THE "I Heard They're Hiring Pharmacists Here" THREAD

[Guitarmacy]

I figured a thread like this might be useful to a few of you out there looking for jobs. Whether you're a pharmacist or pharmacy tech, help out your fellow SDN'ers and post if you know of an opening for a pharmacist position (not indeed.com stuff, but a job you know for sure exists).

Here's one for a few of you to jump on. I was talking to a pharmacist at the Denver VA Medical Center tonight and they are hiring (actually they are looking for help ASAP). It's within miles of downtown Denver and has a ton of great places to live nearby. Looks like they need a couple clinical and one acute care pharmacist.

https://www.usajobs.gov/JobSearch/S...rch.x=0&search.y=0&AutoCompleteSelected=False

Keep 'em coming..

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Members don't see this ad.

 

[confettiflyer]

I know of about 17-20 inpatient position in the San Francisco Bay Area opening up over the next 8-10 months. PGY-1 required. Most not posted online. And heck no these leads are going to friends first, but I'll come back later once that happens.

Yah I know, not being helpful.

 

[pharmasaur]

I know of about 17-20 inpatient position in the San Francisco Bay Area opening up over the next 8-10 months. PGY-1 required. Most not posted online. And heck no these leads are going to friends first, but I'll come back later once that happens.

Yah I know, not being helpful.

wow thats A LOT whats the occasion?

 

[confettiflyer]

wow thats A LOT whats the occasion?

Multiple hospitals over a large metropolitan area. Usual clinical service expansion stuff.

...and you guys didn't believe when I said shutting down schools isn't how you alleviate a shortage, bwahaha.

Granted, I'm not all knowing, so there are probably more, and given the # of PGY1 residents in the pipeline right now, most of these jobs are going to be spoken for.

 

[pharmasaur]

I hope there are jobs left in CA for me when I graduate in 2016 🙁

 

[rph3664]

There's a hospital in my area that's always hiring, but there's a very good reason for this: You don't want to work there. People from outside the area get hired and find this out very, very quickly and leave.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

I know of about 17-20 inpatient position in the San Francisco Bay Area opening up over the next 8-10 months. PGY-1 required. Most not posted online. And heck no these leads are going to friends first, but I'll come back later once that happens.

Yah I know, not being helpful.

What if a dude had 2 years of inpatient and 3 years of critical care experience, but didn't do a residency? Actually being serious because I know someone out that way that hates where he works. (And if they would tell him no based on actual experience vs going through a year-long circle jerk, I'll LOL at whoever it is that does the hiring. "But, but...he didn't do a POSTER!!!")

 

[WVUPharm2007]

There's a hospital in my area that's always hiring, but there's a very good reason for this: You don't want to work there. People from outside the area get hired and find this out very, very quickly and leave.

Probably where I used to work. 180 census on day shift? Sure, one dude can handle that as the only pharmacist in the building, why not?

 

[2012PharmDgrad]

Probably where I used to work. 180 census on day shift? Sure, one dude can handle that as the only pharmacist in the building, why not?

I agree about the 2 years inpatient, 3 years of CC experience versus residency. I graduated from pharmacy school this year and had top grades and qualifications and I chose not to do a residency. I never believed in it. I got fed up with "academia". Presentations, journal clubs, research, etc.. bored the hell out of me and I really didn't see the point in any of that stuff, given that most pharmacists I have encountered never do journal clubs or research. I've always referred to first year residency as a "P5 year". P5 for the simple reason that friends of mine who are currently in residency report that all they do is the same stuff they did as P4s. In other words, P5 year (PGY-1) is merely an extension of your P4 year.

I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt and call myself ignorant because perhaps I am just that, but how and why do these projects qualify you for a clinical position and in many cases trumps the job applicant with 2 years inpatient and 3 years of CC experience? It is absolutely ridiculous. Education in this country and credentials for a "higher-up, expanded duties" type of job has become a never-ending rat race. First, a BS in pharmacy was all you needed to practice pharmacy. Then the Pharm.D. And until a few years ago, a Pharm.D. was all you needed. Now, to qualify for a clinical position, you need another credential- the PGY-1 and BCPS? LOL. And guess what? I had a professor tell me once that even PGY-1 was starting to become commonplace these days and only the PGY-2 will really distinguish you. Wow. It never ends: You need more and more schooling/training. You watch in 10 years: Once residency becomes standard, something else will become a trend...perhaps you'll need to complete pharmacy school, 2 years of residency, and one year of fellowship to qualify for a pharmacist job. Absurd.

