Am i doing something wrong?

[duskandlight]

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Dont mind me if i ask but I seriously think either me or the pharmacist is being unfair.

I started my job as a pharmacy tech 3 months ago and this pharmacist started coming in alot, like he started staying in my area for a while which i did not mind. I respect all pharmacists just like you all probably do but I think he is unfair. I learned that at the wal mart pharmacy we work through a system called connexus. It allows the techs to do certain things and restrict access to what pharmacists can only do. My pharmacist thinks that he has to be right about everything. He told me after I fixed 8 peoples insurance problems that I can not do any more trouble shooting and I cant imput either. I imput perfectly, never had anything wrong and I usualy troubleshoot great. Since I fixed them, he didnt want to have me fill them, he said that he wants to do it tommarow, we had an hour and he didnt do anything but talk on the phone. I am not sure but I think thats wrong. Flirting with girls on the phone when he has a job. The people came for the perscriptions and he said they wouldnt be ready untill tommarow. I was wondering why i wouldnt be able to fill those. The next day came by and he told me I did everything wrong and that I was never supposed to fix insurance problems. I completed 89 hours of training on the computers and the techs are responsible for insurance prob. I also have learned with other pharmacists. Later that day another tech that works full time came up to me and thanked me becuase she had been working on that prob for a week. I asked about the pharmacist and she said he just hates to be wrong and that he lied about it. I didnt ask him about it later. But how am I supposed to do things right if he tells me that im wrong when i am right. I checked the last modification of the meds on the computer and it was logged on me. I know he didnt modify any details and didnt change anything because his name would be on it and not mine. It has happend many times where he refuses to fill because he is to busy talking on the phone to another person about silly stuff.

its not a big problem but I am here to help and make people feel better. When im a pharmacist, I will never be like him because those people really needed thier medicine. he also yelled at me about even asking to fill theirs.

thanks for reading, got any suggestions and help? has this happend to you??

 

[Khoioiii]

I have been working at a Walgreen's Pharmacy for almost 2 years now and have never had anything like this happen to me. The pharmacists are the nicest and caring people I have ever met. My suggestion: transfer to a Walgreen's Pharmacy!

 

[ajh88]

That really sucks! 👎 I've been a tech at Wal-Mart for about 2 months now and I don't think the answer is transferring to Walgreens! Actually, the pharmacists I've worked with have all been awesome - but they do each have their own little quirks to figure out. We only have 2 full-time pharmacists in our store though - a couple of floaters here and there - so its not too bad!

However, your experience is beyond the realm of quirkiness it seems. For one, it is absolutely YOUR JOB to do inputting and trouble-shooting, and if you are messing something up, it is HIS job to coach you on it. I wish I had some really great advice for you - have you tried just outright asking him to help you if you are doing things incorrectly or to show you how to do it properly? Maybe he has a control issue or something. Alternatively, you could talk with your pharmacy manager (who hopefully isn't him!) and get some feedback on your performance. I would just suggest approaching it from the angle of "What can I do to improve" rather than just dogging on this guy. If he gives everyone these types of problems, you won't need to point that out! And if all of the other pharmacists think you're doing a great job, maybe it will help the pharmacy manager understand what is going on with this one guy. Good luck!

 

[greatdeals225]

I would definitely seek out who his boss is (for us, it's called a pharmacy specialist), and email him, even if it's not anonymous. Make sure you tell him that you want to stay anonymous. They should know how to handle it from their side. If you don't feel comfortable, you can always talk to other pharmacists that you work with about it.

 

[Glowwyrm]

It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to go home and document everything after something like this happens. That way you have everything written down in black and white should the need to defend yourself ever were to arise.

 

[TennisBoy78]

I don't want to hear bombs go off after I say this but here it is: The pharmacist is always right, even if you don't agree with him/her.

I've worked with many good and bad pharmacists, but each person has their own supervision style. When this pharmacist is on duty, is he/she the only pharmacist? Do you ever work with other pharmacists? If you work with other pharmacists, look forward to those days and learn as much as you can. If more than one pharmacist is on duty that day, ally yourself with the "good" pharmacist(s). If not, try finding a job at another pharmacy.

Remember this: Right now you are a tech, and a tech does what the pharmacist tells him/her to do. One day you will be the pharmacist, and you will not supervise like this person. But until then, you have to pay your dues. But remember that you can find another tech job just as easily, so it is not the end of the world.

I would not advise for you to report this pharmacist. The pharmacist has more clout than you, has probably been there longer, and has power. If you report him, nothing will be solved because he/she will defend his/her actions to one hell of a degree.

 

[Rxgrrl]

How can you saw that the pharmacist is always right--trust me--I'm not trying to start anything---but that is a huge exaggeration--there is always an exception--even if it is minor/only occurs once in a while. 😕

 

[Rxgrrl]

saw should be say--sorry for the type-o

 

[sdn1977]

OK - I'm a pharmacist & I'll chime in here.

Its not a matter of being "right" or "wrong"....as someone pointed out...its more a matter of practice styles.

I can't really nail down what your issues are, because, frankly, your post is a bit rambling. But...it seems as though there a few issues which concern you - tell me if I misunderstand.

First...you're very able to "fix" insurance issues on the computer & actually do it & apparently very well - another tech commended you on this. Good job! Now...from a different perspective & one none of us knows...was that your primary job that day? Or was it your job to actually fill, check in the order, man the drive up, or one of the many other tasks techs do? In other words...were you perhaps doing something which you can & do very well & apparently like at the expense of something else - which the pharmacist may have deemed a higher priority? I have a tech which spends far too much time on insurance stuff which can be dealt with much later - at the expense of duties I need to have her do right now.

Second...you have already "judged" this individual after being at the job for 3 months & have decided he is "flirting with girls" & talking about "silly stuff" on the phone. None of this is within your realm of duties. You may not like it nor do you have to think it is professional. But, unless your pharmacy manager or DM specifically come to you requesting this kind of information....it is none of your business. It is neither right nor wrong - just not for you to comment on because you are not in a supervisory position.

Third....you are already getting into a "gossip" situation about colleagues. You have pursued working relationships with this individual with a third party. I don't care what kind of business you're in - this is unprofessional. Do not get involved in gossip! If you hear it - keep it to yourself & if you know it - don't pass it along. Its a bad habit & one which will bite you back later.

