Pharmacy Frequently Asked Questions
Working with Sunbelt.
I’m a travel pharmacist. What specialties do you place?
All of the healthcare professionals we place are unique, so we have a wide variety of pharmacy assignments to suit your individual preferences. Sunbelt Staffing has needs for clinical and staff pharmacists, directors of pharmacy, pharmacy managers, and pharmacy technicians.
How much experience does Sunbelt require of travel pharmacy professionals?
The level of experience required for a position is not dictated by Sunbelt, but by the facilities we work with. Sunbelt will work with you to match your level of experience with the best possible position in the facility and location that you choose.
I’ve heard that Sunbelt prepares its pharmacy professionals thoroughly, but what if there are questions I didn’t think to ask or problems I encounter after arrival? Will Sunbelt be there to help?
We’re here for you from day one! Every pharmacist and pharmacy technician has open access to their recruiter – and not just during office hours. We provide each travel pharmacy professional with his or her recruiter’s cell phone number, so they can be reached anytime, day or night. You can depend on your recruiter to have the answers you need and to find a solution to any problem you might encounter.
If I submit an application, does that commit me to accept an assignment? At what point do I have any obligations?
You can speak with a Sunbelt recruiter, discuss options and locations, and even hear about available jobs, all without obligation After you have been through the interview process and been offered a pharmacy job, we will ask if you would like to accept the assignment. You have no obligation until the day you give a verbal commitment to the facility that you accept a specific assignment.
Once I accept a travel pharmacist or pharmacy technician assignment, do I owe any fees?
No. Sunbelt never charges our pharmacy professionals for our services. Our goal is to place our travel pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, whether on a short- or long-term assignment, in the position they want in their preferred location, thus providing hospitals and other medical facilities with exceptional professionals. By doing that, we all succeed – without ever charging you a penny!
General Travel
If I accept a travel pharmacy assignment, how long will the assignment last?
While assignments may be shorter or longer, our pharmacy assignments typically range from 13 to 26 weeks. The longer the assignment, the more earning potential for the pharmacy professional!
Where will I be working as a travel pharmacist or pharmacy technician?
Sunbelt works with various types of healthcare facilities. Our hospital settings range from small rural institutions to large university systems. Sunbelt also provides travel pharmacy professionals with the option to work at retail locations, mail order companies, home infusion companies, HMOs, long-term care, and correctional facilities among others.
After I’ve been placed in my first assignment, how long until I can begin the process for my next placement?
Sunbelt Staffing understands that your job and financial stability is critical. That’s why we work hard on your behalf to maintain an ongoing cycle of work for you. After you have been in your current placement for six-to-seven weeks (or less, if you are in a short-term assignment), we begin looking for your next travel pharmacy job. This helps us to avoid any “downtime” between positions, and maximizes your earning potential.
Where are the locations of your travel pharmacy assignments? What if I am interested in “traveling” near my permanent home?
We offer travel pharmacist and pharmacy tech assignments throughout the United States. Whether you prefer to stay close to the Eastern seaboard or travel to the Rocky Mountains, we can find the right fit for you. Sunbelt is dedicated to finding you the right position to fit your needs in the location you desire.
I’m interested in a pharmacy job outside the state where I am currently licensed. Can Sunbelt help me?
Yes, we’re prepared to make the licensure process a little easier. Not only will Sunbelt guide you through the application process for the state in which you will be working, we’ll also inform you about the cost of licensure fees, how long it takes to process an application, and what to expect. We also understand how costly state licensure fees can be, so we have designed a program to reimburse you up to $150 for licensure upon completion of each assignment. For your convenience, we have provided the contact information – including phone numbers and web addresses – of state pharmacy licensing boards in each state on our website.
How do I select a travel assignment?
It’s a bit like matchmaking – your needs, your preferences, and your lifestyle are matched with a facility and location with open job opportunities. It all begins with your phone call. As soon you contact Sunbelt Staffing, our recruiters will spend time listening to you, so we have a clear understanding of your needs. We’ll also assess your knowledge, skills and strengths, as well as your preferred pay and location. When we match your qualifications and preferences to an open position, we’ll let you know right away. Once you have all the necessary information about the facility, you can decide to be submitted as a candidate for the opening. Once we have a match, the hiring manager at the facility will get in touch with Sunbelt so we can schedule a time for the manager to interview you by telephone. After that interview has taken place and an offer is made, it is your decision to accept or decline the offer.
