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

Guide to 60-day Dispensing: Keeping your Patients Safe!

In the realm of pharmacy, the transition to 60-day dispensing in Australia has brought forth a wave of changes and new challenges for pharmacists. One of the major hurdles faced by pharmacists in this shift, is the crucial task of educating patients on the importance of adherence amongst the extended medication supply.

 

Due to the possible less frequent trips to the pharmacy, pharmacists need to make sure they are still able to monitor patient’s medications to ensure they are taken safely and correctly. Some of the risks of extended medication supply are over dosing, therefore counselling the patient on this new larger quantity of medicines, may include advice on how to store excess medication, when they are due to get a repeat dispensed, or maybe advise of drug administration aids.

 

It is important that patients comprehend the significance of consistent medication use, potential side effects, and the adherence to treatment plans. Pharmacists play a pivotal role in guiding patients through these changes, offering support, monitoring progress, and addressing any concerns that may surface during the extended dispensing interval.

 

By actively engaging with patients and providing comprehensive education, pharmacists can navigate these challenges effectively, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes and enhanced healthcare delivery. The journey of implementing 60-day dispensing may be complex, but with dedication to patient education and support, pharmacists can rise to the occasion and make a positive impact on patient health and well-being.

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 

Time is Money: Is Your Paycheck Accurate?

As a locum pharmacist, managing your finances is crucial for maintaining stability and ensuring you’re fairly compensated for your valuable work. One key aspect of this is reviewing your invoices or paychecks to ensure accuracy and transparency. Here’s a breakdown of the 4 essential steps to follow:

1. Time Accuracy: When reviewing your invoice or timesheet, ensure that you’re invoicing for the time you actually started and finished work, not just the scheduled start/finish time. This ensures you’re accurately compensated for the hours you’ve dedicated to your shift.

2. Understanding Pay Rate: Determine whether your pay rate is super inclusive or exclusive. Super inclusive means that your super contributions are included in your base pay rate, while super exclusive indicates that super is paid on top of your base rate. You can review your super contribution when you receive your invoice, when you submit your timesheet and via your Earnings Dashboard on the app in your profile section. Understanding this distinction is essential for calculating your total earnings correctly – see Locumate’s blog article “Is super really that important?” for more information. 

3. Checking Pay Rate: Verify your pay rate to ensure it aligns with your agreed-upon terms and the industry award. This information should be clearly outlined in your agreement with the pharmacy or invoice. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Locumate Support Team to clarify.

4. Taxed Amount: Review the taxed amount deducted from your paycheck to ensure accuracy. Confirm that the correct tax rate has been applied based on your income bracket (Check out the ATO for further information) and any applicable deductions or allowances.

By following these steps and diligently reviewing your invoices or paychecks, you can ensure that you’re being fairly compensated for your work as a locum pharmacist. Additionally, staying informed about your finances empowers you to address any discrepancies promptly and maintain financial stability in your career. Remember, your time and expertise are valuable, so it’s essential to advocate for yourself and ensure you’re receiving the compensation you deserve.

Preparing for Euro Summer 2024

It’s that time of the year again! When your patients plan to escape the cold winter in
Australia to enjoy the warm embrace of EURO summer. Whether your patients are
exploring the historic streets of Rome or lounging on the scenic beaches of Greece, its
important to prioritise health and well-being during travel. Here are some tips to consider
before setting off.

1. Medication Supply.

Advise your patients to ensure they have adequate supply of their medications to last the
duration of their trip. It’s a good idea to recommend taking extra, in case of any unexpected
delays or emergencies. Remind your patients to plan ahead, and give their doctors and
pharmacists plenty of time to organise prescriptions and stock before they travel. Help
patients with storage and handling of medications, especially when it comes to refrigerated
medicines. Supplying a fridge pack from the supplier or a small esky patients can transport
medications to and from travel.

2. Sun protection.

Europe’s summer sun can be intense, so it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of sun
protection. Advise your patients to pack high SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to ensure
sun safety. Educate them about the risks of sunburn and heatstroke, and encourage them to
find a spot under a colourful umbrella while they enjoy the scenery, and maybe a vino.