 

[cycloketocaine]

I agree about the 2 years inpatient, 3 years of CC experience versus residency. I graduated from pharmacy school this year and had top grades and qualifications and I chose not to do a residency. I never believed in it. I got fed up with "academia". Presentations, journal clubs, research, etc.. bored the hell out of me and I really didn't see the point in any of that stuff, given that most pharmacists I have encountered never do journal clubs or research. I've always referred to first year residency as a "P5 year". P5 for the simple reason that friends of mine who are currently in residency report that all they do is the same stuff they did as P4s. In other words, P5 year (PGY-1) is merely an extension of your P4 year.

I'll give myself the benefit of the doubt and call myself ignorant because perhaps I am just that, but how and why do these projects qualify you for a clinical position and in many cases trumps the job applicant with 2 years inpatient and 3 years of CC experience? It is absolutely ridiculous. Education in this country and credentials for a "higher-up, expanded duties" type of job has become a never-ending rat race. First, a BS in pharmacy was all you needed to practice pharmacy. Then the Pharm.D. And until a few years ago, a Pharm.D. was all you needed. Now, to qualify for a clinical position, you need another credential- the PGY-1 and BCPS? LOL. And guess what? I had a professor tell me once that even PGY-1 was starting to become commonplace these days and only the PGY-2 will really distinguish you. Wow. It never ends: You need more and more schooling/training. You watch in 10 years: Once residency becomes standard, something else will become a trend...perhaps you'll need to complete pharmacy school, 2 years of residency, and one year of fellowship to qualify for a pharmacist job. Absurd.

You don't understand how residency benefits you until you do one or have been in the job market long enough to see the opportunities they bring. You graduated in May and have no job. I will be looking for a job in May and have 3 offers plus 9 other places I could interview at.

 

[Transformer]

What if a dude had 2 years of inpatient and 3 years of critical care experience, but didn't do a residency? Actually being serious because I know someone out that way that hates where he works. (And if they would tell him no based on actual experience vs going through a year-long circle jerk, I'll LOL at whoever it is that does the hiring. "But, but...he didn't do a POSTER!!!")

The dude with 2 years of inpatient and 3 years of critical care experience should get his BCPS. I've heard this route will make the person more competitive for clinical pharmacist jobs.

Also, critical care pharmacy practice may soon be a recognized pharmacy specialty so critical care pharmacist may be able to take an exam for recognition in 2013. 🙂

 

[joetrisman]

You don't understand how residency benefits you until you do one or have been in the job market long enough to see the opportunities they bring. You graduated in May and have no job. I will be looking for a job in May and have 3 offers plus 9 other places I could interview at.

So if you, Karm, and the like are pharmacy unicorns, what does that make Z?

 

[wucool33]

You don't understand how residency benefits you until you do one or have been in the job market long enough to see the opportunities they bring. You graduated in May and have no job. I will be looking for a job in May and have 3 offers plus 9 other places I could interview at.

Not getting into a debate about residency, but I think that was his point lol - you need more and more schooling just to get a job.

 

[joetrisman]

Not getting into a debate about residency, but I think that was his point lol - you need more and more schooling just to get a job.

This phenomenon is not exclusive to pharmacy. Try for any entry position with a corporation and only a hs diploma and get back with me

 

[cycloketocaine]

So if you, Karm, and the like are pharmacy unicorns, what does that make Z?

Lol no comment...

 

[wucool33]

This phenomenon is not exclusive to pharmacy. Try for any entry position with a corporation and only a hs diploma and get back with me

I know... again, I didn't say she was wrong or he was right. I was just pointing out what he meant.

My business major friends all got jobs at major metro areas with only an undergrad degree and it's pissing me off lol

 

[2012PharmDgrad]

Not getting into a debate about residency, but I think that was his point lol - you need more and more schooling just to get a job.

