Backups for residency

[Aeon343]

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Hello everyone,
what do people usually do if they want to do a residency, it doesn't work out and said pharmacist is not happy in the retail setting? I was looking at going for an MPH but from what I'm reading on this forum, it doesn't seem like a useful option.

 

[gwarm01]

You could apply to hospital jobs and potentially get lucky.

 

[Rouelle]

They usually work retail while applying (sometimes successfully, sometimes not) for hospital staffing positions.

 

[Litha]

Work in a non-traditional area like infusion or LTC. No residency required here.

 

[mustang sally]

I got a hospital job because that was what I really wanted anyway.

This may mean taking a job that is construed as less than desirable though.

 

[gwarm01]

I got a hospital job because that was what I really wanted anyway.

This may mean taking a job that is construed as less than desirable though.

Beats getting that same job after spending a year in residency. I've worked alongside PGY1, PGY2, and non-residency trained pharmacists all with the same job title and working the same shifts. Maybe there was a slight pay difference.

 

[mustang sally]

Beats getting that same job after spending a year in residency. I've worked alongside PGY1, PGY2, and non-residency trained pharmacists all with the same job title and working the same shifts. Maybe there was a slight pay difference.

True, I know there are some clinical unicorns out there but it doesn’t seem to be the norm.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Beats getting that same job after spending a year in residency. I've worked alongside PGY1, PGY2, and non-residency trained pharmacists all with the same job title and working the same shifts. Maybe there was a slight pay difference.

I know several non-residency trained rph's as clin specs and they have pgy-2 as their subordinates - so ya - it happens.

But to the OP - look for jobs in hard to staff areas - even if you are not entirely mobile often if you are willing to drive a bit- you might be able to find someplace to cut your teeth. For example in my city - it is relatively hard to get a hospital job - 2 hours away is a hospital that will pretty much hire anybody within reason - it is crappy town, but you just have to see it as a stepping stone.

 

[Aeon343]

I know several non-residency trained rph's as clin specs and they have pgy-2 as their subordinates - so ya - it happens.

But to the OP - look for jobs in hard to staff areas - even if you are not entirely mobile often if you are willing to drive a bit- you might be able to find someplace to cut your teeth. For example in my city - it is relatively hard to get a hospital job - 2 hours away is a hospital that will pretty much hire anybody within reason - it is crappy town, but you just have to see it as a stepping stone.

I'm willing to move if need be. I'd just like something that gives me good job satisfaction. Another is that it would be tough to find..I hope something works out.

 

[headortail]

Hello everyone,
what do people usually do if they want to do a residency, it doesn't work out and said pharmacist is not happy in the retail setting? I was looking at going for an MPH but from what I'm reading on this forum, it doesn't seem like a useful option.

It's great that you're thinking about backup plans, because I've seen people with - much - more impressive CVs than mine who didn't match (things eventually worked out for them through the scrambles, but who would have thought), so there's no guarantee of matching regardless of your stats, activities, leadership, etc.
First, make sure you apply broadly, both institution size-wise and location-wise. Think carefully about not ranking a program - unless you'll be absolutely miserable doing it, you probably can suck it up for a year. You can do anything for a year!
Secondly, if you really don't match, be willing to relocate to wherever that's willing to train a non-residency trained pharmacist. The potential complications of this is being licensed in the state you're hoping to apply for a job in, because most people probably won't take a bet on someone who's not licensed in their state. Maybe do a search to see states with a lot of rural areas, where they're most in need and willing to train. Honestly after 2-3 years, with an eager learner, there won't be much of a difference between residency-trained and not. Then you will have more opportunities to move to wherever you'd like to settle down.
Taking night (graveyard) positions and learning to be on your own is another way to get your foot in the door. Again, residencies vary in curriculum strength too, so it's not like a residency-trained pharmacist is automatically better than one who's not. It really just depends on the individual.