enhances the way pharmacies communicate with their locum workforce, leading to optimised staff scheduling, improved patient care, and an overall sense of partnership and collaboration.

The benefits of Pay Next Day

Posted on | by Locumate

In today’s fast-paced world, financial stability and flexibility are highly valued; one emerging trend that is gaining traction is the concept of “Pay Next Day.” Pay Next Day is a payment option allowing individuals to receive their wages for a day’s work the next day, rather than waiting for the traditional pay cycle. This article explores the numerous benefits of this innovative payment method and how it can enhance financial well-being for locums!

Pay Next Day – Improved Cash Flow:

One of the primary advantages of Pay Next Day is the improved cash flow it offers. By receiving wages the next day, locums can access their hard-earned money sooner and effectively manage their finances. This accelerated payment cycle can alleviate short-term financial burdens, such as unexpected expenses or urgent bills.

Financial Planning and Budgeting:

Pay Next Day empowers locums with greater control over their financial planning and budgeting. Knowing when and how much money will be available enables better budgeting decisions, allowing individuals to allocate funds more efficiently. With a clearer understanding of their income, pharmacists can proactively plan for expenses, prioritise savings, and work towards long-term financial goals (that dream holiday to Europe?).

Pay Next Day – Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Productivity:

Pharmacies adopting Pay Next Day can significantly boost locum satisfaction and overall productivity. Timely payment of wages instils a sense of financial security and trust in the pharmacy-locum relationship. By ensuring that pharmacists have access to their wages without delay, pharmacists can create a positive work environment that enhances morale, reduces financial stress, and fosters increased productivity.

Empowering Gig Economy and Freelancers:

The rise of the gig economy and freelance work has transformed the employment landscape. Pay Next Day aligns perfectly with this shift by providing a payment option catering to independent workers’ unique needs. Freelancers and gig workers often face irregular income streams, making it challenging to manage their finances effectively. Pay Next Day offers them the ability to access their earnings quickly, helping them smooth out income fluctuations and create stability in their financial lives.

two female pharmacists wearing white coats back to back, highlighting the benifits of pay next day locumate feature.

By providing immediate access to wages, this payment option empowers individuals to better manage their finances, reduce debt, and improve their overall financial well-being. With its potential to increase locum satisfaction and productivity, Pay Next Day is a win-win solution for both locums and pharmacies!

How pharmacies can benefit from having locums

Posted on | by Locumate

Locums have been essential in supporting pharmacies during times of cover, whether it be for annual leave, sick leave or when it generally gets busy. However, for a lot of pharmacies, the need for a locum can be an important decision, especially when costs, efficiency and disruption to workflow need to be considered.

Pharmacies & Locums help each other.

Although these are all important factors to take into account, pharmacies still need to ensure they are adequately staffed according to the workload and busy periods in a pharmacy. With Locumate, we understand time can be a constraint to organising locums; therefore, we have put simplicity and ease at the forefront of our design. Allowing the managers and owners to focus on running their business!

Pharmacies - Enhancing Skills and Knowledge in Pharmacy Education and Training

What are the main 3 reasons for pharmacies to employ a locum?:

  1. Rest & Recharge: having a locum cover shifts, especially annual leave, allows the pharmacist to take time off with the comfort of having a qualified, experienced colleague come in and work their shifts. It is essential for pharmacists to work at the peak of their ability through a proper work-life balance, where taking a break should be a priority. 
  2. Reduce workload: if a pharmacy finds it challenging to manage workload due to reduced staffing levels, locums can help fill in the gaps and reduce some of the stress in pharmacies. Having adequate staffing levels helps to assist with tasks such as webster checking, vaccinations or serving patients, is important in maintaining customer satisfaction, delivering quality healthcare and boosting team morale.
  3. Fresh perspectives: sometimes locums can offer new ideas and solutions to processes or workflow optimisation. They have usually worked in a variety of different settings and can help contribute by offering insights from their experience. 

In summary, although locums are there to cover a shift, it’s important to recognise their contribution goes far beyond this. With a locum that feels welcomed and supported in their work environment, it can present as a great opportunity to improve on existing efficiencies and give an employee a well-deserved break.