Exactly, wucool. I don't mean to offend anyone who is currently enrolled in a residency program or who has already completed one. I am merely expressing my views about residency, even if they are misinformed or ignorant (maybe so), AND about how the educational process has become a never ending rat race. No matter what you have in this society, it appears to be it's never enough. I am simply of the belief that there comes a point in time in life in which you must take a step back and reflect upon what you have already accomplished, take pride in that accomplishment, and go forward regardless of the availability of additional credentials that may give you an edge. It's about having a little faith in what you have done and going forward with your credentials, even if you have one less certification compared to others in society. Constant competition with others will just breed further competition and will delay entrance into the workforce as a fully paid, gainfully employed professional.

There will always be someone else with a credential you lack, more money, higher status, etc. If you continue with the mindset, "let me just get ONE more credential to play it safe", you are not living. You are locked into a state of anxiety and apprehension about the future. Take a breath and remember: We all have a "Doctor of Pharmacy" degree. Do you realize what it means just to have a professional degree in this country? Only about 3% of the US population holds a doctorate/professional degree.

There comes a time in which enough is simply enough. I know a P4 student from my school who has told me he plans on getting a Ph.D. in pharmacology because the Pharm.D. is no longer enough to remain competitive in this job market and he wants to have the edge. I listened to him and thought that after 8 years of school, at the age of 26, he really believes what he has is no longer sufficient. And I am flabbergasted. I've told him he will find a job and will have opportunities, but he believes the more degrees you earn, the more marketable/employable you are. I happen to think it's absurd.

In reference to the residency topic, I know a clinical pharmacist from one of my P3 hospital rotations who completed a PGY-1 and 2 who told me himself two years is unnecessary for what he does. He claims a new graduate could be trained to do what he does in less than a year. He also just so happens to believe the same thing I do: that the training process/schooling in this country never ends. Supposedly, he needed some additional training for some other position he was interested in. That tells you a lot. This all shows you no matter what you have, you will never have it all. What's next? After 10 years of education (four years for a bachelor's, four years of pharmacy school, and 2 years of residency), should he also pursue further training to qualify for another position?

It's ridiculous. The guy is more than qualified for just about any job at this point. We live in a society dominated by certifications, degrees, and other 'paper' and make the assumption that the person who has the most paper is the most talented, most intelligent, and most qualified person. Guess what: The most brilliant, innovative, and successful people in life realized the entire educational system is a scam and made it their own way to become insanely successful. Education is drawn out in this country for too long, is massively impractical, and produces low quality graduates in general. The medical profession requires over a decade of training and we attempt to indoctrinate Americans into believing "We are the best because we have x number of years of education and training". Everything is simplified greatly in other countries and they produce brilliant professionals such as engineers, physicians, and scientists. And usually with less education and fewer certifications. Wow, I think I've said enough. I'll just stop here. I may be incorrect about some things I say, but a lot of the things I do say are truths and/or have an element of truth.

 

[2012PharmDgrad]

This phenomenon is not exclusive to pharmacy. Try for any entry position with a corporation and only a hs diploma and get back with me

Joe, this is definitely true. Which is why I made a long winded critique of the entire process. I have seen employers require a bachelor's degree for secretaries paying them $10 per/hr. It's ludicrous.

 

[mustang sally]

Exactly, wucool. I don't mean to offend anyone who is currently enrolled in a residency program or who has already completed one. I am merely expressing my views about residency, even if they are misinformed or ignorant (maybe so), AND about how the educational process has become a never ending rat race. No matter what you have in this society, it appears to be it's never enough. I am simply of the belief that there comes a point in time in life in which you must take a step back and reflect upon what you have already accomplished, take pride in that accomplishment, and go forward regardless of the availability of additional credentials that may give you an edge. It's about having a little faith in what you have done and going forward with your credentials, even if you have one less certification compared to others in society. Constant competition with others will just breed further competition and will delay entrance into the workforce as a fully paid, gainfully employed professional.

There will always be someone else with a credential you lack, more money, higher status, etc. If you continue with the mindset, "let me just get ONE more credential to play it safe", you are not living. You are locked into a state of anxiety and apprehension about the future. Take a breath and remember: We all have a "Doctor of Pharmacy" degree. Do you realize what it means just to have a professional degree in this country? Only about 3% of the US population holds a doctorate/professional degree.

