Published by Computachem Services

P.O Box 297.
Alstonville. 2477
NSW Australia

Phone:
61 2 66285138

It is always good to catch up with University friends every now and again. Since registering, the majority of conversations after a long time of little contact seems to be predominantly "so who are you working for and what sort of workload are you doing?" It seems to be a good way of gauging where a person sits in the pharmacy game, and thoughts and tips are often exchanged on how to further oneself and the best way to get the employer to say "yes" to a wage increase.

It seems that those at the lower end of the wage and condition scale are conditioned to be dispensers. Their primary interest is getting the right prescription to the right person. While PDL and the Pharmacy Boards would probably initially be delighted to hear this, they also add that they need to move the prescription on in the shortest space of time.
They are fearful of customer/patient reprisal and only too aware that there is another pharmacy just down the road from them, and if a customer is lost due to a wait of more than five minutes, they would not be fulfilling their duties.
What is more, they are usually the sole pharmacist six days per week in a 250-300 prescription per day pharmacy.
And for each day they work they are grossing less than two hundred dollars (as a flat rate).
Let's not forget the danger of fatigue and the general danger to the community due to potential dispensing errors.

I understand that the employers must fork out for stock, wages, insurance, superannuation, rent, electricity, maintenance, occasional refits as well as government taxes etc., but it is clear that in this case, the pharmacist is overworked and underappreciated.
However, his sense of loyalty will probably keep him there for many years to come. Hopefully he will soon wise up.

Others have explained to their employers that they can no longer work for the award wage, citing market demand and the fact that they are often on par with the dispensary technician which they are working alongside.
Many have left their registration placements because of this factor, picking up work very easily in the process.

I followed with interest the debate on Auspharmlist, where a young, confident pharmacist (or upstart as some might like to think) pointed out that the award was all too limiting and that $35-40 would be a more reasonable target for award wages.
The point may be a valid one, however, the conditions requested, such as payment for CPE activities and study time may not be appropriate.

Should a pharmacist who is accredited to undertake HMRs, has sound management skills and continues CPE be paid the same rate as a flat dispenser who cites the best thing about registration being the fact that CPE no longer has to be completed?

The real question should be for whom does this current award reflect?
If it reflects the HMR pharmacist, then is it worthwhile undertaking accreditation?
Is it worthwhile dragging oneself from a busy day at work to attend local CPE events?
It certainly would be easier to sit at home and put the feet up!

Yes the award reflects a minimum wage, but those who go above and beyond should be rewarded accordingly, or the young pharmacist will vote with his or her feet.