Work readiness scale for pharmacy interns and graduates: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction As the number of unemployment among pharmacy graduates increases, the Saudi Ministry of Labor implemented extra measures to facilitate their training and hiring by the private sectors. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of data regarding pharmacy graduates’ work readiness (WR). Hence, we aim to assess their WR and identify predicting factors associated with WR among pharmacy graduates’ in Saudi Arabia. Methods A 46-item self-reported pre-validated anonymous work readiness scale (WRS) survey with a 5-point Likert scale was administered to pharmacy senior students and graduates using Qualtrics XM® survey tool over the month of May 2020. The main outcome was to assess WRS for pharmacy interns and graduates and identify factors associated with work readiness. Results A total of 617 participants have participated in this survey, out of which 46.5% were freshly graduated pharmacists and 19.6% were pharmacy interns. Most participants (82.3%) were PharmD candidates or graduates. Around two-third of participants (63%) have successfully completed all survey items. The maximum points scored was 223 out of 230, and the median overall score was found to be 175. There was no significant association with gender, age, or type of university regarding overall scores. However, a statistically significant odds ratio was observed with PharmD program type and previous pharmaceutical marketing training (OR = 1.778, 95% CI = 1.143–2.765: OR = 0.618, 95% CI = 0.432–0.884, respectively). Conclusion The overall median score shows a good work readiness level among pharmacy students/graduates in Saudi Arabia; however, PharmD program graduates exposed to advance pharmacy training, including the pharmaceutical marketing experience, have higher work readiness odds than Bpharm graduates. Further studies involving other related perspectives, such as stakeholders, employers, and preceptors, would give a clear image of pharmacy graduates’ job readiness levels.

Work readiness of newly graduated nurses transitioning to practice in Saudi Arabia: A cross‐sectional study

“…Furthermore, another study in Australia found that work competence and organizational acumen scores were higher than those reported in this study (Dudley et al, 2020). Interestingly, the high scores in all dimensions reported by newly graduated nurses in this study were comparable to those reported among freshly graduated pharmacists and pharmacy interns in Saudi Arabia (Almarzoky Abuhussain et al, 2021). However, compared to a study in the United States (Walters et al, 2022), Saudi graduate nurses had lower scores in overall work readiness and social intelligence, personal work characteristics and organizational acumen dimensions.…”

Construction of a self-assessment tool for the readiness of pharmacy departments for internship teaching in public healthcare organizations-An Exploratory Mixed Study

“…Internship is a critical period for most graduates' career decision-making, and graduation internship is an important way for students to fully understand the content of the work and the current situation of employment, so that they can better choose employment and further education reasonably according to their actual situation, In addition, internship can provide better preparation for future clinical work. Therefore, during the internship period, we should enhance the interns' awareness of the pharmacy profession and their career planning for the future [33,34] . The core competencies of hospital pharmacists refer to the knowledge, skills, judgment, and personal attributes required for pharmacists to provide safe, effective, cost-effective, and ethical patientcentered pharmacy services, including professional practice, coordination and communication, management, professional development, and critical thinking [35][36][37] .…”

The Mediating Role of Depressive Symptom in Burnout and Career Readiness Relationship: A Study on Arabic Language Learners

“…Examples of items include: "I have a solid theoretical understanding of my field of work", "I can't wait to start work and throw myself into a project", and "I am eager to throw myself into my work" Each item is rated on 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating higher levels of career readiness. The scale has been found to have good reliability and validity for the assessment of career readiness in pharmacy graduates and interns (Almarzoky Abuhussain et al, 2021).…”