4 Secret Ways to Attract Good Pharmacists to Your Pharmacy (Part II)

Posted by on April 27, 2010 · Leave a Comment 

Continued from a previous article:
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 are concerned about working for smaller companies (ie, small independent pharmacies) for the reason of stability concerns.

SOLUTION: Make a pharmacist feel comfortable about the stability of your company, whether sharing financials with them, your pharmacy’s growth plans, or long-term vision & leadership.

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.

Comment below on what has worked well to attract good pharmacists to your pharmacy.

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4 Secret Ways to Attract Good Pharmacists to Your Pharmacy (Part I)

Posted by on December 17, 2009 · 2 Comments 

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 still telling me that it is taking time to find the right candidate.  There are more candidates to sift through.  In fact, many of you are holding out to hire just the right pharmacist because you want to make sure he/she is the right investment.

The scoop #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.

Share with your potential pharmacist hires how your company is different with encouraging personal growth & fulfillment in their jobs.  This alone will make your company more attractive than others.

Comment below on this idea & what else has worked for your pharmacy to attract good pharmacists.  Stay tuned in future blog posts for 3 other secret ways to attract good pharmacists for your pharmacy.

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