August 22, 2007
157,000 Unfilled Pharmacy Jobs by 2020: Staffing Firm offers Premium Pay
Take a look behind the pharmacy counter of a typical retail drug store
and you'll see proof that the industry is under stress - stacks of unfilled
prescriptions, a harried staff, a schedule board showing extra-long shifts
and, in some cases, pharmacy shutdowns.
The consistent shortage of qualified pharmacists first came to light in
1998, and all indicators are that it will get worse before it gets better,
says Dale Hetrick, Director of Operations at Reliable One Staffing Services
in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a nationwide staffing firm specializing
in temporary, on-call, permanent placement and contract staffing for hospitals,
nursing homes and retail pharmacy stores.
The shortage of pharmacists is industry-wide, but particularly apparent
in the retail chain outlets. Hetrick notes that one Ohio client recently
asked Reliable One to fill 1,400 temporary pharmacist hours over a two-week
period in a single metropolitan area. A client in Utah asked the company
to fill 1,500 temporary pharmacist hours over a six-week period in a single
metropolitan area.
Industry statistics show that the shortage is expected to grow to 157,000
unfilled positions nationwide by 2020. Predictions for prescription drug
usage also continues to climb at staggering rates - an article published
by U.S. Pharmacist magazine predicts that by 2020, more than 7.2 billion
prescriptions will be filled annually in the United States - more than
double the amount filled in 2001. Given the extent of the current shortage
and the anticipation that the gap will only widen over the next decade,
it is likely that pharmacy shutdowns and backlogs may cause many Americans
to go without needed medications, or face multi-day waits to have their
scripts filled.
PR
Leap 8.21.07
It's a very exciting week for Health Career Agents! Here's the scoop on
the "Big 3" events:
1. This Friday, August 24th, we are hosting an open-house for prospective
Owner/Operators.
The first half of the day will be spent in an in-depth business planning
session. After a lunch, our management team and attendees will be conducting
a round-table discussion on topics affecting healthcare recruiting and
staffing, growing Sales Consultant teams, and the hot sectors within healthcare.
On Friday evening, we have a special event planned for our visitors, along
with company management and staff.
2. For the first time in our history, New Owner Training will be held
at our corporate headquarters! Prospective Owners that attend the open-house
on Friday are welcome to use the day as the final step in their analysis,
by processing paperwork and payment and staying over to attend New Owner
Training on Saturday and Sunday.
3. We have a very special guest tomorrow on our weekly internet radio
show, "The Healthcare Recruiter". Joan Magruder, President of
Missouri Baptist Medical Center will join us for a full-hour to discuss
the healthcare industry, sharing her expert opinion on shortages and staffing
issues both today, and what to expect in the future.
Tune in tomorrow at 11am central by visiting our radio
show page and clicking on the yellow "Listen Live" button
in the top left corner.
Interested in attending our open-house on Friday? Call us immediately
at 800-209-7197 to secure a seat!
Jenny Dibble
Editor
