5 Reasons to Move from Locuming to a Full Time Pharmacy Position

In a recent survey, we delved into the opinions of pharmacists regarding taking on permanent positions instead of locuming, and the factors affecting these choices.

This survey received a notable 131 responses, which we have made available in a concise, easily digestible report. We believe this report will be beneficial to pharmacy owners and employers in order to improve their decision making surrounding their pharmacy staff.

Get in touch today for a copy of the full report

Of the 131 respondents, 53.1% were working solely as locums, 29.2% were working in permanent positions, and 17.7% worked in both capacities.

We found that one of the main factors enticing pharmacists to locum was the flexibility it allows. Locums have the option to work across Ireland, sometimes being offered free accommodation to support them as they take on shifts, as well as often earning a higher hourly rate in comparison to those in a full time position. With block bookings seeing an increase in the summer months, a locum could find themselves exploring new locations across the country without taking any time off to do so!

So why would a locum choose to move to a permanent position?

There are several reasons why a pharmacist who is currently working as a locum may consider transitioning to a permanent position:

• Job security: The stability and peace of mind that comes with having a guaranteed job cannot be underestimated. With a permanent pharmacy position, you no longer have to worry about the uncertainty of finding new locum jobs, negotiating contracts, or dealing with the stress of not knowing when your next assignment will be.

• Benefits: Permanent pharmacy positions typically come with attractive benefits packages, including health insurance, pension, paid annual leave, and sick leave. These benefits can help you maintain a good work-life balance, and provide financial security for you and your family. 

• Career development: Career progression and development can be a lot easier to achieve for pharmacists working in a permanent position. Working in one place for an extended period can often let you hone in on specific areas and specialise in a particular discipline. If you decide along the way that you’d like to work your way up to more senior positions such as supervising roles, having a proven track record within one organisation will appeal to hiring managers. 

• Regular schedule: While flexibility is a leading factor when it comes to the decision to locum, having a regular schedule is often highly covetable for those working in such a stressful profession. Pharmacists in permanent positions avoid adding the extra stress of booking shifts by having a weekly rota and set working hours. This routine can be great for organising any daily tasks or hobbies you need to complete, and lead to a great work-life balance.

• Build Relationships: While jumping from store to store may be great for meeting new people, working daily in one store allows pharmacists to become part of a team. Seeing the same faces everyday and working together towards shared achievements means you will make great friends and gives you a sense of belonging in the workplace. Staying in one location allows you to build relationships not only in the workplace, but outside of it too!

Ultimately, the decision to move from locuming to a permanent position depends on individual circumstances and preferences. It's important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and decide what is best for you and your career goals.

The Next Steps

If you are interested in finding a permanent position, please feel free to reach out to us today and avail of our full consultancy services. We offer free career consultations, CV creations, interview preparation, and more. Call us on 01 567 3123 or email us at the link below.

Get in Touch View All Pharmacy Positions Here

Not convinced? If you’ve weighed up the options and still think locuming is a better choice for you, sign up today to our parent company, Clarity Locums. Find pharmacy shifts in every corner of Ireland and the UK, and manage your bookings on our easy-to-use mobile app.

Sign Up to Clarity Locums