Just finished your training? Congratulations! Now you're standing at a crossroads, with countless career paths ahead. For many newly qualified pharmacists (NQPs), the big question is: should I work as a locum?
While a traditional full-time role offers stability, starting your career as a locum pharmacist can provide unparalleled benefits for your professional development and personal life. Here’s a detailed look at why locum work could be the best career move you make.
The Top Benefits of Working as a Newly Qualified Locum Pharmacist
1. Build Diverse Experience and Sharpen Your Clinical Skills
As a newly qualified pharmacist, your primary goal is to gain as much experience as possible. Working as a locum is the fastest way to do this. You'll gain exposure to a variety of community pharmacy settings, patient demographics, and management styles across the UK.
This hands-on experience allows you to put your clinical knowledge into practice and build confidence quickly. You'll become proficient in delivering crucial services like:
- Pharmacy First consultations
- Medicines prescribing and management
- Patient care and counselling
- Vaccination services
This versatility makes you a highly valuable asset in the competitive job market.
2. Maximise Your Earning Potential from Day One
Let's talk about money. Locum shifts often offer highly competitive rates, meaning you can start earning a significant income right away. This can be a game-changer for newly qualified professionals looking to:
- Pay off student loans quickly
- Build a solid savings pot
- Achieve financial independence
- Fund your lifestyle or save for a major event
The ability to pick up extra shifts means you're in control of your earnings, allowing you to boost your income whenever you need to.
3. Take Control of Your Career with Ultimate Flexibility
One of the most attractive aspects of locum work is the freedom it offers. Unlike a permanent contract, you can choose when, where, and how often you work. This puts you in charge of your work-life balance from the start.
Whether you want to work full-time hours, pick up weekend shifts alongside a part-time job, or take time off for travel, locum work provides the flexibility to create a schedule that truly fits your life.
Ready to Start Your Locum Career? Why Choose Locate a Locum
While the benefits are clear, getting started as a locum can feel daunting. This is where a trusted platform like Locate a Locum comes in. Our award-winning online platform and app are used by thousands of locums and employers across the UK, and we're dedicated to helping newly qualified pharmacists succeed.
Here’s what makes us the ideal choice for your first locum role:
- Personalised Support from Day One: Once you’re approved, you'll be assigned a dedicated Locum Success Consultant. They’ll be on hand to answer all your questions, from understanding rates to navigating company-specific policies, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start to your career.
- Unlock Exclusive Rewards & Perks: We believe your hard work should be rewarded. Our Level Up programme covers essential costs for our locums, including police checks and professional indemnity insurance fees, saving you money from the get-go.
- Never Stop Learning with Free CPD: Your professional development is a priority. All Locate a Locum users get free access to our Locate Learning platform, a valuable tool for maintaining your CPD and staying at the top of your game.
- Join a Supportive Professional Community: Don't go it alone. Our dedicated "Locum Meet Up" community group is the perfect place to connect with fellow pharmacists, share advice, and get guidance from those who have been in your shoes.
Launch Your Career Today
Starting your career as a locum can be an incredibly rewarding and empowering choice. It’s a path that offers rapid skill development, financial freedom, and the ultimate flexibility.
Ready to take the leap?
→ Sign up to Locate a Locum today and let us help you kickstart your new career as a locum pharmacist.