This is sort of where I'm stuck right now. I have a job that I like fine that pays me plenty of money. Should I be happy for the rest of my life being "just" staff? Or do I try again for residency and go back to a low paying position, only to be put out into the job market again at the end?

 

[2012PharmDgrad]

This is sort of where I'm stuck right now. I have a job that I like fine that pays me plenty of money. Should I be happy for the rest of my life being "just" staff? Or do I try again for residency and go back to a low paying position, only to be put out into the job market again at the end?

Depends on what you find valuable. If a career/job means more to you than just a means to an end, then go for it. The point was that competition is never going to end no matter what you have and educational requirements in nearly every field are drawn out far too long. I just graduated this year and am in the process of interviewing, so I may not be experienced or have any life experience, but I have the perspective I posted. I would be more than happy to have a "staff" position that pays me "plenty of money" and where I feel comfortable and happy with my colleagues. I wouldn't do residency myself, but as I said, it's up to you and your life values.

 

[njac]

I have never regretted my PGY-2. I get contacted by recruiters approximately weekly.

 

[ucrx]

I feel the same about my pgy2. I could potentially have my job without my 2 years of training but there is no way I could do as much as I do or make the same level of interventions I make without it. I do have coworkers who did no residency or only pgy1 who are successful because they put in the time and effort to learn as much as they can, but I still feel my pgy2 gives me an advantage especially when it comes to evaluating chemotherapy regimens.

I do think nothing is better than experience, especially in a person who is driven to always learn more and do better. I think residency provides an advantage at the start of a career, not just in job opportunities but in clinical knowledge and other ways.

 

[confettiflyer]

What if a dude had 2 years of inpatient and 3 years of critical care experience, but didn't do a residency? Actually being serious because I know someone out that way that hates where he works. (And if they would tell him no based on actual experience vs going through a year-long circle jerk, I'll LOL at whoever it is that does the hiring. "But, but...he didn't do a POSTER!!!")

He'd probably get hired. I should edit it... PGY1 required, or 3-5 years inpatient experience.

 

[confettiflyer]

I agree about the 2 years inpatient, 3 years of CC experience versus residency. I graduated from pharmacy school this year and had top grades and qualifications and I chose not to do a residency. I never believed in it. I got fed up with "academia". Presentations, journal clubs, research, etc.. bored the hell out of me and I really didn't see the point in any of that stuff, given that most pharmacists I have encountered never do journal clubs or research.

Dang, did you really think residency was just weird academic crap? JC's, research, and presentations are like <10% of what we do.

What a sad waste of talent if that's what you thought it was.

 

[KARM12]

So if you, Karm, and the like are pharmacy unicorns, what does that make Z?

Cyclops.

 

[Dalteparin]

There comes a time in which enough is simply enough. I know a P4 student from my school who has told me he plans on getting a Ph.D. in pharmacology because the Pharm.D. is no longer enough to remain competitive in this job market and he wants to have the edge. I listened to him and thought that after 8 years of school, at the age of 26, he really believes what he has is no longer sufficient. And I am flabbergasted. I've told him he will find a job and will have opportunities, but he believes the more degrees you earn, the more marketable/employable you are. I happen to think it's absurd.

Why does he want to get a Ph.D. in pharmacology? If he's decided that his true calling is research, then yeah, that might be a reasonable idea. But if he wants to work as a pharmacist? No. Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad idea. The Ph.D. will only hinder him. If he's really itching to go back to school and he thinks he might want to be management, tell him to get an MBA... but even then, he probably won't get a management job without a few years pharmacist experience.

 

[Its Z]

So if you, Karm, and the like are pharmacy unicorns, what does that make Z?

IM the herder of unicorns ...

 

[WVUPharm2007]

He'd probably get hired. I should edit it... PGY1 required, or 3-5 years inpatient experience.

It doesn't matter. Dude works up in the mountains and doesn't want to go to "hippie land."

lmfao...

