The first day of any new job is always daunting, and working as a locum pharmacist is no different. Whether you’re a newly qualified pharmacist, or have recently switched from full time employment, your may be feeling anxious about your first locum shift. This is normal so you shouldn’t let it deter you! The best way to prepare is to do a few small, but important, things beforehand to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the day. We’ve laid out a few of these things below.
Previous Community Pharmacy Experience
Your first day as a locum pharmacist will be made way easier if you already have some post-graduate, community pharmacy experience under your belt. Having some idea of what is to be expected of you before you go in will help to put your mind at ease. Of course, each pharmacy you work in will have slightly different ways of doing things, but once you’re familiar with the process in one pharmacy, these skills can be easily transferred elsewhere.
Provide All Necessary Compliance Documentation
In order to work as a locum pharmacist, you need to make sure you have all of the required documentation. In the Republic of Ireland, you will need to be registered with the PSI, be Garda Vetted, and provide a photographic ID & copy of your CV. You can also provide any additional accreditations such as vaccination training. Some pharmacies also request for you to sign a SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures). Clarity will email you a copy of these SOPs to sign digitally before your shift.
Arrive on time
Always make sure you know where you’re headed and double-check the pharmacy’s location the day beforehand. If you’re using public transport, know which bus route or train you need to take in advance. If you’re using the Clarity Locums app, we have a nice feature that shows you precise directions via our integration with Google Maps.
What To Do If Your Running Late
Sometimes unexpected delays occur that may cause you to be running late. If this happened for any unseen reason, please use the “Running Late” feature on the app, so that we can inform the pharmacy! Simply enter your booked shift on the app and tap the running late button. You'll be asked to give a quick estimate of how long you'll be so we can give the staff in the pharmacy an accurate update. Once this is done Clarity staff are automatically notified and we will contact the client on the locum's behalf, allowing you to focus on the important task of getting to work safely.
Ask Questions
No one is expecting you to be an expert surrounding the pharmacy’s processes and procedures on your first day - every pharmacy does things differently! Don’t be afraid to ask members of the pharmacy team questions to ensure you know what needs to be done. The faster you learn, the easier the day will be!
Download the Clarity Locums App & Book your First Locum Shift
Sign up to Clarity Locums app in minutes, and gain access to thousands of locum shifts around Ireland & the UK. Discover our other features such as updating your availability, uploading your compliance documents, shifts alerts, access to our full-time jobs, CPD, and much more.