Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Locum Pharmacist

Are you a pharmacist seeking flexibility in your career? Are you interested in exploring different pharmacy settings and developing your professional skills? If so, becoming a locum pharmacist in Ireland and the UK might be the perfect path for you. And what better guide on that path can you want than one of the best locum agencies in Ireland & the UK? In this article, we walk you through the ins and outs of being a locum pharmacist in Ireland in 2023.

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Benefits of Being a Locum Pharmacist in Ireland and the UK:

1. Flexibility & Control:

1. Set your own schedule, ensuring work-life balance.
2. Enjoy time off during holidays, weekends, and appointments.
3. Have the freedom to continue professional development.

2. Higher Earnings:

1. Earn competitive rates, averaging €45 to €60 per hour.
2. Potential for increased earnings during busy seasons.

3.Fast-paced Experience & Skills Development:

1. Gain diverse experience in different environments.
2. Develop interpersonal and professional skills quickly.

4. Reduced Management:

1. Focus solely on providing core services without management responsibilities.
2. Save time and energy compared to full-time positions.

5. Networking Opportunities:

1. Expand your professional network by working in various locations.
2. Connect with healthcare professionals and build valuable relationships.

What is a Locum Pharmacist?

A locum pharmacist is a qualified pharmacist who temporarily fills in for other pharmacists when they are unavailable.

As with any role, a pharmacist may find themself needing to take some time off now and again, whether it’s due to vacation time, sick leave or maternity leave. By law, pharmacies in Ireland are not permitted to open without a qualified pharmacist on the premises. For that reason, they need a substitute to cover these gaps.

Locum pharmacists are essentially freelance professionals who provide vital pharmacy services when the regular pharmacist is unavailable. Their roles can vary from covering shifts at community pharmacies, clinics and hospitals.

Locum jobs can be short-term with varied working hours and working places, but they can also be long-term (to cover maternity or sick leave in a specific pharmacy, for example). Longer term bookings are often known as “block bookings” or “stay-aways” as often the pharmacist will travel and stay locally for the duration of the assignment. As you can imagine, the opportunities are numerous and varied.

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Tips for Success as a Locum Pharmacist:

• Be friendly, professional, proactive, and a team player.
• Build a good reputation for reliability and competence.
• Familiarise yourself with multiple dispensing systems.
• Keep your schedule organised to avoid conflicts.
• Inform your agency in advance about your availability.

Working as a Pharmacist in Ireland

• Register with the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI).
• Fulfill visa requirements if applicable. 
• Undergo Garda Vetting for background checks.
• Engage in Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain registration.

*Those registered with Clarity Locums gain access to our CPD Hub, which is accessible through your locum account.

100+ Locum Pharmacy Shifts on Your Phone

Register on the Clarity Locums website or app.
Complete your profile with mandatory documents and PSI number.
Browse and apply for shifts according to your preferences.

• Cash bonus when you refer a friend
• Free Spotify Premium scheme
• Weekly pay through Clarity Select
• PSI Fees paid
• And more!

*Terms & conditions apply.

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Take the Leap With Clarity Locums

Becoming a locum pharmacist in Ireland can be a rewarding and lucrative career choice. With the flexibility to choose your schedule and work in diverse settings, you'll have the opportunity to grow as a professional and make a significant impact on the healthcare system.

So what are you waiting for? Start your locum pharmacy journey today with Clarity Locums! Sign up or contact our team for more information.

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