Finally...you seem to be upset when this pharmacist chooses to delay the fill of something. However, you don't seem to know why & assume its because he/she just didn't want to do it. But...there may be many reasons why I choose to not fill something that particular day - especially when I know the pt is not coming or needing it right away. No one forces me to fill an rx (or check an rx) if I'm at my limit - and only I know my limit - not any tech! I also pace my day since I'm the only pharmacist & work sometimes 14 hours a day. Techs go home at 8hrs, in my experience, so I get to choose how fast the pace goes.

Now...as for specific suggestions. Get over being "fair" or "right" or "wrong". There are as many ways to fill rxs as there are pharmacists. We are all equally "right". As for "fair" - well, fairness has no bearing on a job - any job.

What can you do to control your day? How about when you arrive, ask where are you needed most? Always step up & offer to help with the absolute worst duties that exist. When there is an rx to be filled & you only have a partial amount...ask the pharmacist if he wants it filled or does he want it to wait for the next day. I hate to fill things twice (& give pts two bottles since they were filled on two different days). In 3 months, you can't possibly know the pts well enough to know when they order stuff.

In other words....get more into a dialog with this guy. Try to keep your judgmental thoughts to a minimum & lighten up a bit. This is a tough time of year with all the insurance changes. So...everyone needs to stay a bit cool. Also....if you don't know why he did or didn't do something - ask! Don't tell him he should or shouldn't do it a certain way....just ask why he decided to delay that one rx. Perhaps you could learn something!

Good luck!

 

[TennisBoy78]

OK - I'm a pharmacist & I'll chime in here.

Its not a matter of being "right" or "wrong"....as someone pointed out...its more a matter of practice styles.

I can't really nail down what your issues are, because, frankly, your post is a bit rambling. But...it seems as though there a few issues which concern you - tell me if I misunderstand.

First...you're very able to "fix" insurance issues on the computer & actually do it & apparently very well - another tech commended you on this. Good job! Now...from a different perspective & one none of us knows...was that your primary job that day? Or was it your job to actually fill, check in the order, man the drive up, or one of the many other tasks techs do? In other words...were you perhaps doing something which you can & do very well & apparently like at the expense of something else - which the pharmacist may have deemed a higher priority? I have a tech which spends far too much time on insurance stuff which can be dealt with much later - at the expense of duties I need to have her do right now.

Second...you have already "judged" this individual after being at the job for 3 months & have decided he is "flirting with girls" & talking about "silly stuff" on the phone. None of this is within your realm of duties. You may not like it nor do you have to think it is professional. But, unless your pharmacy manager or DM specifically come to you requesting this kind of information....it is none of your business. It is neither right nor wrong - just not for you to comment on because you are not in a supervisory position.

Third....you are already getting into a "gossip" situation about colleagues. You have pursued working relationships with this individual with a third party. I don't care what kind of business you're in - this is unprofessional. Do not get involved in gossip! If you hear it - keep it to yourself & if you know it - don't pass it along. Its a bad habit & one which will bite you back later.

Finally...you seem to be upset when this pharmacist chooses to delay the fill of something. However, you don't seem to know why & assume its because he/she just didn't want to do it. But...there may be many reasons why I choose to not fill something that particular day - especially when I know the pt is not coming or needing it right away. No one forces me to fill an rx (or check an rx) if I'm at my limit - and only I know my limit - not any tech! I also pace my day since I'm the only pharmacist & work sometimes 14 hours a day. Techs go home at 8hrs, in my experience, so I get to choose how fast the pace goes.

Now...as for specific suggestions. Get over being "fair" or "right" or "wrong". There are as many ways to fill rxs as there are pharmacists. We are all equally "right". As for "fair" - well, fairness has no bearing on a job - any job.

What can you do to control your day? How about when you arrive, ask where are you needed most? Always step up & offer to help with the absolute worst duties that exist. When there is an rx to be filled & you only have a partial amount...ask the pharmacist if he wants it filled or does he want it to wait for the next day. I hate to fill things twice (& give pts two bottles since they were filled on two different days). In 3 months, you can't possibly know the pts well enough to know when they order stuff.

In other words....get more into a dialog with this guy. Try to keep your judgmental thoughts to a minimum & lighten up a bit. This is a tough time of year with all the insurance changes. So...everyone needs to stay a bit cool. Also....if you don't know why he did or didn't do something - ask! Don't tell him he should or shouldn't do it a certain way....just ask why he decided to delay that one rx. Perhaps you could learn something!

Good luck!

Well said. Sdn1977 has a lot of experience with this and I completely agree. It rings true because I see it everyday at my pharmacy. Remember something: Pharmacy is a service profession, and you are there to serve the patient.

The reason I said that the pharmacist is always right is because of the reasons that Sdn1977 has elaborated on. You as a tech can do so many things, but is it the pressing thing that needs to be done AT THAT MOMENT? Another thing, nothing can leave the pharmacy until a pharmacist checks the rx, so the pharmacist is the most critical part of the process. In essence, the pharmacist is the driver in the vehicle, you are only there to assist him/her during the journey.

Everyday, there are 100 different things going on in the pharmacy at one time, and communication is critical. Through communication, everyone will gain the understanding of which task is necessary at that particular point in time.

It's not about you, its all about the patient and the operation.

 

[PharmDstudent]

I don't agree with the last two posts. There is one thing that the pharmacist does not have control over- patient complaints. When someone has to return to a pharmacy to pick up their medicine the next day, they will be upset and probably call to complain. A good pharmacist knows that customers want their medications when they ask for them; patients have reasons for wanting their medications, no matter what the medicine is (abused medications are a different story). My best advice to you is to find a pharmacy which will respect your autonomy and allow you to actually help patients. If you are good in or enjoy certain areas, find a pharmacy which will work with you. I had to move from CVS to a hospital and then back to CVS; I didn't stay at the hospital, because they didn't have an intern position. When I came back to CVS, I noticed that they didn't treat me as a push-over anymore, because they know that I don't have to rely on them.
Finally, don't just waste your time thinking that some arbitrary hierarchy will someday ALLOW you to be more content. Find a more cooperative environment.

 

[loneranger]

I agree with PharmD student. The pharmacist is not always right. THey should be able to treat their techs and clerks with respect. I had some pretty bad pharmacists whom I worked with. They think they are above us because they are the pharmacist. Communication in the workplace is a problem I think needs improvement. The pharmacist as well as you should respect each other and communicate better. If not, find a better job.
Why work in a hostile environment?

