What is a Supervising Pharmacist?

If you’re thinking of taking your pharmacy career a step further perhaps you are eligible to become a supervising pharmacist. Before you make the leap there are a few things you should consider.

Understanding the Role

First of all, before you apply to become a supervising pharmacist you need to make sure you understand exactly what it is that you’re signing up for. Research as much about the position as possible, making note of the responsibilities you’re going to have (we cover some of these below). Most importantly, you must have a minimum of three years' post-registration experience to be eligible to apply.

A supervising pharmacist is legally responsible for overseeing one pharmacy and ensuring that it is fully compliant with the Pharmacy Act (2007). According to the PSI the supervising pharmacist is “the person responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the pharmacy”. You will only be permitted to act in one pharmacy, and you will be required to be in control of the operations of this pharmacy, even when not present.

Supervising vs. Superintendent Pharmacist

The supervising pharmacist will require excellent communication skills as they will work closely with the superintendent pharmacist, in cases where these roles are being carried out by separate individuals. While the supervising pharmacist is responsible for the pharmacy’s day-to-day operations, the superintendent pharmacist oversees the pharmacy’s overall administration and policies. Most pharmacies that are independent have the same supervising and superintendent pharmacist or in fact the owner might be the superintendent pharmacist. Their roles can be seen more clearly below, as depicted by the PSI:

Responsibilities and Duties

In cooperation with the superintendent pharmacist, the supervising pharmacist must act in accordance with, and ensure that the pharmacy that they are responsible for is compliant with all of the following:

• Pharmacy Act 2007
• Associated Regulations
• Code of Conduct
• Statutory Rules
• Professional Guidelines

Apart from exercising all aspects of law, ethics and codes of practice, other duties of a supervising pharmacist include:

• To provide a safe and efficient dispensing service for all customers, operating in accordance with the legal responsibilities pertaining to the profession of pharmacy
• The overseeing of the sale/supply of medicines, prescription and nonprescription
• The facilitation of pharmacy training for all staff members
• The management and storage of all medicines
• Ensuring that all pharmacists employed are on the register
• Ensuring that all pharmacy activities are carried out under the supervision of a pharmacist at all times.
• To interact and build relationships with local doctors and other healthcare professionals

Sound interesting? Why not let us help!

Clarity Recruitment offers one-to-one career consultations where we can help you on your way to become a supervising pharmacist. Book in with us at a time and date that suits you and we can discuss your skills and career objectives, take a look at suitable job opportunities, and offer support with CV creation and interview preparation.

Book a career consultation now at [email protected] or call 01-5673123.

In the meantime, feel free to take a look at our latest pharmacy vacancies here. We have a number of supervising pharmacist jobs all over Ireland.