 

[WVUPharm2007]

I found it amusing back in like 2010 that someone on here with a PGY-1 claimed that they were more qualified for a 50/50 clinical position than me when I actually was at the time a 50/50 clinical pharmacist with 2 years experience in the role. I mean, sure, I totally rewrote my facility's vanc dosing program when the new guidelines came out in 2008...had a hand in pain management protocols...I actually bloody invented a way to treat a trauma patient with severe pain with a naltrexone depot in their body when no case studies were available (which remains the most impressive thing I've ever done)...and a few other things. You know...actual **** in an actual facility...in the real world...but...**** me...I didn't do a poster.

 

[cycloketocaine]

IM the herder of unicorns ...

Pharmacy rebel.

 

[joetrisman]

I found it amusing back in like 2010 that someone on here with a PGY-1 claimed that they were more qualified for a 50/50 clinical position than me when I actually was at the time a 50/50 clinical pharmacist with 2 years experience in the role. I mean, sure, I totally rewrote my facility's vanc dosing program when the new guidelines came out in 2008...had a hand in pain management protocols...I actually bloody invented a way to treat a trauma patient with severe pain with a naltrexone depot in their body when no case studies were available (which remains the most impressive thing I've ever done)...and a few other things. You know...actual **** in an actual facility...in the real world...but...**** me...I didn't do a poster.

I thought the vanco guidelines were 2009 mikey

 

[pezdispenser]

This hiring round is complete.

 

[confettiflyer]

It doesn't matter. Dude works up in the mountains and doesn't want to go to "hippie land."

lmfao...

we can't all be hippies now...c'mon you have z who makes his own messenger bag with cow parts, and we banned gay marriage for chrissakes!

 

[WVUPharm2007]

I thought the vanco guidelines were 2009 mikey

They came out December 2008. Right before Xmas. I remember because I made a joke about some fat guy in a red suit flying over my house and throwing them down my chimney. I'm fairly certain that if I didn't come through there, they'd still be going for 10 for osteo infections. They were oblivious to the guidelines even being up for a scheduled update. Or anything, really. A weird place. I would never get treated there. We called the ID specialist one time about a vanc trough of like 3 or so once...he said, "Oh, that's fine."

...anyway...

 

[SMDoc]

I feel the same about my pgy2. I could potentially have my job without my 2 years of training but there is no way I could do as much as I do or make the same level of interventions I make without it. I do have coworkers who did no residency or only pgy1 who are successful because they put in the time and effort to learn as much as they can, but I still feel my pgy2 gives me an advantage especially when it comes to evaluating chemotherapy regimens.

I do think nothing is better than experience, especially in a person who is driven to always learn more and do better. I think residency provides an advantage at the start of a career, not just in job opportunities but in clinical knowledge and other ways.

Do you think going to PA school going be more advantageous than doing PGY1+2?

I agree with 2012PharmDgrad in that school has become WAY to long in this country (especially in pharmacy). However, It seems that PAs keep it very short and simple.

 

[pharmasaur]

Do you think going to PA school going be more advantageous than doing PGY1+2?

I agree with 2012PharmDgrad in that school has become WAY to long in this country (especially in pharmacy). However, It seems that PAs keep it very short and simple.

Ya they do keep adding things to pharmacy. PA is great. You put 2-3 years in and you're out making money which lots of job offers, and if you work for a really good/profitable Dr's office you can make a lot more than a pharmd. What I don't like about PA though is at the end of the day you are strapped to an MD even though you have 30 yrs more experience than they do. I like the autonomy with PharmD and you are the "drug expert".

The thing is if you do PA after PharmD you are kind of restarting your life and doing a new career. There is no magical PharmD/PA combined role where you can combine your skills. You would just be awesome at writing prescriptions which I've heard a lot of PAs suck at doing and make a lot of mistakes (so do MDs..but prolly not as much as PAs/NPs,..)

I know a PharmD/PA who works part time at a grocery store as a pharmacist and the other few days does PA stuff. There is just no way to combine the role

 

[pharmerbird]

I thought this was an interesting job posting for a pharmacy position....