 

[sdn1977]

I don't agree with the last two posts. There is one thing that the pharmacist does not have control over- patient complaints. When someone has to return to a pharmacy to pick up their medicine the next day, they will be upset and probably call to complain. A good pharmacist knows that customers want their medications when they ask for them; patients have reasons for wanting their medications, no matter what the medicine is (abused medications are a different story). My best advice to you is to find a pharmacy which will respect your autonomy and allow you to actually help patients. If you are good in or enjoy certain areas, find a pharmacy which will work with you. I had to move from CVS to a hospital and then back to CVS; I didn't stay at the hospital, because they didn't have an intern position. When I came back to CVS, I noticed that they didn't treat me as a push-over anymore, because they know that I don't have to rely on them.
Finally, don't just waste your time thinking that some arbitrary hierarchy will someday ALLOW you to be more content. Find a more cooperative environment.

Well...you gotta believe what you want.

But...could it be, possibly, that you might have learned just a bit more about work & working with people by changing jobs? Could that be why you don't feel so taken advantage of? Because....there are other techs out there who can do your same job - likewise...there are other pharmacists as well who can do mine. But....if I don't have a tech - I have to do all of them!

No...I have no control over pt complaints, but I don't let complaints drive me either. I also don't let my techs get driven by those empty threats either. Have pts gone to management or my dm? Yes, but each & every time I've been supported. Pacing & controlling the environment is the key to staying in the business along time, not dancing on a short leash. So......whether you like it or not...this pharmacist has been around this block more times than you & knows exactly what can & can't be done. And about that arbitrary heirarchy - yep, its there. I supervise the techs - not the other way around.

Now...the OP asked for suggestions. Mine were to be patient, nonjudgemental, work for open dialog, not gossip, become.....well....more cooperative.

Yours is to - quit? To look for a more cooperative environment? What if the OP is part of the problem???? Is that a productive suggestion to a 3 month employee? But, I'm glad it worked for you.

 

[duskandlight]

Its not that I am saying anything to terms of how I hate the job. I Love the job and there are pharmacists that i get along with better. I know its my job, I dont work on one thing the whole day. We have two techs one for the morning and one for the night. I am the night tech.I dont usualy work on troubleshoot unless there are none on fill or imput. Right now we dont have a pharmacy manager. Ours quit. We are working through floaters mostly but this floater has stayed for almost a month. He declined the position for Pharmacy maangaer

 

[sdn1977]

Its not that I am saying anything to terms of how I hate the job. I Love the job and there are pharmacists that i get along with better. I know its my job, I dont work on one thing the whole day. We have two techs one for the morning and one for the night. I am the night tech.I dont usualy work on troubleshoot unless there are none on fill or imput. Right now we dont have a pharmacy manager. Ours quit. We are working through floaters mostly but this floater has stayed for almost a month. He declined the position for Pharmacy maangaer

So...from this further explanation...this store has issues! The manager quit & the dm thought highly enough of this guy to offere the manager position, but he declined it, altho there are other pharmacists who work there. Perhaps there was an agreement that this guy will stay long enough to get things cleaned up & to get a manager in place.

As the night person - and remember, this pharmacist, if he's working with you, is the one closing as well - knows what he can & cannot leave for the next day. He needs you to stay on the task at hand so he can get what needs to be done - done!

So...when you have time & have an insurance issue you'd like to work on - ask the guy - can I work on this or do you have something else you'd rather me do? Thats easy enough.

But - DO NOT GOSSIP! What occurs on your shift must stay on your shift - learn that early & take that with you to every practice setting you work in. It is a nasty habit!

Perhaps this could be your new goal - working to make this an easier & better place for you, now that you have the computer & insurance issues down.

Good luck!

 

[honeykrown]

I don't want to hear bombs go off after I say this but here it is: The pharmacist is always right, even if you don't agree with him/her.

This woul dbe like saying the customer is always right which is not always true and most of us do not agree with.

Also SDN u said "Second...you have already "judged" this individual after being at the job for 3 months & have decided he is "flirting with girls" & talking about "silly stuff" on the phone. None of this is within your realm of duties. You may not like it nor do you have to think it is professional."

No offence, I believe i would know when someone is flirting from his side of the conversation

If i want my prescription filled, i want it done immediately. How does he know if its important or not. If i had a problem with the pharmacist i would tell him straight most especially if i believe i am doing it right and other people have said i have done it right. I like to be treated with respect and if u do not give me one i do not see why i have to respect u if u think u could put me down cos u r my senior.

Duskandlight i would tell the superior even thou they are temporary. i would also talk to a pharmacist to see what they can do (u just dont know).

 

[PharmDstudent]

This woul dbe like saying the customer is always right which is not always true and most of us do not agree with.

Also SDN u said "Second...you have already "judged" this individual after being at the job for 3 months & have decided he is "flirting with girls" & talking about "silly stuff" on the phone. None of this is within your realm of duties. You may not like it nor do you have to think it is professional."

No offence, I believe i would know when someone is flirting from his side of the conversation

If i want my prescription filled, i want it done immediately. How does he know if its important or not. If i had a problem with the pharmacist i would tell him straight most especially if i believe i am doing it right and other people have said i have done it right. I like to be treated with respect and if u do not give me one i do not see why i have to respect u if u think u could put me down cos u r my senior.

Duskandlight i would tell the superior even thou they are temporary. i would also talk to a pharmacist to see what they can do (u just dont know).

Yeah...you gotta do something.
This whole thing reminds me of groupthink. If your pharmacist refuses to be wrong, it could cost you and your co-workers some grief. I mean, hello!, he lied to you just so that he wouldn't have to be wrong.
Don't go running around in a pharmacy with your head detached.
Be aware of this guy. One more thing, chain stores will bend over backwards to keep their favored pharmacists (hopefully nothing illegal). I have known pharmacists to blame others just to save face.

 

[sdn1977]

Are any of you EVER wanting an LOR?

You gotta go along to get along...How much are you going along?

And...as much of you really, really want to report this guy....what actually has he done "wrong"? NOTHING!

But...you go ahead & call your dm...he'll/she'll love to hear about your whining.

This is a poorly managed place with nonpermanent staff in place. They know that & are happy to have who they have and can't seem to entice someone who is already working there to stay.

They don't care if they guy is flirting with someone on the phone - who cares - except you????