Compliance and Why it’s so important in Pharmacy

Posted on | by Locumate

Understanding the Importance of Compliance in the Workplace

We often discuss the critical role of maintaining compliance in our workplaces. So, what’s the reason behind this? The simple answer is that uniform compliance helps establish a structured, law-abiding workplace environment. At Locumate, we deeply value and steadfastly commit to ensuring compliance for all our clients.

More Than Just Following Rules

Compliance isn’t just about abiding by rules; it plays a vital role in the practice of pharmacy. It’s a fundamental requirement for guaranteeing the safety and quality of medicines, safeguarding patients’ and consumers’ health and rights, and circumventing legal and ethical dilemmas for pharmacists and pharmacy owners. Compliance aids in covering all aspects of pharmacy practice, such as licensing and registrations, patient care standards, quality assurance, and adherence to laws and regulations.

Ensuring Compliance with Locumate: Features and Support

Achieving the advantages of compliance and evading the perils of non-compliance can be accomplished by implementing effective procedures in your pharmacy. Locumate aids this process by continuously updating, introducing, and modifying features that ensure consistent compliance. For instance, when Covid Certificates became mandatory for all pharmacists, Locumate quickly integrated this requirement into the platform. Compliance remains our utmost priority, and we consistently innovate to embed it across the platform.

Focusing on Compliance in Locum Hiring

One of our significant emphases is on establishing a comprehensive compliance package for locum hiring. Pharmacies must clarify the terms and conditions of their contract with locums, such as duration, rate, payment method, and cancellation policy. Furthermore, it’s essential for locums to understand their self-employed status and responsibilities to pay tax and professional indemnity insurance.

Streamlining Compliance Process with Locumate

With Locumate, as soon as a locum accepts a shift at a pharmacy, a binding contract takes effect. All necessary shift details are contained within the platform, simplifying invoicing processes. The platform also creates a separate invoice containing the super contribution for the locum.

Pharmacy compliance and locum hiring management through Locumate app

Ensuring Compliance from Start to Finish with Locumate

Locumate ensures compliance at every stage of the process from the beginning to the end of an engagement. Thus, you can be confident that your pharmacy is establishing a safe, legal, and compliant workplace.

Download Locumate Today!

Locumate is available on the Apple AppStore and Google Playstore.

Alternatively, visit app.locumate.com.au to get started!

Thriving Outside Your Comfort Zone: A Guide to Growing as a Pharmacist through Challenging Experiences

Posted on | by Locumate

As a locum pharmacist, it’s common to find yourself in unfamiliar territory, whether you’re working in a new environment, with unfamiliar colleagues, or dealing with new patients. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a challenging but rewarding experience that can help you grow both personally and professionally. In this article, we’ll explore how you can embrace challenging experiences and get the most out of them as a locum pharmacist.

Growing as a Pharmacist -Embrace the Challenge

The first step to getting the most out of a challenging experience is to embrace it. Rather than seeing it as a negative, try to see it as an opportunity for growth. Facing obstacles may not always be pleasant, but they can guide you in where to go next. Obstacles shift our perspective by equipping us to handle what is thrown our way.

Instead of viewing setbacks as roadblocks, choose to see them as opportunities for self-improvement. Leaning on your mentors during difficult times can also be beneficial in providing advice or a different outlook on the situation (see our article on mentorship for more information on the importance of mentors and finding a mentor).

Be Prepared

Before stepping into a challenging situation, it’s important to be prepared. This means researching and learning as much as possible about the new environment or situation you’ll be working in. You can ask other pharmacists who have worked in that particular pharmacy or area before, research the area or pharmacy branch online, or reach out to the person who hired you for more information.

Utilising the chat functionality in the Locumate app can be particularly useful in ensuring effective communication between you and the pharmacy. It will allow for an exchange of information to ensure that you are well-prepared before you start your shift. Visit the AppStore or Google Playstore to download Locumate.

Growing as a Pharmacist – You have to keep an open mind

When you step out of your comfort zone, it’s important to keep an open mind. You may encounter new ways of working or different perspectives from your new colleagues. Try to be open to these new experiences and ideas, and learn as much as you can from them. This can help you develop new skills and perspectives that you can bring back to your work as a pharmacist, professionally and personally.

