Pharmacists are naturally driven to continually develop their skills, their experiences and achieve their career goals. Whatever these goals are, you probably have a plan in place to make them happen.

Does Locumming Fit These Plans?

For some, yes most definitely. As a locum, you can undoubtedly increase your earning potential, learn new skills, gain varied experiences as well as manage your work life. However, in the medium to long term, locumming can hinder career progression, especially for those seeking to climb the career ladder or move into a specialism.

The key challenges employers cite when considering hiring a locum pharmacist for a full-time role are.

• Stability: At the back of every employer's mind when hiring a new pharmacist, is the stability of their team and the likelihood of their new hire staying with the company. As a locum, it can be hard to reassure them of your commitment to settling down.
• Responsibilities: Unless you are a full-time locum at a particular branch or chain, it can be difficult to gain responsibilities and demonstrate competencies at these. You may argue as a locum, you assume these responsibilities eveytime you attend a pharmacy and that as processes vary you are capable of taking on responsibilities. Unfortunately, some employers like to see a pharmacist can carry out the same responsibilities day in and day out.
• Teamwork: Employers like to know you can get on with their team, that you can step up when things get tough and in general work as part of a wider team. This may be difficult to demonstrate, as locums are often with different team members daily and building up a working relationship with colleagues can be more challenging
• Conflict Management: How do you cope with conflict? On a daily basis, probably very well. However, did you go back to that particular branch? As a locum, it is easy to decide not to work for a particular branch and in all honesty quite sensible. However, employers like to know how you manage conflict both in the immediate term and in the longer term. Were you able to move on and rebuild relationships?
• Skill Development: As a pharmacist you are constantly updating your knowledge and clinical skills. This is not the same as developing skills within a workplace. Employers want to see how you’ve taken on additional duties and progressed in your current role.

So when it comes to career development, you should carefully consider your career goals and understand the best path to achieving them. Why not join us on the 19th April for our webinar on interview success, where we will provide you with helpful information and career advice. Sign up here!