You may think you want your rx filled ASAP as honeykrown mentioned, but the reality is that we will pace ourselves & what you want will take a backseat to what I want. No questions there! I do indeed get to determine what is important - that is what I'm paid to do! Likewise...I encourage all my support staff to not run around with their heads cut off - most folks don't need their rx within 10 min & I don't encourage that mindset.

I'm not real clear on this lying issue - that is very poorly stated by the OP. But be careful of any accusation of lying! That is a very serious accusation! However, he did not say that he did not feel respected...he just felt he was not fairly treated. Well - welcome to the world of technicians! The way I want things done & the way the next pharmacist wants things done will be different - fairness has absolutely nothing to do with any of this! Its just the way it is.

 

[PharmDstudent]

Are any of you EVER wanting an LOR?

You gotta go along to get along...How much are you going along?

And...as much of you really, really want to report this guy....what actually has he done "wrong"? NOTHING!

But...you go ahead & call your dm...he'll/she'll love to hear about your whining.

This is a poorly managed place with nonpermanent staff in place. They know that & are happy to have who they have and can't seem to entice someone who is already working there to stay.

They don't care if they guy is flirting with someone on the phone - who cares - except you????

You may think you want your rx filled ASAP as honeykrown mentioned, but the reality is that we will pace ourselves & what you want will take a backseat to what I want. No questions there! I do indeed get to determine what is important - that is what I'm paid to do! Likewise...I encourage all my support staff to not run around with their heads cut off - most folks don't need their rx within 10 min & I don't encourage that mindset.

I'm not real clear on this lying issue - that is very poorly stated by the OP. But be careful of any accusation of lying! That is a very serious accusation! However, he did not say that he did not feel respected...he just felt he was not fairly treated. Well - welcome to the world of technicians! The way I want things done & the way the next pharmacist wants things done will be different - fairness has absolutely nothing to do with any of this! Its just the way it is.

You keep saying the same stuff over and over again.
You sound like a tyrant, "Well - welcome to the world of technicians! The way I want things done & the way the next pharmacist wants things done will be different - fairness has absolutely nothing to do with any of this! Its just the way it is."
I would not be surprised if duskandlight runs far away from pharmacy after all of these condescending comments.

 

[sdn1977]

You keep saying the same stuff over and over again.
You sound like a tyrant, "Well - welcome to the world of technicians! The way I want things done & the way the next pharmacist wants things done will be different - fairness has absolutely nothing to do with any of this! Its just the way it is."
I would not be surprised if duskandlight runs far away from pharmacy after all of these condescending comments.

Whew! you are finally getting it!

Yes - welcome to the world of reality. Rarely does the tech get to determine the way things are done - that is a corporate choice or hospital choice. Now...if techs like to line stuff up & tape labels before filling, I don't care. But....there are a few things I & my colleagues do indeed care about & we do get to decide those things & when you work with me or them....you do it that way - it may not be fair, but it just is.

And NO LIFE IS NOT FAIR! It is not fair when my computer system goes down & I have to had hand-write a label. It is not fair when I get called in the middle of the night for a bad CABG which has used up all the cardioplegia solution & I have to go in and make it. It is not fair when the ER physician calls me at night & wants to begin a rabies series or have me find a snake venom at 3AM. It is not fair when my manager's son has a heart attack & he has to go out of town for an unknown lenght of time & I have to cover his shifts......life is just not fair.

But...thats the way it is!

I honestly don't think the OP will run from pharmacy. He asked for suggestions - I gave him many. You and honey & loneranger all want the guy to quit or to turn him in - turn him in to whom????? The dm likes him enough to give him the manager job? What do you possibly think will happen? Quitting is not productive nor is it helpful - particularly when you've only been on the job 3 months. It looks bad - like you can't get along. Now...there are times when that actually must happen - I know that too - I've been in that place....but it took me 3 years to consider all that it entailed. I'd suggest that you consider very strongly what the repercussions of quitting or continuing this vendetta are - losing a recommendation perhaps.

Can you honestly not come up with some positive suggestions for this tech to help out his situation besides quitting? Calling me a tyrant is unproductive and unprofessional & I'd say there is not one other pharmacist who is more supportive of technicians on this board than me. But....this individual is NOT in a position to comment on his supervisors phone activities nor should he be accusing that same individual of lying without seriously considering what he is saying.

I would hope the OP can find some way of making the best out of this obviously difficult situation he finds himself in with the posiitive suggestions that have been made. Perhaps, he might even want to continue on with his education so he can become a pharmacist and see the issue from the other side. By becoming pharmacists.....all of you can become the ones who get to determine what decisions are made - but, you'll still be told what to do & when by others at times - thats just life!

 

[ButlerPharm.D.]

sdn1977, VERY WELL STATED!!! I have been a pharmacy technician for 6 years, certified for 4 years, and I am in my second year of pharmacy school. For all six of those
years I have worked at the same hospital and for all 6 of those years, there have been difficult situations going on within the pharmacy. What sdn1977 is saying is essentially GOLD!! If you want to survive and you want to be appreciated, be constructive in your remarks and attitudes when it comes to dealing with your colleagues. No one wants to be called out on something and no one wants to feel that everyone is out to get them. Whether or not you like it, that pharmacist is your superior and your supervisor at the point in time; what he/she says goes. And the truth be told, the dm, whether or not he believes/listens to your story, will most likely side with the pharmacist. You've only been working for this company for 3 short months, it typically takes a lot longer time to learn a new place and a new system so instead of focusing all your energy on trying to figure out who's wrong and who's right, focus your energy on doing a GREAT job and helping out your fellow technicians and your pharmacist!!! I'm sure you will be appreciated much more for going out of your way to make the pharmacy run more smoothly than you will be for trying to get people in trouble. One thing I would remember, you are a new employee and are probably still on probation, and typically an employer can terminate your employment without question within a 90 day probationary period.

My advice, the pharmacist is king when you are working, what he or she says goes. Try to help each other out, instead of solving insurance problems maybe, as has been suggested, ask the pharmacist what he thinks needs to be completed before your shift is done and work on that. DON'T CAUSE TROUBLE; try to work to form a cohesive unit. START FRESH, the next time you go into work forget about all of your frustrations and start anew. DON'T QUIT, there is something to be said about struggling through something and coming out on the other side better for it. When you graduate college and enter the work force there are always going to be people that you maybe can't stand or don't like to work with; but you know what, you will be the better person for sucking it up and making it work.

Take what you have learned from this experience, file it in your brain, and use it for later reference for when you are a pharmacist; and you'll be wiser for it!!

