LES DROGUES

Don't you wish that you could always be fully staffed and never have to worry about hiring pharmacists or getting pharmacist coverage when you need it?

There are more pharmacist candidates to choose from in this competitive pharmacist job market, but pharmacies are reporting that it is taking time to find the right candidate. There are more candidates to screen. In fact, many pharmacies are holding out to hire just the right pharmacist because they want to make sure the pharmacist is the right investment.

Secret #1: Pharmacists are discouraged by the lack of fulfillment in their job.

SOLUTION: The more you are able to offer in your position a good mix between clinical/staff, the ability to be involved in non-routine work and offer a sense of contribution beyond simply dispensing, the easier time you will have attracting a good pharmacist.

Take an interest not only in the pharmacist's professional & career development, but also offer the opportunity for personal growth. By doing so, you expand your pharmacist's capacity to handle different situations and step into being the best pharmacist possible for your patients. This can involve teleseminar training, live event training, books, CDs on areas outside of pharmacy.

Highlight to your potential pharmacist hires that your company encourages personal growth and fulfillment in their jobs. This alone will make your company more attractive than others.

Secret #2: Pharmacists are thinking more about stability these days. From talking to pharmacists, what has changed in the last year is that pharmacists are more cautious with doing their research on whether a company is financially sound or not. Some pharmacists hesitate to work for smaller pharmacies because of their perception that a smaller company may be more susceptible to economic changes.

SOLUTION: Share your company's long-term growth plans, vision, financial backing, and leadership with a potential pharmacist hire. This will help a pharmacist feel more comfortable about your company's stability.

Secret #3: Pharmacists complain the most about variable work schedule. This is the most common complaint I hear from pharmacists. Many pharmacists have rotating, variable shifts, and don't know their schedule early in advance.

SOLUTION: If your pharmacy offers a set schedule and knowing about your schedule in advance, definitely highlight this as a benefit.

Secret #4: Focus on the pharmacists who know about you.

It's easier to attract a pharmacist who has worked at your pharmacy before as a pharmacy student or resident. You also have the benefit of having experienced the pharmacist's capability and fit for the position.

SOLUTION: Attract pharmacists by developing an externship program or residency program, if you don't have one already. Stay in touch with them'they may become your future hires.

Chen Yen, PharmD, Pharmacist Job Market Expert is the founder of Pharmacist Job Connection. She gives pharmacies access to top pharmacist talent. Learn other pharmacist management & workplace issue strategies at: http://www.pharmacistjobconnection.com/category/pharmacydire ctorshrmanagers/

Article Source: 4 Secret Ways to Attract Good Pharmacists to Your Pharmacy