(13) Are They Ready? New Graduate Workforce Readiness from Hospital Hiring Manager Perspectives

Objective : To investigate the readiness of new pharmacy graduates for entry-level positions in hospital settings with a focus on perspectives from hiring managers at hospitals in Texas. The study also aimed to highlight attributes and experiences that make new graduates desirable candidates and identify perceived deficits in knowledge and skills.

Methods: The Academia Task Force of the Texas Society of Health-System Pharmacists created a survey distributed to hospital and health-system hiring managers in Texas. The survey inquired about their consideration of new graduates for pharmacist positions, skills, and knowledge required for these roles, and factors differentiating desirable candidates. Demographic information, including hospital size and region, was collected. The survey responses were analyzed for trends and themes.

Results: A total of 39 hiring managers participated in the survey, representing most regions in Texas. The study found that 82% of hiring managers would consider hiring new pharmacy graduates without residency training. Hospital work experience, robust Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, clinical skills/critical thinking, and operational knowledge were identified as top attributes desired for entry-level positions. Soft skills, such as work ethic, attitude, and teamwork were highly valued. Perceived gaps in new graduates’ skills included critical thinking and clinical knowledge. Additionally, flexibility in work hours and the ability to work non-standard shifts were deemed essential.

Conclusions: This research highlights the importance of prior hospital work experience, experiential education, and essential skills in determining the readiness of new pharmacy graduates for hospital positions. The study provides a foundation for collaboration between academic institution, health systems, and professional organizations to align pharmacy education with the evolving healthcare landscape, ensuring the readiness of new graduates for their vital roles in hospital settings.