Pharmacy Safety Officer HRMC FT PC2246 - 010669



The Pharmacy Safety Officer is responsible and accountable for providing Uncompromised Safety, Superior quality, Memorable Patient/Customer Experiences, and Financial Stewardship by the pharmacist safety officer coordinates assigned compliance pharmacist/pharmacy functions, including but not limited to, Joint Commission and AHCA readiness for hospital pharmacies, Corporate Pharmacy policies, QI/QC activities, and provides the hospital staff, medical staff, and patients with accurate, current information concerning medication safety.


Primary Accountabilities
•Performs medication inspections for inpatient facilities.
•Ensures State and Joint Commission inspection readiness for HRMC/PBH/VH/CCH pharmacies.
•Monitors drug therapy regimens for contraindications, drug-drug interactions, drug-food interactions, allergies, and appropriateness of drug and dose.
•Documents all clinical activities and interventions accurately and completely.
•Prepares and participates in the Joint Commission and AHCA inspections.
•Maintains current pharmacy and consultant licensure.
•Assigns and maintains QI/QC activities.
•Apprises the director and pharmacy manager of the status of all projects involving Joint Commission and State compliance issues.
•Serves as a liaison to the other Health First Pharmacies.
•Participates in the Corporate Best Practice Committee.
•Participates in the HRMC/PBH and HFHP Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committees.
•Maintains policies and procedures that promote cost-effective, appropriate, and safe medication use.
•Sustains the formulary by minimizing non-formulary procurements, utilizing therapeutic protocols and promoting rational drug therapy selection.
•Provides clinical consultation and clarification to practitioners. Suggests appropriate, cost effective therapeutic alternatives to medical staff, as needed.

Qualifications


•Must be a graduate of accredited College of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy degree. PharmD preferred.
•Must be licensed to practice in State of Florida by Board of Pharmacy.
•Must be licensed as a Consultant Pharmacist by State of Florida Board of Pharmacy.
•Must have at least two years of hospital pharmacist experience.
•At least one year of Joint Commission inspection experience preferred.
•Licensed Healthcare Risk Management Certificate preferred but not required.

Job
: Pharmacy
Organization
: Health First, Inc.
Primary Location
: United States-Florida - Brevard County
Schedule
: Full-time
Shift Times
: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm


LINK: https://healthfirst.taleo.net/careersection/hf_ext_cs/jobdetail.ftl

 

[CYP3A4]

To answer the original question, my hospital (Miami) will be looking for a night shift pharmacist SOON....not sure how soon. Rumor has it one of the pharmacists is quitting. We have also been trying to fill an ER position for ages. So far it is still vacant.


And as for the comment from the person who decided not to do a residency. I agree pretty much with everything he/she says. I am not knocking anyone who does a residency. Honestly, I think if you want to work in a hospital or specialize in a particular area then 90% of PharmD graduates really do need the extra training. There are exceptions. I had a 7 year career as a health care professional in a different field. I was little older than most of my class too. I was able to get a clinical-staff position immediately out of school. Ironically I left that position to take a night shift position....which has involved alot more clinical work that I expected so i am quite happy.
I will be taking the BCPS exam next year too.

Bottom line, residencies aren't bad. I think they are good. but there will always be exceptions to the rule. I graduated in 2009 and I can honestly say a residency for me would not have had a positive impact on my career. I look back these past four years and the experience and hard work I have obtained on the job and through networking has opened up so many doors! 🙂

 

[rxlea]

Ya they do keep adding things to pharmacy. PA is great. You put 2-3 years in and you're out making money which lots of job offers, and if you work for a really good/profitable Dr's office you can make a lot more than a pharmd. What I don't like about PA though is at the end of the day you are strapped to an MD even though you have 30 yrs more experience than they do. I like the autonomy with PharmD and you are the "drug expert".

The thing is if you do PA after PharmD you are kind of restarting your life and doing a new career. There is no magical PharmD/PA combined role where you can combine your skills. You would just be awesome at writing prescriptions which I've heard a lot of PAs suck at doing and make a lot of mistakes (so do MDs..but prolly not as much as PAs/NPs,..)

I know a PharmD/PA who works part time at a grocery store as a pharmacist and the other few days does PA stuff. There is just no way to combine the role

There is a PharmD/PA here in AZ. Some days she's a pharmacist and some she's a PA.