Now you have passed the assessment,
Its advisable to start off by sorting out all the necessary paper work you need as a locum. So ,indemnity insurance, criminal record checks aka DBS , Mur and Nms certificate, flu jab training if possible, relevant courses on cppe like repeat dispensing , safeguarding children and vulnerable adults etc
Secondly, you'll need to create your network via registering with locum agencies, registering on venloc with different companies as well as networking with friends from uni who might be in permanent positions as well as other pharmacists via social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook and telegram.
I'd advise you to take some time and learn the computer systems in the pharmacy before your shift. It would make life easier for you and the staff .
Do Sort out your smart card by adding locum role and scr role .
Get an accountant at this stage if you wish.
All rates remain negotiable in my view and you have to be smart with your negotiations .Most markets generally work on demand and supply, pharmacy is not an exception.
So, Outside London and the M25 rates tend to be higher as there are fewer pharmacists in those areas. On the other hand, one of the good things about London ,is availability of work and opportunities. London is open for business 7 days a week including availability of long shifts , short evening/ late night shifts , weekend shifts etc etc you name it.
Rates for emergency and last minute shifts are a lot higher than Booking in advance.
In conclusion, pharmacy in the UK is a small world and employers prefer to give shifts to locums they get on with or have good feedback about . So becoming part of a network and making friends with people already working will help you in the long run.
Remember to leave a good impression ranging from how you work to your appearance at work with managers ,pharmacy staff and other pharmacy colleagues.
Managers and agencies dont like locums have a bad attitude or ones who dress to work like someone riding a bike.
The impression you leave is important and so is the relationships you build. 😁
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