Pharmacist

Why This Role Matters
This locum pharmacist opportunity in Alice Springs offers a rare chance to gain hands-on hospital pharmacy experience in a unique and picturesque environment. By contributing to either hospital dispensary operations or ward-based clinical services, you will directly impact patient care and medication safety. This role supports the seamless delivery of pharmacy services across a busy public hospital while offering the flexibility for newly registered, experienced community, or hospital pharmacists to broaden their skills. Working in this role allows pharmacists to experience a different healthcare setting, contribute to patient-centred care, and enhance clinical and operational pharmacy expertise in a supportive team environment.

Job Description
We are seeking locum pharmacists to join a public hospital in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, for 2–3 months, with a minimum commitment of one month. Locums may work in clinical ward-based roles or within the hospital dispensary, depending on experience and preference. The hospital provides onsite accommodation, offering a comfortable living arrangement while you focus on patient care. This role is ideal for pharmacists looking to gain hospital experience, whether they are newly registered, experienced in community pharmacy, or hospital-trained.

Key Features of the Role: Responsibilities

Hospital Dispensary Pharmacist:
• Sole pharmacist in the dispensary, supported by two pharmacy technicians and 12 ward pharmacists
• Check and verify medication packs (Websters) prepared by pharmacy technicians
• Dispense medications and manage stock according to hospital protocols
• Support accurate PBS claiming and documentation
• Collaborate with hospital staff to maintain high standards of medication safety
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives within the dispensary
• Provide guidance to pharmacy technicians as needed

Clinical Ward-Based Pharmacist:
• Deliver ward-based clinical pharmacy services aligned with national standards and departmental guidelines
• Review patient medications, provide clinical interventions, and support safe prescribing practices
• Liaise with medical, nursing, and allied health teams to optimise patient therapy
• Conduct medication reconciliation and counselling for patients on nominated wards
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation and ensure compliance with hospital policies
• Contribute to ward rounds, clinical decision-making, and quality improvement projects

Required Qualifications
• Current pharmacist registration with AHPRA
• Experience in hospital pharmacy preferred but not essential for dispensary locums
• Knowledge of Merlin system preferred; training can be provided
• Clear criminal history check within the last 12 months
• Current NT Working With Children Card (WWCC NT) or receipt of application

Educational Requirements
• Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) or equivalent tertiary qualification
• Tertiary qualifications must be recognised in Australia to maintain AHPRA registration
• Additional professional development in hospital pharmacy or clinical pharmacy is advantageous but not mandatory

Experience and Skills
• Clinical judgment, accuracy, and attention to detail in dispensing and patient care
• Ability to work independently while coordinating with hospital pharmacy and ward teams
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Effective communication with multidisciplinary teams, patients, and carers
• Flexibility to work Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:21 pm with a 1-hour break
• Willingness to live onsite in shared hospital accommodation and adapt to remote location living

Age Eligibility
There is no formal age restriction. Applicants must be fully registered pharmacists with the ability to work safely in a hospital environment and meet all professional and compliance requirements.

Salary Insights
• Pay rate: $70–$80 per hour + superannuation, dependent on experience and negotiated by the hospital
• Locum pay is supported and facilitated by Raven’s Recruitment
• Additional reimbursements include travel costs (flights or up to $2,000 for driving), airport transfers, and WWCC NT card fees
• Onsite accommodation with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, shared bathroom, kitchen, and laundry facilities provided

Company Overview
The public hospital in Alice Springs provides a broad range of healthcare services to a regional population, combining modern medical facilities with a strong community focus. The pharmacy department supports clinical care through dispensary services, ward-based interventions, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Locum pharmacists joining this hospital gain experience in a dynamic environment, working closely with senior pharmacists, technicians, and ward staff while living in a unique desert region. This role offers exposure to diverse patient populations and the chance to develop professional skills in both hospital dispensary operations and clinical pharmacy practice.

FAQs
Q: Can I be placed in either dispensary or ward-based clinical roles?
A: Yes, the role is flexible. Community pharmacists can be placed in the hospital dispensary, while clinical or hospital-trained pharmacists may choose ward-based clinical roles.

Q: Is accommodation provided?
A: Yes, onsite shared accommodation with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and shared bathroom/kitchen/laundry facilities is included.

Q: Are there minimum work commitments?
A: Locums must commit to a minimum of one month. Work is scheduled Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 4:21 pm.

Q: Is prior hospital experience required?
A: Hospital experience is preferred but not essential. Full support is provided, and community pharmacists can gain hospital experience in the dispensary role.

Q: How is travel managed?
A: Flights to and from Alice Springs are reimbursed, or if driving, up to $2,000 is provided toward fuel for a round trip. Airport transfers are also included.

Application Tips
• Ensure AHPRA registration is current and provide evidence in your application
• Highlight any prior hospital, clinical, or community pharmacy experience
• Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to live onsite in a remote location
• Include any experience with ward-based clinical care, DAA management, or dispensary operations
• Provide recent criminal history check documentation or evidence of application
• Show ability to work independently, manage workflow, and maintain accuracy under pressure