Once you have completed 3 years of post-registration experience as a pharmacist, you are eligible to become a supervising pharmacist! Supervising pharmacist have additional duties and responsibilities, but ultimately receive a bigger pay check! So whether you have been in Ireland for several years, or you’re deciding to relocate, becoming a supervising pharmacist may be something you should consider.
What is a Supervising Pharmacist?
The first thing you need to do, before applying to become a supervising pharmacist, is to make sure you understand the role. Research as much as you can, and make a note of the duties and responsibilities the position entails. (we cover some of these below). Most importantly, you must have a minimum of three years' post-registration experience to be eligible to apply.
A supervising pharmacist is legally responsible for overseeing one pharmacy and ensuring that it is fully compliant with the Pharmacy Act (2007). According to the PSI the supervising pharmacist is “the person responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the pharmacy”. You will only be permitted to act in one pharmacy, and you will be required to be in control of the operations of this pharmacy, even when not present.
Supervising vs. Superintendent Pharmacist
As a supervising pharmacist, you will work closely with the superintended pharmacist, in cases where these positions are held by two different people. The supervising pharmacist is responsible for the pharmacy’s day-to-day operations, in comparison to the superintendent pharmacist, who will oversee the pharmacy’s overall administration and policies. In most independent pharmacies, the supervising and superintendent pharmacist is the same person, or else the pharmacy owner might be the superintendent pharmacist. Their roles can be seen more clearly below, as depicted by the PSI:
Responsibilities and Duties
The supervising pharmacist must act in accordance with, and ensure that the pharmacy that they are responsible for is compliant with all of the following:
Pharmacy Act 2007
Associated Regulations
Code of Conduct
Professional Guidelines
Statutory Rules
Apart from exercising all aspects of law, ethics and codes of practice, a supervising pharmacist must:
Provide a safe and efficient dispensing service for all customers, operating in accordance with the legal responsibilities pertaining to the profession of pharmacy
Oversee of the sale/supply of medicines (prescription & nonprescription)
Facilitate pharmacy training for all staff members
Oversee the management and storage of all medicines
Ensure that all pharmacists employed in the pharmacy are on the PSI register
Ensure that all pharmacy activities are carried out under the supervision of a pharmacist at all times.
Interact and build relationships with local doctors and other healthcare professionals
Become a supervising pharmacist with Clarity today
Clarity Recruitment offers one-to-one career consultations where we can help you on your way to become a supervising pharmacist. Book in with us at a time and date that suits you to discuss your options. Contact us at pharmacy@clarityrecruitment.ie or call 01-5673123.
Looking for a permanent role?
View our latest pharmacy vacancies here. We have a number of supervising pharmacist jobs all over Ireland.
Looking for temporary work?
Sign up to Clarity Locums today and start booking shifts around Ireland. Register now.