The journey to becoming a locum pharmacist
Driven by my interest in management, I pursued the role of a pharmacist manager upon qualification. This position not only honed my leadership skills but also granted me a significant degree of control over daily operations. I took pleasure in managing employees, from their recruitment to training, to fostering a positive work environment. Over time, I successfully managed high-volume pharmacies and eventually became a superintendent for an independent. These achievements significantly contributed to my professional and personal growth, instilling a sense of empowerment and inspiration.
Suddenly, things changed. The independent company was sold to a corporate company, and they wanted to change my contract to pharmacist manager but with no autonomous control over the branch. I had many meetings and conferences with corporate management to understand their company and point of view, and I felt the job was no longer for me. I would no longer get the satisfaction I enjoyed, so I became a locum pharmacist.
The advantages and disadvantages of being a locum
There are many advantages to being a locum, the most important being flexibility. I was able to choose when and where I wanted to work. Being a locum also allowed me to experience different environments, learn how various companies operate, and work with multiple team members, which broadened my skills. I became a bank pharmacist in Health in Justice, a unique opportunity to work in multi-disciplinary teams to treat patients who might not have contact with healthcare due to their lifestyle. Once the Covid-19 pandemic hit, I was involved in various Covid-19 clinics, including community pharmacies, centers, roving teams, and care homes as a vaccinator and a lead.
Being a locum pharmacist is rewarding, as it develops your professional and personal skills by interacting with different patients and ailments. However, there are also some disadvantages to the position. The main disadvantage I found was the various ways companies treat locums. Some ensured that locums were treated as part of the team, while others did not.
As a locum, adjusting to the lack of control was frustrating. Every pharmacy was managed differently, and not knowing what I was walking into every day caused initial anxiety until I learnt which branches I was more comfortable with. Team members have preconceptions that locums get in the way, so taking the time each shift to understand how the teams work and showing that I am willing to be part of the team helped. I also ensured that I learnt each company’s dispensing programme beforehand, which showed my intention to multi-task and carry out jobs needed during the day.
Recent challenges of being a locum
As the years have passed, locum pharmacists are facing even more challenges. These include finding shifts, navigating staffing shortages, increased workload with no compensation, payment delays, and, most importantly, decreased hourly rates.
In recent years, the number of services pharmacists provide has increased, which means increased targets and daily workload. Companies compensate their employed pharmacists with paid training time, training material and resources, and, in some cases, financial incentives. Unfortunately, locum pharmacists do not receive the same compensation and support. These training sessions are sometimes costly and are not provided locally. Some training requires additional pieces of equipment, which adds to the cost.
I found that post Covid-19, the hourly rate for locums has dropped significantly. So, as a locum, I have to find a training provider, pay for them, attend training on my own time, and provide all the services when working, or face being blocked from specific companies, all for less pay. I find this frustrating and insulting, as I offer the same essential and professional job as employed pharmacists.
I enjoy the flexibility of being a locum pharmacist, which allows me to meet different teams and patients. Before becoming a locum, I recommend that there are no preconceived ideas that it is easier than being a manager or employed pharmacist as less responsibility. Pharmacists should consider the drawbacks and be aware that they must be proactive in finding jobs and information.
Being a PDA Locum Rep
I learnt from a PDA Organiser that I could become a PDA Locum Rep, which involved being part of a locum pharmacist community and receiving various negotiation and communication training. As a locum pharmacist, I feel very isolated. I do not meet other pharmacists, I have to train on my own time, and I must be proactive in finding clinical or law-based information. Being part of a locum community gave me a support system where locum matters and law can be discussed in a safe environment without prejudice.
The PDA Locum Reps group has produced a manifesto to try and tackle the rising issues faced by locum pharmacists. I strongly recommend that any locum join the PDA, get involved in the training provided, and add their voice to the group. The more pharmacists join, the louder our voices will be, and more will be achieved.
By locum pharmacist and PDA NAWP Network President, Lourette Latif Philips
PDA seeks locum pharmacists’ views on rates of pay
The PDA has recently launched a survey which asks locums about rates of pay and availability of work. The survey results will be used to help inform the PDA’s advocacy, policy positions and the direction of work to help improve conditions for locum pharmacists.
The PDA is encouraging all locums to have their say by completing this confidential survey by Monday 21 April 2025.
Learn more
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.