Best of luck!!

"I don't think much of a man who is not wiser today than he was yesterday." ~Abraham Lincoln

 

[PharmDstudent]

Whew! you are finally getting it!

Yes - welcome to the world of reality. Rarely does the tech get to determine the way things are done - that is a corporate choice or hospital choice. Now...if techs like to line stuff up & tape labels before filling, I don't care. But....there are a few things I & my colleagues do indeed care about & we do get to decide those things & when you work with me or them....you do it that way - it may not be fair, but it just is.

And NO LIFE IS NOT FAIR! It is not fair when my computer system goes down & I have to had hand-write a label. It is not fair when I get called in the middle of the night for a bad CABG which has used up all the cardioplegia solution & I have to go in and make it. It is not fair when the ER physician calls me at night & wants to begin a rabies series or have me find a snake venom at 3AM. It is not fair when my manager's son has a heart attack & he has to go out of town for an unknown lenght of time & I have to cover his shifts......life is just not fair.

But...thats the way it is!

I honestly don't think the OP will run from pharmacy. He asked for suggestions - I gave him many. You and honey & loneranger all want the guy to quit or to turn him in - turn him in to whom????? The dm likes him enough to give him the manager job? What do you possibly think will happen? Quitting is not productive nor is it helpful - particularly when you've only been on the job 3 months. It looks bad - like you can't get along. Now...there are times when that actually must happen - I know that too - I've been in that place....but it took me 3 years to consider all that it entailed. I'd suggest that you consider very strongly what the repercussions of quitting or continuing this vendetta are - losing a recommendation perhaps.

Can you honestly not come up with some positive suggestions for this tech to help out his situation besides quitting? Calling me a tyrant is unproductive and unprofessional & I'd say there is not one other pharmacist who is more supportive of technicians on this board than me. But....this individual is NOT in a position to comment on his supervisors phone activities nor should he be accusing that same individual of lying without seriously considering what he is saying.

I would hope the OP can find some way of making the best out of this obviously difficult situation he finds himself in with the posiitive suggestions that have been made. Perhaps, he might even want to continue on with his education so he can become a pharmacist and see the issue from the other side. By becoming pharmacists.....all of you can become the ones who get to determine what decisions are made - but, you'll still be told what to do & when by others at times - thats just life!

Blah, blah, blah, blah......................................................................................
.........................................................blah blah

 

[PharmDstudent]

I should have said, "quack, quack, quack, quack.....................quack quack!

 

[Julianne]

I should have said, "quack, quack, quack, quack.....................quack quack!

WOW! I can tell that you put quite a bit of thought into your last two posts and the eloquence really shows...

Anyway, a little encouragement to the OP: If the guy turned down the position of manager, the odds are that he is holding out for a "better" store or is not planning on staying in your area long. FWIW, I have been in your position and know how hard it can be to work in an environment like that (especially when the store lacks stability), but try to hang in there - it will get better eventually!

 

[senzabee]

Technicians do work for the pharmacists, and I see what some of you are saying in that you have to tailor what you do to make it easier for the pharmacist you are working for. After all, making the pharmacists job easier is our job. I have certain pharmacists I prefer to work with, and yes in the end they are my superior and they are in charge of me.

But I do work in a pharmacy that really values the work of the technicians and doesn't run purely on what the pharmacists want with the technicians being pushed around. I'm not saying that you guys don't value your technicians, but I don't think it's right to say that the pharmacist is always right. If one pharmacist wants you to put labels on the bottles before being checked and another one hates it, then that's something of their preference to make their job easier. But if the technician is within his/her job duties and is being told by a pharmacist that this is not one of their duties, that is beyond preference and more so a miscommunication between duties and what needs to be done at the moment. Dusk, maybe you could find out exactly why he doesn't want you fixing patient's insurances or why he does not want to fill prescriptions. Maybe you have done this already, but from there you can judge whether this is just a miscommunication between you two where you need to address what you should be doing and what he should be doing, or if it is more of someone not being an efficient member in the first place. Just don't focus on what is "right" and "wrong" and who is to blame (although it may feel unfair as if the only way to fix it is to blame someone). You'll be working there and I'm sure with this person a lot more, so just find something that works without being unfair to him and yourself.

Sdn, yes life is not fair, but I'll ask you if you think it is okay for pharmacists to create an unfair work environment for the technicians. I want to know your answer first, so that is why I'm asking you beforehand. Yes, life is unfair, so tough luck to all of us who get into these type of situations at work. Does it make the pharmacist right or the situation okay though? Maybe there is no right or wrong to what this pharmacist wants, but I don't think it makes the situation okay. There may be no solution to it, but it definitely doesn't make working with that guy any more okay than if there was something he could do about him (like talk to a boss or complain to others). And I really hope you don't treat your technicians as if they have to get along with you just to get a LOR or make you happy. Some of us aren't working just to be the pharmacist's monkey and get some nice letters in the meantime, we're actually there to do our part and hope that the pharmacist does his too.

 

[sdn1977]

Technicians do work for the pharmacists, and I see what some of you are saying in that you have to tailor what you do to make it easier for the pharmacist you are working for. After all, making the pharmacists job easier is our job. I have certain pharmacists I prefer to work with, and yes in the end they are my superior and they are in charge of me.

But I do work in a pharmacy that really values the work of the technicians and doesn't run purely on what the pharmacists want with the technicians being pushed around. I'm not saying that you guys don't value your technicians, but I don't think it's right to say that the pharmacist is always right. If one pharmacist wants you to put labels on the bottles before being checked and another one hates it, then that's something of their preference to make their job easier. But if the technician is within his/her job duties and is being told by a pharmacist that this is not one of their duties, that is beyond preference and more so a miscommunication between duties and what needs to be done at the moment. Dusk, maybe you could find out exactly why he doesn't want you fixing patient's insurances or why he does not want to fill prescriptions. Maybe you have done this already, but from there you can judge whether this is just a miscommunication between you two where you need to address what you should be doing and what he should be doing, or if it is more of someone not being an efficient member in the first place. Just don't focus on what is "right" and "wrong" and who is to blame (although it may feel unfair as if the only way to fix it is to blame someone). You'll be working there and I'm sure with this person a lot more, so just find something that works without being unfair to him and yourself.