What can I expect during the telephone interview?
Be confident – this will probably be the least stressful interview you’ve ever had. After all, the negotiations over your compensation package have already been settled. It’s true you won’t have the element of face-to-face communications, so you should be sure to communicate clearly, making certain the interviewer is aware of your pharmacy experience and expertise. To help you remember the important points you want to make, Sunbelt will provide you with an interview prep sheet. Remember – you wouldn’t be at this point in the process if you didn’t have the qualities for success!
Once I’ve made my selection, what happens next?
One of the first things you’ll do is review required paperwork with your recruiter to ensure that all is in order. Your legal status on assignment is very important, so we must be certain all documentation is completed before you begin to work. Your recruiter will also be available to answer any questions throughout your assignment.
What if I run into problems while on the assignment?
Sunbelt makes certain that you have your recruiter’s cell phone number, and that you know you are free to use it anytime, day or night. If you have a problem or just need information – your recruiter is here to serve you.
If I like my assignment, is it possible for me to stay on as a travel pharmacist?
If you are satisfied with the facility and would like to extend, we’ll work with the client to see if that’s possible. If the client is agreeable and happy with your work performance, a job extension is possible.
Benefits and Housing
How do the benefits in a travel pharmacy assignment compare to those in a typical staff position?
There are many intangible benefits involved in travel assignments, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up the security of a compensation package. Sunbelt Staffing works hard to provide you with top industry benefits. In addition to the health insurance you’d expect from good employers, including dental and vision, we also offer a matching 401(k) program, reimbursement for licensure fees and continuing education, loyalty and longevity rewards, and travel money.
Does Sunbelt offer bonuses?
When you go over and above, so will your bank balance. At Sunbelt, there are numerous ways to earn a bonus, including our referral program and Sunbelt’s Pharmacy Appreciation Rewards (S.P.A.Rx.)
Is housing provided during a travel pharmacy assignment?
Yes, we have an excellent housing department committed to finding housing that meets your needs. Within 24 hours of notification, our housing department will give you a call to start the search for your ideal housing situation. Sunbelt will provide you with a fully furnished, one-bedroom apartment. Your Sunbelt housing representative is happy to help you with any requests. (i.e. pet friendly, first floor, washer/dryer, etc.)
How much I am paid? When and how will I receive it?
Factors such as experience, location, shift, flexibility, and the length of the pharmacy assignment affect your pay. Sunbelt works aggressively on your behalf to get the highest possible hourly rate.
With Sunbelt, you will be paid weekly via direct deposit, overnight delivery, standard mail to the address of your choice, or our Virtual Instant Paycheck (V.I.P.) card. Our V.I.P. card allows you an easy way to manage your pay, bonuses and reimbursements. With a V.I.P. card, immediate cash is always available through ATMs worldwide.
How are my taxes handled?
Sunbelt handles all the standard payroll taxes, so you won’t have to worry about them. We’ll also deal with any state taxes that apply. Please be aware that you will be required to pay state income tax, if applicable, to the state in which you work. For example: if you live in Tennessee, which has no state income tax, but work in North Carolina, which does, you will pay North Carolina state income tax. The states that do not have state income tax are Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. New Hampshire and Tennessee limit their state income tax to dividends and interest income.
What if I want to find my own housing? Is there a housing allowance for travel pharmacists?
In these instances Sunbelt can offer housing subsidies to cover your housing expenses. As long as you work more than 50 miles away from your permanent residence, these subsidies are non-taxed. The amount of the subsidy will vary by location.
Is there a cost for bringing my family or pets with me?
Sunbelt provides a one-bedroom, one-bath furnished apartment for the traveler. If this is not sufficient for your needs, be sure to speak with your recruiter about any additional amenities you might require to determine if there will be any additional expense. You will also be responsible for any applicable pet deposits and/or monthly pet fees. If this presents a problem, be sure to call your recruiter for help.
Now that your questions have been answered, discover our available pharmacy jobs. Still have questions? Contact one of our helpful recruiters today.