3. Water & food safety
Discuss the significance of drinking clean and safe water while travelling. In countries where
the water quality may differ from what your patients are accustomed to, advise them to
drink bottled water, and steer clear of tap water and ice cubes. It may be beneficial for
patients to carry oral rehydration salts to help combat the heat and post soirée
rejuvenation. Offer advice on travellers’ diarrhoea prevention, including hand hygiene and
being cautious with food choices.

4. Vaccinations
Look into travel vaccine advice for certain destinations, and advise patients to speak with
their healthcare provider. Have a discussion with patients on the risk and benefits of these
vaccines.

As a pharmacist, it’s crucial to prioritise the health and well-being of your customers,
especially when it comes to holiday preparations. Remember, being proactive and
knowledgeable in offering advice to patients can help ensure they have a memorable and
safe summer adventure

How our Apply feature ensures the right match every time 

At Locumate, our goal is to help you find the best locums to meet your needs efficiently and effectively. To enhance this process, we introduced the Apply feature which allows you to request that locums apply for a shift, instead of booking them immediately. We wanted to provide you with more control over your talent decisions and the ability to review candidates before making a selection. 

Why We Introduced This Feature: 
  • Enhanced Control: By requesting applications, you have more say in who fills your shifts, leading to higher satisfaction with the locums you hire. 
  • Improved Candidate Selection: The Apply feature enables you to review and choose the most suitable locums for your specific requirements, ensuring a better fit. 
  • Better Matchmaking: This feature helps in matching the right locum to the right shift, taking into account skills, experience, and availability. 
Benefits to You: 
  • Efficient Staffing: The ability to review and choose candidates can help streamline your staffing process, ensuring you have the best team in place when you need it. 
  • Reduced Turnover: Be confident you have chosen the right candidate for the job and reduce the likelihood of last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and ultimately poor customer experiences.  
  • Higher Quality Matches: Review applications and select locums based on their resumes and experience, leading to better quality matches for your shifts. 
How it works
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  • Accept Shifts: Shifts with the blue Accept button are available for locums to book immediately, ensuring quick and easy filling of urgent needs. 
  • Apply Shifts: Shifts with the yellow Apply button require locums to submit their resume or CV for your review, allowing you to select the best candidate from a pool of applicants. 
How to Use the Apply Feature: 
  1. Post Shifts with Apply Option: When posting shifts, choose the Apply option for roles where you want to review candidates before selection. 
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2. Review Applications: Once locums apply for the shift, review their resumes or CVs to assess their suitability. 

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3. Select the Best Fit: Choose the locum that best meets your requirements and offer them the shift through the app. 

4.  Wait for Confirmation: The selected locum will receive a notification and must respond within 24 hours to confirm their availability. 

Important Note: If a locum accepts a different shift that conflicts with one they have applied for, their application for your shift will be automatically withdrawn. This helps prevent scheduling conflicts and ensures you are only considering available candidates. 

We believe this new feature will significantly improve your staffing process, providing you with more control and better matches for your needs. We are committed to helping you find the best locums efficiently and effectively. Happy staffing! 

 
Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

 

Applying for shifts on Locumate

At Locumate, we are constantly striving to enhance your experience and provide you with more flexibility and control over your schedule. That’s why we introduced the Apply feature. You might have already noticed that some shifts now have a blue Accept button, while others have a yellow Apply button. This feature is designed to give you more options for managing your time and finding the best opportunities. 

Why We Introduced This Feature: 
  • Increased Flexibility: By allowing you to apply for shifts, we provide more opportunities to tailor your schedule to your preferences and availability. 
  • Enhanced Opportunities: The Apply feature opens the door to more specialised or high demand shifts that might require a more detailed review process. 
  • Better Matching: This feature helps pharmacies find the best-suited locums for their specific needs, ensuring a better match for both parties. 
Benefits to You: 
  • More Control: You can now choose between immediately booking a shift or applying for one that might better suit your skills and schedule. 
  • Improved Scheduling: By having the option to apply, you can prioritise shifts that align with your career goals and availability. 
  • Professional Development: Submitting your resume or CV allows you to better showcase your skills and experience, which allows you to create a potential pipeline of future work that expands your career prospects within and potentially outside the world of locuming.  
How it works
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  • Accept Shifts: Shifts with the blue Accept button can be booked immediately, allowing you to secure work on the spot. 
  • Apply Shifts: Shifts with the yellow Apply button require you to submit your resume or CV to be considered for the role. This process ensures that pharmacies have the opportunity to review candidates and select the best fit for their needs. 
How to use the apply feature

1. Update Your Profile: Ensure your resume or CV is up-to-date by uploading it to the Documents section of your profile on the app.