Learn from Your Mistakes

Stepping out of your comfort zone can be a challenging experience, and you may make mistakes along the way. However, it’s important to learn from these mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth. Take the time to reflect on what went wrong and what you could do differently in the future. Reflecting with a mentor can also be beneficial. This can help you avoid making the same mistakes in the future and become a better pharmacist overall.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, taking care of yourself is important when stepping out of your comfort zone. Challenging experiences can be mentally and emotionally taxing, so it’s important to practise self-care. This can mean taking breaks when you need them, getting enough sleep, eating well, and doing activities that help you relax and recharge. If you require additional support, the Pharmacists’ Support Service is available all year round (every day from 8 am to 11 pm AEDT). The service provides a listening ear over the telephone to pharmacists, pharmacy interns, and students.

Professional pharmacist explaining prescription A Guide to Growing as a Pharmacist through Challenging Experiences

Embracing challenging experiences can be a rewarding experience for locum pharmacists. By embracing the challenge, being prepared, keeping an open mind, learning from your mistakes, and taking care of yourself, you can get the most out of these experiences and grow both personally and professionally. So, the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, take a deep breath and see it as an opportunity for growth.

3 Tips for How You Can Best Equip Yourself For The Flu Season This Winter

Posted on | by Locumate

Winter is coming, and so is the flu season. As pharmacists, we know the importance of being prepared for the upcoming flu season. This year, the flu season coincides with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, making it more critical than ever to take proactive measures to protect your patients and yourself. So, let’s dive into some helpful tips on how to best equip yourself for the cold and flu season this winter!

Stay Up-to-Date on Flu Season Information

Staying informed is the first step in preparing for the flu season. As a pharmacist, it is essential to keep an eye on the flu season start date, which typically runs from May to September. Monitor the severity of the flu by keeping up-to-date with news articles and listening to patients’ experiences. The Australian Government Department of Health provides regular updates on flu activity across the country, including vaccine effectiveness rates. So, make sure to check their website regularly.

As pharmacists, it is also essential to familiarize yourselves with the latest flu vaccine recommendations, including dosage and administration guidelines. Keep track of any changes in vaccine formulations or recommendations and inform your patients accordingly. You can find this information on the ATAGI website.

3 Tips for How You Pretty mature pharmacist giving you best medication Can Best Equip Yourself For The Flu Season This Winter

Encourage Vaccination

Vaccination is the best defence against the flu, and pharmacists play a vital role in increasing vaccination rates. In Australia, pharmacists can administer flu vaccines, making it easier for patients to get vaccinated. Pharmacists can also educate patients on the importance of getting vaccinated and answer any questions they may have.

In addition to flu vaccines, pharmacists can also encourage patients to get the COVID-19 vaccine. As COVID-19 is still prevalent, getting vaccinated is crucial to protect against the virus and its variants. Inform your patients about the availability and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage them to get vaccinated or up-to-date with vaccinations as soon as possible. In fact, if a patient comes in for a covid booster, check if they would like to get their annual flu vaccine at the same time!

Get Qualified to Administer Vaccines

To administer vaccines, pharmacists must have the proper qualifications. In Australia, pharmacists can obtain certification to administer vaccines through various programs, including the Immunisation Training Program for Pharmacists offered by the Australian Pharmacy Council. This program provides pharmacists with the training and knowledge necessary to safely and effectively administer vaccines and the appropriate accreditation.

By obtaining certification to administer vaccines, pharmacists can expand their role in patient care and improve patient outcomes. Pharmacists who can administer vaccines can provide a valuable service to their patients and the community by increasing vaccination rates and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. As a locum working within the community, having certification to administer vaccines is a valuable skill that many pharmacies will appreciate. Be sure to update your Locumate profile to include this skill, so prospective owners are aware.

Preparing for the flu season is critical for healthcare professionals, especially pharmacists in Australia. Staying informed, encouraging vaccination, and getting qualified to administer vaccines can help pharmacists better equip themselves for the upcoming flu season. By taking these steps, pharmacists can help protect their patients and communities from the flu and other infectious diseases while expanding their role in patient care. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get ready to fight the flu and COVID-19 this winter!

From ‘register chick’ to Locumate co-founder

Posted on | by Niamh Foley

Our co-founder Kavita Nadan got her start in pharmacy on the cash register. Since then, she’s managed a pharmacy in rural Victoria, become a managing partner, and started Locumate. 

“As an owner/pharmacist and managing partner, I was hiring locums a lot. The whole process was broken. We realised that we needed to put locums at the forefront of this as well as the owners.”

“We needed to make a platform that was going to suit the needs of both parties.”

So she did.