NVQ Pharmacy Services Help

[Greedyfly]

Hello Guys

I am wanting to do an NVQ Course in Pharmacy Services but there doesn't appear to be any in my area. I have been googling and can find courses online which would be fine but when looking at the forms to apply it says - ''This form must be completed by the candidate's supervising pharmacist''

This is not something I have seeing as I am taking the course to get a job. Can anyone lead me toward or give me advice on where to begin. I need to get to NVQ level 2 to start a job locally and can study in my spare time or alongside work.

Thanks for your help

[boxtops]

Hi greedlyfly, the forms are quite correct. As you know, an NVQ provides evidence that you are able to perform the tasks required under the various units, to the required national standards - so unless you are working in a pharmacy or dispensary, under the supervision of a pharmacist, you won't be able to do that. You need supervision from a pharmacist in the daily activities, as they will be the person signing you off as competent and meeting the standards.
I work with GP surgeries and all the staff in the dispensing practices have to have NVQ2 as the minimum standard, but they study for it on the job - if you apply for a job in a GP practice then you would have to say that you are willing to study for the qualification a.s.a.p. after getting the job. Where we are, it's probable that the surgery would help you with the fees as well - this might not be the same everywhere though.
Which online provider have you been looking at?

[boxtops]

PS - there are very few national providers for this qualification, I just wondered whether you are looking at the one I know of.

[pink-kittens]

where is locally?

[Greedyfly]

Thanks Boxtops - Problem is I cannot get a job in Pharmacy in the hospital I work at unless I have Pharmacy level 2 - no jobs below that have come up once in the year I have worked there. But I see level 2's almost monthly. I know that low end skill jobs exist in that dept but no one ever seems to move or leave. I thought if I waited it out then I could go in low pay and train but so far nothing - a year seems a long time, I know there are budget cuts etc... but it's ridiculous! =)

[Greedyfly]

Guess I shall have to find another dept I want to work for in the mean time. I assumed you would working supervised in the pharmacy but it seems nigh on impossible to get in!

[boxtops]

Why don't you ask the Pharmacy Services Manager in your hospital how you might get a job there, then, without the qualification? People with PS2 are not so easy to find as people with, say, Customer Service NVQs - as it's a specialist area. Don't forget that an advert asking for PS2 will be looking for the ideal candidate - there is nothing to stop you applying for it, and saying in your application that you don't have the qualification at the moment but that you would be keen to begin to study for it as soon as you are in post. Enthusiasm and commitment counts a lot. Put yourself forward, show some initiative and have a chat with them, you have nothing to lose and plenty to gain!

[ladyalex]

Have you approached the pharmacist ?
If you haven't I'd give it a go. They may be able to give you some pointers as to where to apply for jobs locally. At the very least you will get your face known in the pharmacy as someone who wants to train in this career.

[ladyalex]

snap, boxtops !

[boxtops]

I've found that there are only a few national providers in England for this qualification, pink - most of it's done by distance learning with local assessors.

[Greedyfly]

Thanks for your answers I think that will be my next move. I have applied several times for the level 2 positions but didn't even get an interview. I shall try approaching the dept directly next I think.

[ladyalex]

Good luck.

I think it pays to keep at it....keep on dropping in and asking if any jobs have come up. Being keen goes a long way with most potential employers.

[boxtops]

You can always ask for feedback on your applications, greedy - that's one thing the NHS always offers, feedback to unsuccessful applicants, so you know what factors led to you not getting the job. If you don't want to go direct to the pharmacy, find out who the HR lead is for pharmacy in your organisation, and have a chat with them too.