Sdn, yes life is not fair, but I'll ask you if you think it is okay for pharmacists to create an unfair work environment for the technicians. I want to know your answer first, so that is why I'm asking you beforehand. Yes, life is unfair, so tough luck to all of us who get into these type of situations at work. Does it make the pharmacist right or the situation okay though? Maybe there is no right or wrong to what this pharmacist wants, but I don't think it makes the situation okay. There may be no solution to it, but it definitely doesn't make working with that guy any more okay than if there was something he could do about him (like talk to a boss or complain to others). And I really hope you don't treat your technicians as if they have to get along with you just to get a LOR or make you happy. Some of us aren't working just to be the pharmacist's monkey and get some nice letters in the meantime, we're actually there to do our part and hope that the pharmacist does his too.

senzabee - you asked me a specific question - do I think it is okay for a pharmacist to create an unfair environment. No - unequivacably no. However....fairness is a perception of the individidual - wouldn't you agree?

You didn't ask me, but no I don't think the pharmacist was necessarily "right" nor was the tech....And the tech's responsibility is not to make my life easier - it is to function on their own with their own responsibilities - it is a co-dependent situation. You are not here just to make me happy!

My point was...the situation was what the OP indicated at the time. The pharmacist made the decision & we don't know what motivated the decision since the OP didn't ask. The OP ASSUMED and assumed the worst possible scenario in his/her perception. However, the situation may have been perceived differently by the pharmacist.

As you pointed out...and I tried to point out many times....the solution lies in communication with the supervising pharmacist - the person who (whom??) causes so much discomfort with the OP.

The other point I tried to make was that a technician who has only been employed for 3 months is not "experienced". I'd have to say that for a pharmacist too. It takes up to a year to become really experienced in a particular site. In fact, I'm working with a new part-time pharmacist who has 7 years experience, but with a very technician intensive location, so she is tremendously inexperienced with insurance rejections - so she cannot work as an rx inputter when we get busy - she is just too slow. She is inexperienced in this situation & prefers not to work there...but when its slow, we force her there because otherwise she won't be able to work on her own.

Each one has to make their own decision, but even when I was working as a clerk at the VA, I would never have gone to my boss complaining...but its a different time.....if you want to complain, you have the right to do so. But.....as a person who has held many jobs - complaining can become a habit & does indeed have consequences.

As for making me happy or getting LORs....no - you do not need to make me happy. My happiness is of absolutely no consequence in my job. The only "right" thing I have to do is to fill the rx in front of me correctly. If you choose to commit me to filling an rx past the time I can do that (ex say - sure, we can get that done in 15 min) - I have not only the legal, but the ethical right & responsibilty to say NO - to you and to the pt if I cannot do it responsibly. I have done that!

However, it is unfortunately the consequence of pharmacy technicians, as well as dental assistants, OR scrub nurses, and any other support staff to function the way the supervising person that day wants it to happen. So, when you work my shift, you do it my way - no discussion! Study after study have supported the concept of routine of rx filling by the pharmacist to decrease errors.

As for LOR's - many techs never want them because they never want to go on to pharmacy school or any other graduate school. But - what I see reflected here is an "attitude" which is negative. One of the first things you learn in pharmacy school is there are many ways to do things "right" - we deal with that all the time with prescribers. We can't just go telling a presriber he/she can't prescribe a drug because its not indicated in that age group - he/she is using his/her "off label" prescribing parameters, which if they fall within current theory, are acceptable.

I don't want you to be my "monkey" nor to get a good LOR. But, if you can recognize the forces which you may not even be aware of which dictate my daily life & can accomodate those so we both can have a good day....both our lives will be easy.

If you're interested in a LOR - then your ability to be flexible is even more in your favor....for whatever its worth.

Remember - there is no "right" nor "wrong" - just a correct filling! Also - the "blame" rests solely with the pharamcist. So...cut the guy some slack - give a bit, focus less on right and wrong, judgemental assumentions & relax! Tomorrow's another day!

 

[sdn1977]

I should have said, "quack, quack, quack, quack.....................quack quack!

You have a long, hard road ahead...but good luck with this attitude!

Best of luck!

 

[senzabee]

I think in general, it is just easier/faster to try to point a finger at someone and put fault to something. I definitely do agree with you that you have the right to say you cannot fill an rx in the time that a technician may have promised a customer. Our service and business is definitely to the customers as a whole. With reasonable exceptions, you fill them as a system and not individually per person, or you and everyone would go nuts meeting individual needs!

This and how everything works will be something we will all learn on the job. When I first started as a tech, I was definitely a pushover when nurses called wanting something. But you get used to how things work and it's probably something we'll all go through and learn once we become pharmacists and find what works.

Sdn, thanks for your reply 🙂. I'm sure we'll all learn how it is in the real world when we're out of school, we just have to be open to it. And to note, I did not get LORs from my pharmacists at work 😛 sucking up just for a LOR is just bad taste imo, and I changed to the hospital I work at not much before PharmCAS opened.

 

[sdn1977]

I think in general, it is just easier/faster to try to point a finger at someone and put fault to something. I definitely do agree with you that you have the right to say you cannot fill an rx in the time that a technician may have promised a customer. Our service and business is definitely to the customers as a whole. With reasonable exceptions, you fill them as a system and not individually per person, or you and everyone would go nuts meeting individual needs!

This and how everything works will be something we will all learn on the job. When I first started as a tech, I was definitely a pushover when nurses called wanting something. But you get used to how things work and it's probably something we'll all go through and learn once we become pharmacists and find what works.

Sdn, thanks for your reply 🙂. I'm sure we'll all learn how it is in the real world when we're out of school, we just have to be open to it. And to note, I did not get LORs from my pharmacists at work 😛 sucking up just for a LOR is just bad taste imo, and I changed to the hospital I work at not much before PharmCAS opened.

Just remember....its LOR's now...but later is references. Never burn your bridges. I still have contacts & good references from people I worked with 25 years ago. Unless you move out of state & even then depending on the environment (dops, academia, etc...) we are a very small community & know each other. It never pays to alienate anyone!

 

[PharmDstudent]

You have a long, hard road ahead...but good luck with this attitude!

Best of luck!