 

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2. Apply for Shifts: When you see a shift with the yellow Apply button, submit your application to join the pool of candidates.

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3. Wait for a notification: Once the pharmacy reviews your application, you will receive a notification via the app and email about the outcome. 

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4. Respond to Offers: If you receive an offer, make sure to respond within 24 hours to secure the shift. 

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Important Note: If you accept a shift that falls within the date range of another shift you have applied for, any pending applications will be automatically withdrawn. This ensures there are no scheduling conflicts and helps you manage your commitments effectively. 

We believe this feature will greatly enhance your experience with Locumate and provide you with even more opportunities to thrive in your career.  

 

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team 

What’s the Deal with Locumate’s new “Apply” vs “Accept” Feature?

In the dynamic world of locum pharmacy work, standing out from the crowd is essential for securing the best shifts and opportunities. With Locumate’s new “Apply” vs “Accept Shifts” feature, pharmacists now have even more control over their schedules and the chance to make their profiles truly shine.

So, what exactly is this feature all about?

It’s simple yet powerful: some shifts on Locumate will display a blue “Accept” button, while others will feature a yellow “Apply” button. The blue button signifies shifts that can be booked immediately, while the yellow button allows pharmacists to submit their resumes or CVs to be considered for the role. This gives pharmacists more flexibility and options in managing their time and schedule.

To make the most of this feature and ensure your profile stands out, it’s essential to have an up-to-date resume or CV to be uploaded to your Locumate profile. This document serves as your virtual calling card, showcasing your skills, qualifications, and experience. Additionally, consider including additional documents such as vaccination certificates, which can demonstrate your compliance with industry standards and requirements.

When crafting your resume or CV, be sure to highlight relevant experience, qualifications, and any specialised skills or certifications you possess. Tailor your profile to the specific needs and preferences of the pharmacies you’re interested in working with, and don’t hesitate to showcase any unique qualities or attributes that set you apart from other candidates.

Remember, responsiveness is key in the locum pharmacy world. If you receive an offer after applying for a shift, be sure to respond promptly within 24 hours to secure the opportunity. And if you accept a shift that overlaps with another you’ve applied for, rest assured that any pending applications will be automatically withdrawn, streamlining the process for both you and the pharmacy.

With Locumate’s new “Apply” vs “Accept Shifts” feature, pharmacists have the power to take control of their schedules and make their profiles stand out to potential employers. By ensuring your profile is up-to-date, tailored to the role, and responsive to offers, you can maximise your chances of landing the best locum opportunities available. So, go ahead and make your mark on Locumate today!


Elevating Pharmacy Operations Through Feedback

In the fast-paced world of pharmacy operations, continuous improvement is key to success and satisfaction—for both your team and the locum pharmacists you partner with. In our newsletter this week, we wanted to highlight the invaluable tool we have built into our platform in this quest for excellence: our feedback feature, accessible immediately after approving a locum’s timesheet.

pharmacy feedback collection EDITED

This feature does more than collect comments; it’s a cornerstone for building stronger, more effective collaborations between pharmacies and locum pharmacists. Your feedback helps us tailor the Locumate experience, ensuring the platform meets your specific needs and preferences. Moreover, it provides locum pharmacists with constructive insights on how they can better align with your operational goals and expectations, enhancing the quality of care provided to your customers.

Engaging with our feedback system helps contribute to the culture of continuous improvement and open communication we want to cultivate on the platform. By sharing your experiences and suggestions, you help shape a more efficient, supportive, and responsive ecosystem that benefits pharmacies and locum pharmacists alike.

Please take a moment to share your feedback after each engagement if you aren’t already, and always feel free to share any additional thoughts or experience you have with our Support team at [email protected] – they are always here to listen and support you. Together, we can redefine the standards of locum support and pharmacy operations.

Kind regards,  
The Locumate Team