Postgraduation employment experiences of new pharmacists in Ontario in 2012-2013.

BACKGROUND: A recent shift in the pharmacy workforce away from stable, long-term employment has been reported by students. Few data exist regarding the postgraduation employment experiences of students.

METHODS: An electronic survey exploring postgraduation employment experiences was distributed to 2012-2013 graduates from the Universities of Waterloo and Toronto (including the International Pharmacy Graduate program). Follow-up interviews were undertaken to explore survey findings.

RESULTS: THREE KEY THEMES EMERGED: 1) the rising prevalence of the "survival job" in pharmacy; 2) tension between professional satisfaction and practical considerations; and 3) an employment market characterized by personal networks, not merit.

DISCUSSION: Fewer students are securing full-time positions with benefits, and more are relying upon temporary, part-time work with multiple employers. Implications of this employment pattern for the ability to form pharmacist-patient relationships and provide pharmaceutical care require further investigation.

CONCLUSION: Further exploration of themes identified in this study is required, as is annual study of the experiences of new graduates. Their experiences will shape the future of professional practice and are of interest to academics, educators and practitioners.