CHAPTER 34

FINDING A PRECEPTOR AND

A CONSULTANT POSITION

A. FINDING A PRECEPTOR

  1. Start looking for a preceptor immediately. There are a limited number of consultants willing to act as preceptors and many have waiting lists.
  1. Remember, this course expires 1 year from completion. You must have your preceptorship completed by the expiration date or you will be required to repeat the class.
  1. The least expensive preceptor option is to have a co-worker or friend who is currently consulting serve as your preceptor.
  1. Try to identify the long term care providers in your area. You can gather this information by:

1)Contacting your wholesaler representative

2)Contacting local pharmaceutical representatives – many companies have representatives dedicated to long term care

3)Internet search of pharmacies in your area

4)Contacting local facilities to identify their pharmacy providers

  1. Try contacting the lead consultant or Director of Clinical Services at the local long term care pharmacies. Let them know you have completed the Initial Certification course and ask if you could shadow one of their consultants for a day. If you get along with the consultant ask if they ever do preceptorships or can refer you to someone who would be willing to preceptor you.
  1. Join the Florida chapter of A.S.C.P. or F.S.H.P. and go to local meetings to begin networking with local pharmacists who consult.
  1. Be prepared to pay for a preceptor’s time. Many charge $1,000 to $1,200 for the 40 hour requirement.

B. FINDING A CONSULTANT POSITION

  1. Your preceptorship is an excellent time to start looking for open positions. This 40 hours also gives the pharmacy an opportunity to evaluate your clinical abilities and people skills
  1. Unlike retail pharmacy positions, many pharmacies do not advertise for consultants. They hire consultants based on referrals or the consultant’s reputation in the local facilities.
  1. Networking is critical. Remember, local consultants may see you as possible competition. They may not be receptive to serving as your preceptor or introducing you in their facilities if they feel you may be competing against them the following month. Help alleviate these fears.
  1. If you have a specific area of practice you’re interested in try to find out who provides those services in your area and see if they need assistance.
  1. Be willing to sign a “non-interference” agreement which would prohibit you from going after the same accounts your preceptor services. Do not sign a non-compete agreement which may prohibit you from providing consultant services in the immediate area for up to two years. Many pharmacists have signed con-compete agreements upon joining a company only to be terminated and not be able to consult in their home town.
  1. Become friendly with the representatives from pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers as they can often tell you which companies have new positions opening in the area.
  1. Be prepared to work additional hours starting out without pay until you can build your patient base to critical mass. You may find it helpful to maintain your current position and consult part time while you build your portfolio. This gives you financial stability and some extra income. It also allows you to get your feet

wet to make sure that you enjoy consulting before you loose seniority and

benefits at your full time job.

  1. Register on the ASCPCareerCenter to let local LTC providers you are interested in a consulting career. (see next page)

ASCPCareerCenter

MY Rx Career Center is the premier electronic recruitment resource for the industry. Here, employers and recruiters can access the most qualified talent pool with relevant work experience to fulfill staffing needs.

Whether you're looking for a new job, or ready to take the next step in your career, we'll help you find the opportunity that's right for you. / /
Target your recruiting and reach qualified candidates quickly and easily. Simply complete our online Registration Form and start posting jobs today!

34.2