Embarking on a career as a locum pharmacist isn’t just about filling shifts—it’s about embracing a lifestyle of flexibility, growth, and purpose. At Pharmacy SOS, we believe in helping you unlock the full potential of your locum career. This guide isn’t just a checklist; it’s a roadmap to excellence, designed to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of locuming with confidence and clarity. Let’s start with the most important question: WHY?!
Step 1: Decide – Why Locuming?
Every great journey begins with a decision. For pharmacists, the choice between a permanent role and locum work is more than just a career move—it’s a reflection of your values and aspirations. Do you seek stability, or do you crave variety and autonomy? To help you decide, we’ve created two guides:
– In Search of the Ideal: Career Choice Pros and Cons – Part 1: Locuming
– In Search of the Ideal: Career Choice Pros and Cons – Part 2: Permanent Roles
Your “why” will guide every step that follows.
Step 2: Register – Start with Us
Once you’ve decided to explore locuming, the next step is to choose and join a community that supports your goals. At Pharmacy SOS, we’ve created a seamless registration process. Whether you’re looking for locum shifts or permanent roles, this is your gateway to opportunities.
Bonus: When you register with us, you’re not only gaining access to great locum opportunities but also unlocking the benefits of two programs: The Pharmacy SOS Loyalty Program and the Employee Benefits Program. By joining the program, you can earn points every time you complete a shift and receive rewards that enhance your professional life. It’s our way of recognizing your hard work and dedication.
Step 3: Credentials – Build Trust
Trust is the foundation of any successful partnership. By providing your registration number, banking details, and other credentials, you’re not just filling out forms—you’re building a relationship with a team that values transparency and professionalism. We check on feedback two ways for shifts that are filled through Pharmacy SOS.
Firstly, we check with you, the locum, who we fared when dealing with the shift and confirming it for you, and we also check what you thought of the pharmacy you locumed at. We do this when you enter in your timesheet for the locum shift you have filled.
Likewise, we also check with the pharmacy and obtain feedback on the locum allocated to the shift. If there are any issues, we generally have a conversation about it to try and sort out any misunderstanding. Sometimes, we ask you to take note of the feedback and improve for future shifts.
Step 4: Telegram – Stay Connected
In a fast-paced world, communication is key. We use Telegram to notify you of new openings because it’s fast, reliable, and tailored to your location. By joining our state-specific Telegram channels, you’ll stay ahead of the curve and focus on opportunities that matter most to you.
Step 5: Save Our Details – Be Prepared
Success favours the prepared. Bookmark our website (pharmacysos.com.au or psos.au for short) and save our number (1300 505 247) for quick access. When opportunity knocks, you’ll be ready to answer.
Step 6: Excelling – Be the Best
Locuming isn’t just about showing up—it’s about standing out. We’ve curated a series of blogs to help you excel:
- The Ultimate Resume Guide: 5 Pitfalls to Avoid and 5 Tips to Shine
- Dressing the Part: The Critical Importance of Professional Attire
- Unleashing Excellence: Why the Future of Pharmacy Lies in Top Locum Pharmacists
- Keys to Success: How Communication Opens Doors for Locum Pharmacists
- Reminder for Locum Pharmacists: How to Obtain the Best Feedback and Ratings in 2025
- Stay Focused, Stay Professional: Why Using Your Phone on the Job Could Cost You More Than Just Your Concentration
24 to 72 Hours: The Key to Responsible Key Management in Pharmacy Locum Shifts
These resources aren’t just tips; they’re tools to help you become the best version of yourself.
When you receive a confirmation email, you will also be reminded of some elementary steps to take in order to achieve the maximum satisfaction for the client requiring your locuming services. We highly recommend you make a habit of following them every time. They include the following:
By following these procedures, higher rates of satisfaction are achieved:
- Please contact the pharmacy today or ASAP. Do not wait until just before the shift. Many shifts have been cancelled as a result. Please organise keys, codes, and for any handover information required so that you are fully prepared for the shift.
- Please follow all legislative and Pharmacy Board requirements (E.g. Emergency supplies, Drug of Dependence, etc legislation and regulations). The PDL has Guide To Good Dispensing which should be followed.
- Ensure you have appropriate and current insurance.
- Please arrive on time. Give yourself enough leeway for traffic and delays in public transport.
- Always use a scanner after stock selection as part of your dispensing procedure.
- Please use current pharmacy procedures and staff knowledge to your advantage.
- Leave the pharmacy in a clean and tidy state, leaving note for the next day as a handover.
- Follow the above procedures. A happy client is a return client. And they will ask for specific locums next time they call if they have a pleasant experience with you.
Step 7: Contact – Act Fast
Opportunities don’t wait. When you see a shift that aligns with your goals, contact us immediately. Speed and decisiveness are hallmarks of successful locum pharmacists.
Step 8: Time Sheets and Pay Day – Own Your Success
At the end of each shift, submit your time sheet through our etimesheet portal. We pay fortnightly, and Superannuation is paid monthly (soon with every pay!). Understanding your pay slip and staying on top of your finances is part of taking ownership of your career.
Step 9: Update Credentials – Stay Current
Your details matter. Keep your banking, Superannuation, and tax information up to date to ensure smooth operations. This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about respect for your time and effort.
Step 10: Cancellations – Why you should, or should not cancel!
Life happens, and sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. If you need to cancel a shift, notify us immediately. We’ve outlined legitimate reasons and pitfalls to avoid in our blogs:
- Cancellations Part 1: Legitimate Reasons to Cancel a Shift
- Cancellations Part 2: Counting Down Top Terrible Excuses
Handling cancellations responsibly reflects your professionalism.
Step 11: Notifications – Build Integrity
If a pharmacy we’ve introduced you to books you directly, notify us. This isn’t just about protocol—it’s about integrity and maintaining trust within the community. Our blog Avoid Legal and Financial Pitfalls: Why You Should Inform Pharmacy SOS About Direct Shifts explains why this is so important.
But it is not just about trust – it is also about avoiding legal pitfalls. Here are some blog posts that can help understand the issue of “Sham Contracting”
- From Avoiding ATO Trouble to Negotiating Pay to Accurate Records,
- Clearing the Air: Answers to Common Questions on Locum Pharmacist Payment and Labour Hire Laws
Step 12: Thrive – Live Your Why
This guide isn’t just about steps—it’s about purpose. Locuming is more than a job; it’s a chance to grow, explore, and make a difference. At Pharmacy SOS, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Finally…
The most successful locum pharmacists aren’t just skilled professionals—they’re individuals who understand their “why” and align their actions with their values. By following this guide, you’re not just navigating a career path; you’re building a legacy of excellence.
We look forward to working with you and helping you thrive in 2025 and beyond.