Are you considering a career in Pharmacy and want to know how to breach the industry? Becoming a locum pharmacy dispenser is a fantastic stepping stone into the world of pharmacy.
The role offers the opportunity to work in various settings, gain diverse experiences, and with it being locum work you can set your schedule.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to become a locum pharmacy dispenser. Including necessary qualifications, skills, and tips for success.
What is a Locum Pharmacy Dispenser?
Locum pharmacy dispensers play a crucial role in a pharmacy setting. Under the guidance of the pharmacist they ensure patients receive the correct medications, give instructions on how to use as prescribed.
They also ensure the day to day running of the pharmacy is as smooth as possible, ordering stock, making sure medicines or drugs are stored properly as well as cleaning equipment and containers.
This position requires a strong understanding of pharmaceuticals, attention to detail, and excellent customer service skills.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Locum Pharmacy Dispenser
1. Obtain the Necessary Qualifications
To become a pharmacy dispenser, you typically need an NVQ Level 2 in Pharmacy Services/ dispensing, one of the largest providers is buttercups. You can find more about the course here. It is typically a 12 month course, costing between £150 – £200.
Through this course you will get a good understanding of receiving, interpreting and assembling prescriptions; stock management; clinical governance; patient counselling; teamwork; person-centred care.
There is another way, if you are a pharmacy student with experience in a pharmacy setting, you can apply to become a locum pharmacy dispenser while you study! Giving you a decent pay along with great pharmacy experience.
If you wanted to check out some other pharmacy based courses, you can click here
2. Gain Work Experience
Most employers prefer candidates with a variety of experiences, we work with a wide range of employers. From independents, to large multiples and the more clinical side of pharmacy.
We would be more than happy to talk you through what to expect in each setting and can let the potential employers know that this is your first time and may need a bit of guidance on how various aspects of the practice work.
As you are starting as a pharmacy assistant you will gain valuable experience and an understanding of the workflow.
A pharmacy dispensers salary is typically in between £12 – £14 per hour which works out to £24,960 – £29,120 per year
3. Develop Essential Skills
Key skills you will develop as a locum pharmacy dispenser include; attention to detail, accuracy is critical in dispensing medications. While you will always have the guidance of a registered pharmacist, you will still be in charge of making sure the right medicine is dispensed.
You communication and customer service skills are imperative, not just with your colleagues and the registered pharmacist, a big part of the job is interacting with patients.
A big emphasis will be on your organisational skills, managing prescriptions and maintaining records requires excellent is such a big part of your job and will require excellent due diligence and organisation.
4. Network and Build Relationships
Networking is vital in the locum industry, this will happen naturally the more work that you do. There is no substitute for a good reputation. But a few things to consider are joining one of the many groups dedicated to pharmacy dispensers.
Practices and locums alike use these groups constantly and it’s always good to gain insight and open a dialogue with people.
The pharmacy industry is massive, and like all large industries there are conferences and seminars that are useful when looking to meet potential employers and peers.
5. Find Locum Opportunities
This might sound a bit obvious, but the quickest way to sign up for locum work is to join an agency, Team Locum’s sign up process is fast and free, you will immediately have access to hundreds of shifts as well as a dedicated recruitment consultant that can help source work based around your needs and schedule.
There are also many job boards online, the big ones like indeed and monster to more industry specific job boards like the one on Chemist + Druggist.
6. Prepare for Your Role
Once you’ve secured your first locum role you’ll want to do everything you can to get ready. Not all pharmacies have the same processes and computer systems, so you will want to talk to your consultant as they can let you know all you need to, they can sometimes arrange a brief training with the pharmacy on their computer system.
7. Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
As a locum pharmacy dispenser, you’ll work in different environments with varying procedures and teams. Being adaptable and flexible is key to your success. Each new assignment will offer unique learning opportunities and experiences.
Conclusion
Becoming a locum pharmacy dispenser is an excellent career choice for those looking to get into locum pharmacy. So doing things such as obtaining the necessary qualifications, gaining experience, developing essential skills, networking, and finding locum opportunities you will be setting yourself up in the best possible way.
