Starting your new pharmacy job can be scary, especially if you have never worked in a pharmacy before. Here is what to expect on your first day.
Getting a pharmacy job can be challenging as it is; preparing yourself to start the work can become even more overwhelming. There are a lot of uncertainties and feelings of doubt when you begin working at a new place, even if it is a job in the pharmaceutical industry.
Whether it’s a pharmacy job or any other job in the industry, joining a new place is always a fresh start. You have to work with new people and get used to the work culture of a different place that you are not used to.
A new job is an opportunity for you to meet new people and make an excellent impression on your new manager, coworkers and others at the workplace. There are various positions at a pharmacy. Some of the top jobs include:
1. Pharmacy Clerk:
A pharmacy clerk has numerous duties. They have to fill prescriptions for customers, update patient information records, manage cash register transactions, and much more. Pharmacy clerks also ensure the area is well-arranged and clean.
2. Pharmacy Assistant:
As a pharmacy assistant, you have to help the managerial staff with various administrative tasks. Some of the tasks the pharmacy assistants have to help with include preparing invoices, maintaining inventories, storing prescription records, ordering office supplies, and more. Pharmacy assistants also carry out safety training and perform background checks on employees.
3. Pharmacist:
A pharmacist must have detailed knowledge about the uses of pharmaceutical products and equipment. They also read and fill medical prescriptions for patients. If needed, pharmacists consult with doctors and other medical professionals to advise medicinal alternatives to customers. Pharmacists also maintain patient records and order and stock medicines.
4. Pharmacy Technician:
A pharmacy technician has a lot of duties. They have to work under a licensed pharmacist at a pharmacy. The primary responsibilities of a pharmacy technician include managing the workstation. This duty includes keeping the shelves well-maintained and stocked. Pharmacy technicians also have to order medications for the inventory. They might also listen to some of the patient’s ailments and suggest over-the-counter medicines.
5. Pharmacy Manager:
As a pharmacy manager, you have to look after the daily operations of a pharmacy. Pharmacy managers have to maintain a patient medication database, handle medications and other equipment, provide customer services, and much more.
They talk to patients about medications and inform them about all the possible side effects. Pharmacy managers consult with other medical professionals before filling prescriptions. They have to follow legal procedures and policies and prescribe over-the-counter medications to patients with minor ailments.
Tips on What to Expect the First Day at Your Pharmacy Job
You could be joining your pharmacy job at any position; it doesn’t change the fact that you need to be completely prepared for your first day and the following week. Here are some tips that can help you become ready for your first day at a pharmacy job and what you should expect.
1. Expect to Learn New Information
As you start your new job at a pharmacy, you should expect to be told a lot of further information. It is essential that you retain this information and learn everything you can. If you feel it is challenging for you to remember everything you learn, you need to keep a notebook with you and jot down everything you are told.
The information you are told on your first day, and even on days after that, is crucial for your job. As someone who works in a pharmacy, you have to learn a lot of things. What you learn can help you deal with customers as well as your coworkers.
Some information you might learn on your first day includes:
- Details about how to access certain information and perform various actions on the computer
- Patient statements you need to document in the intake area
- A list of medications from a brand and their generic alternatives
- Names of some medications that are hard to remember
- Passwords
- Door codes
- Insurer billing codes
- Usernames
- Details regarding how to look up standard medical insurers
- When to use insurer claims overrides and what they are
2. Expect Training and Orientation
People who work in a retail community pharmacy have to attend an orientation program on the first day. You will also be asked to complete various computer-based training modules and a register training shift. This training period is incredibly important for you. It can help you figure out how everything works around the pharmacy, and it will give you an idea about what your duties will entail.
On your first day at a pharmacy, you will also be made familiar with general policies and procedures for the various pharmacy stations. These stations include production, pick-up area, drop-off area, and much more. You might be asked to attend training classes held by employees in charge of the different workstations and also take part in an on-the-job training shift.
3. Be Prepared for the Prescription Drop-Off Area
When working at the prescription drop-off area, you will have to receive patients’ prescriptions as well as their insurance information. You will also have to look at their identifying information such as an address, date of birth, name, etc. You will also receive the patient’s updated allergy and medical information.
At the prescription drop-off area, you have to look at the prescription thoroughly as it can be written in handwriting that is difficult to understand. You must ensure that you read all the information accurately, including the zeros and decimal points. It is crucial that you record correct information regarding the patient’s medical conditions and medications. Take your time to become familiar with any pharmacy and medical abbreviations and codes.
4. Prepare Yourself to Work in the Prescription Preparation Area
When you work in the prescription preparation area, you have to prepare compounds and dosages based on the prescriptions you receive from customers and patients. You also have to work on organizing and maintaining the inventory. You have to be extremely careful when working in this area as you must prepare the accurate dosages and correct medication.
In the prescription preparation area, you have to be careful when counting the pills or to measure powdered substances to ensure you are giving out the correct amount to patients. Once you have prepared the prescription, it is crucial that you check and double-check and get it approved by the supervising pharmacist or the person in charge of the prescription preparation area.
5. Show Initiative
Whether it is a pharmacy job or not, showing initiative can take you places. Even if it is your first day and the work allocated to you is less, don’t wait for them to assign more work to you. You should take the initiative and ask if there is anything more you can do. You can also request to help out your coworkers with their work or ask to learn new things.
However, you should be careful as you can always end up with the most undesirable tasks. You should have what you want to do in mind and volunteer for it. Taking on more than you can handle can cause you to burn out faster, which is why you should only volunteer for the tasks you are confident you can complete.
Key Takeaway
You need to be efficient, accurate and have a professional attitude when you start your pharmacy job. It doesn’t matter what area you are working in; you should establish yourself as a reliable worker and make an excellent impression on your superiors. It is also crucial that you have a pleasant attitude, especially if you have to interact with customers.