I just don't believe all of the crap that comes out through your posts. You remind me of a quack.
Frankly, why are you even on SDN? You were pre-pharmacy when? Things have changed since the 70's. There is no reason for techs to slave under a pharmacist anymore. To my knowledge, techs are in high demand, because there are so many new prescriptions to fill. Besides, I'm not going to glorify you just because you're a pharmacist. I don't see any need to "accommodate you" either. Aren't you the one in charge? Don't you have control? How is it possible to accommodate someone if they have no freedom to be flexible?
The pharmacy atmosphere is different now. It is impossible for you to watch over every aspect of the pharmacy. You have to answer questions from patients about RXs and OTCs, phone calls from doctors, and do what pharmacists are paid to do in order for their companies to make a profit- check prescriptions; that's why you can't treat techs like slaves, because they do all of the stuff you can't do. Why would there be techs if the pharmacist could do everything? Haven't you made a mistake which a tech brought to your attention? I pointed something out to my pharmacist on Friday.
In my opinion, there needs to be a symbiotic relationship between the pharmacist and his/her staff. Otherwise, both pharmacists and techs will be in a jam when something gets off track, eg the pharmacist who is "just too slow" with insurance can't work alone.

 

[sdn1977]

I just don't believe all of the crap that comes out through your posts. You remind me of a quack.
Frankly, why are you even on SDN? You were pre-pharmacy when? Things have changed since the 70's. There is no reason for techs to slave under a pharmacist anymore. To my knowledge, techs are in high demand, because there are so many new prescriptions to fill. Besides, I'm not going to glorify you just because you're a pharmacist. I don't see any need to "accommodate you" either. Aren't you the one in charge? Don't you have control? How is it possible to accommodate someone if they have no freedom to be flexible?
The pharmacy atmosphere is different now. It is impossible for you to watch over every aspect of the pharmacy. You have to answer questions from patients about RXs and OTCs, phone calls from doctors, and do what pharmacists are paid to do in order for their companies to make a profit- check prescriptions; that's why you can't treat techs like slaves, because they do all of the stuff you can't do. Why would there be techs if the pharmacist could do everything? Haven't you made a mistake which a tech brought to your attention? I pointed something out to my pharmacist on Friday.
In my opinion, there needs to be a symbiotic relationship between the pharmacist and his/her staff. Otherwise, both pharmacists and techs will be in a jam when something gets off track, eg the pharmacist who is "just too slow" with insurance can't work alone.

Where & when did you get such a chip on your shoulder????

I never said a tech needed to be my slave. In fact, I stated "its not the tech's responsibility to make my life easier.....it is to function on their own with their own responsibility. It is a codependent situation. You are not here to make me happy!". You are choosing to read what you want from my posts...I can't speculate on why that is.

Is there stuff a tech can do which I cannot - NO! I can do every job there is in a pharmacy (except perhaps Zpaks which I choose not to get involved in!). However....I gladly allow the techs to do the job they have & I think I've explained again and again how communication is the key to having it work. Do I know what is going on in the pharmacy all the time when I'm there? Yes - I do if I'm the only one on duty - both retail & hospital because I'm taking responsibility for all of it. That does not mean I do all of it - I just know what everyone is doing. If there is more than one pharmacist on duty, between all of us, we know what has gone on & more than once get called upon later to account for something.

Please....do not EVER try to tell me how pharmacy has changed from the 70's until now. I have worked CONTINUOUSLY since I graduated & know exactly what the situation was like before techs & after techs & know how difficult it was to get to where we are now. I have ALWAYS be a firm advocate of the tech position!

Why am I on SDN? - because I am a practicing pharmacist, I teach in a pharmacy school & a tech school & I am a preceptor in my hospital position (the ICU & OR). Therefore....I'm a pretty good judge of potential students & students like you who seem to be coming in with an attitude which perhaps needs some adjustment, altho....there are always those who feel they are perfect. I also sit on some admissions committees.....

I know I'm not irreplaceable - I've been in the business long enough & I do indeed know that I can be replaced, as can any pharmacist or technician at a moments notice (in spite of what you think is high demand). I do not need your glorification - my own years of experience stand alone on my CV.

Am I the one in charge? Well...only on my shift...and I do indeed have superiors I report to in a variety of ways - the least of which is customer complaints. Will you accomodate me? - you absolutely will if I tell you to relabel something I won't check. However, am I flexible? - yes, I'm about the most flexible pharmacist on the staff of both my institutions - because I'm an instructor & know there are many ways to do thing correctly.

Now...for your last question - have I ever made a mistake? How arrogant of you to even ask that! Yes I have & I have taken each and every mistake I've ever made seriously & with great sadness & personal responsibility. Each one has been my own - I attribute it to no one, even though there have been others or other extenuating situations involved - they are my own responsibilty. Never, ever throw that in any professionals face because they never leave us - every day of our lives we think of those mistakes! When you are the one who is listed in the incident report or God-forbid, named in the lawsuit....then come talk to me about mistakes.

Finally, I think you are a pharmacy student from your posts. I would ask you to show some respect to those of us in the profession as well as anyone who works in healthcare - from the window washer to the CEO. Calling anyone a quack is unprofessional and disrespectful and only reflects upon yourself. It will not lead to productive professional relationships in the future. In the present, it is just plain mean.

I never called the OP any names when I pointed out my perspective as a pharmacist - I just pointed out my perspective. Again, it was my opinion only...to be taken for what it was worth. However, you chose to make it a personal attack on yourself and you struck back with name calling.

I hope in the remaining years of your schooling you find a way to learn from those who can teach and get along with those who can't. However, you must choose your path. I have found it best to find a way to communicate....but that may not be your method.

But...best of luck ahead. I just ask, respectfully, you refrain from name calling (if for no other reason than it is a violation of the TOS), but I'd rather it be because you have some respect for each pharmacist, technician & any other healthcare professional you encounter.

 

[TennisBoy78]

I'm not reading posts anymore because it has simply become a grudge match. Listen, I am a technician now, and although I may not always agree with the pharmacist I work with, I do what they tell me to do because they have put in the time and have more experience than me. Whining and trying to report the pharmacist is so kindergarten and is such a waste of time.

Let me put it this way: A pharmacy needs reliable, respectful, and yes sir/yes ma'am type of technicians in order to operate efficiently. Listen, right now, pay your dues and suck up all of your frustrations. You will not be a tech forever. There are boring tasks that I do everyday that the pharmacist does not have time to do. Do I enjoy doing them? I guess not, but I know that when I become a pharmacist I probably won't have to do them so I look forward to that day.

Put it one more way: This pharmacy worked before you and it will work after you. Anyone can be replaced very quickly.

 

[PharmDstudent]

I'm out of this thread. Good luck to everyone who's going to school!

 

[spacecowgirl]

It's iNput.

Good luck PharmDstudent - you sound like a pleasure to work with. At the end of the day, it's the pharmacist's license on the line, remember that.

 

[Rxbound]

Some posts on this board just affirm my belief that people interested in pharmacy should be required to work in a pharmacy BEFORE making the decision to be a pharmacist...
No one owes you A THING. No one. Who bloody cares if you are a Pharm.D. student? So what? So am I. But I work as a technician (as I have for 3 years), and I realize that I am not in charge. You make yourself an asset to your pharmacy by getting the job you are assigned done, whatever that is for the day. Some day I make IVs, some days I pick expired meds off the shelf. I have earned respect because I get the job done. Try it sometime. You'd be surprised.

 

[duskandlight]

Thanks you guys, i really enjoy the info. I know I kinda have been a lil oppositional and all but hey its alright. I know that great gossip runs but before its gossip its just the fact and yes i dont feel respected but life is unfair. its very unstable in the pharmacy and I have planned on becoming a pharmacist since I was 8 and waited 4 years for this job. I respect every single pharmacist around. I dont care if they have the doc or bach of pharmacy. they are my superiors but still i earn some respect. i dont need to be treated like crap at all. I have felt mistreated really badly and its not like i can ignore the flirting, how i know is because i hear what he says and when a person needs there meds verified and there out there ready to go crazy, its my job to keep that rolling. I have and always will be there for a patiant. Thats what i have done and thats what im going to do no matter what anyone says. i have made him stay later, yes made him sdn. i cant see anyone that needs there meds not get them. I have had to beg him to stay after and help me with the few waiting customers. He has told others that he couldnt do it. he also got in troublefor that. so? its life. life sucks but i dont treat you badly because u like to do your job. I Love doing my job. I love imputing i love filling I love dealing with insurance, thats my place and The only job i would want. its a nice place to work. just the fact that I can make someones day by fixing there problems. I dont care about LOR's, why? because I already have them, from 2 pharmacists and the director of the science board in UNH. its not like I need anymore. I am going to school to become a pharmacist when i get older, i even saved up for it. yeah 60 k already. i love the advice from all of you, I have sent in apps for the other pharmacies as backups. i know i may be replaced but no matter what I am lisenced. As i said, i love doing all the stuff for pharmacy.We all have favorites but sometimes life backfires and ill take that but im not taking the fact of im wrong cuz he said so. I know I was right about it. How am I supposed to know if i did it right if im told i did it wrong but it was right?? I can ask the others.its not gossip for that. And flirting on the phone. yeah its annoying especialy when i have a real question to ask and the pharmacy dosnt get busy at night. its sometimes dead for an hour. Well nice talking to you all. I really enjoyed it and love to talk some more but i have to go to work later. so ttyl

 

[loneranger]

😱 Can't We All Just Get Along?
someday in the near future, we will hear on the news about some disgruntled pharmacy worker 😱

now i understand why most pharmacy schools require students to take interpersonal communication.

 

[UFGatorRx]

Where & when did you get such a chip on your shoulder????

I never said a tech needed to be my slave. In fact, I stated "its not the tech's responsibility to make my life easier.....it is to function on their own with their own responsibility. It is a codependent situation. You are not here to make me happy!". You are choosing to read what you want from my posts...I can't speculate on why that is.

Is there stuff a tech can do which I cannot - NO! I can do every job there is in a pharmacy (except perhaps Zpaks which I choose not to get involved in!). However....I gladly allow the techs to do the job they have & I think I've explained again and again how communication is the key to having it work. Do I know what is going on in the pharmacy all the time when I'm there? Yes - I do if I'm the only one on duty - both retail & hospital because I'm taking responsibility for all of it. That does not mean I do all of it - I just know what everyone is doing. If there is more than one pharmacist on duty, between all of us, we know what has gone on & more than once get called upon later to account for something.

Please....do not EVER try to tell me how pharmacy has changed from the 70's until now. I have worked CONTINUOUSLY since I graduated & know exactly what the situation was like before techs & after techs & know how difficult it was to get to where we are now. I have ALWAYS be a firm advocate of the tech position!

Why am I on SDN? - because I am a practicing pharmacist, I teach in a pharmacy school & a tech school & I am a preceptor in my hospital position (the ICU & OR). Therefore....I'm a pretty good judge of potential students & students like you who seem to be coming in with an attitude which perhaps needs some adjustment, altho....there are always those who feel they are perfect. I also sit on some admissions committees.....

I know I'm not irreplaceable - I've been in the business long enough & I do indeed know that I can be replaced, as can any pharmacist or technician at a moments notice (in spite of what you think is high demand). I do not need your glorification - my own years of experience stand alone on my CV.

Am I the one in charge? Well...only on my shift...and I do indeed have superiors I report to in a variety of ways - the least of which is customer complaints. Will you accomodate me? - you absolutely will if I tell you to relabel something I won't check. However, am I flexible? - yes, I'm about the most flexible pharmacist on the staff of both my institutions - because I'm an instructor & know there are many ways to do thing correctly.

Now...for your last question - have I ever made a mistake? How arrogant of you to even ask that! Yes I have & I have taken each and every mistake I've ever made seriously & with great sadness & personal responsibility. Each one has been my own - I attribute it to no one, even though there have been others or other extenuating situations involved - they are my own responsibilty. Never, ever throw that in any professionals face because they never leave us - every day of our lives we think of those mistakes! When you are the one who is listed in the incident report or God-forbid, named in the lawsuit....then come talk to me about mistakes.

Finally, I think you are a pharmacy student from your posts. I would ask you to show some respect to those of us in the profession as well as anyone who works in healthcare - from the window washer to the CEO. Calling anyone a quack is unprofessional and disrespectful and only reflects upon yourself. It will not lead to productive professional relationships in the future. In the present, it is just plain mean.

I never called the OP any names when I pointed out my perspective as a pharmacist - I just pointed out my perspective. Again, it was my opinion only...to be taken for what it was worth. However, you chose to make it a personal attack on yourself and you struck back with name calling.

I hope in the remaining years of your schooling you find a way to learn from those who can teach and get along with those who can't. However, you must choose your path. I have found it best to find a way to communicate....but that may not be your method.

But...best of luck ahead. I just ask, respectfully, you refrain from name calling (if for no other reason than it is a violation of the TOS), but I'd rather it be because you have some respect for each pharmacist, technician & any other healthcare professional you encounter.

Go 'head girl! 😎