hate being a tech but still want to be a pharmacist?

[PhilosophyGrl]

So, I've been working my tech job at Walgreens for almost a month, and I really hate it. The tasks aren't difficult so far, but I just don't think retail is for me. Plus, the environment stinks too. I didn't think I would ever get a job I hate as much as working at Wal-Mart, but I think I found it. I work 8 hours straight without so much as one break or lunch. The closest I've come to a break was getting a chance to sit down for like 5 minutes one time.

The only thing so far about watching the pharmacist work that I like is being able to consult people, but I've seen that only a few times. I'm toughing it out for a while to make sure this is what I do, but I'm worried that this is how it's going to be. I don't know, any opinions?

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[rx27563]

well i feel your pain..ive been working at CVS since i was 16 (5 long years! lol) and we are an extremely busy store, filling about 1000 rx's daily during the weekdays. it is really crazy sometimes, REALLY crazy. people fuss b/c there isnt someone right there when they walk up, or pull up at the drive-thru. there are people everywhere, staring at you as if you arent doing anything! chaos is an everyday part of life in retail...however the one thing that keeps me going and sticking it out is that one person who doesnt yell or complain, the person that smiles b/c you made them feel good and treated them with respect and professionalism. this is just what i tend to tell myself at the end of a 12 hour day that has been pure hell.... disorder is the nature of the world so get used to it 🙂 ***cheers*** here's to pharm techs nationwide 🙂

 

[Ammarha]

So, I've been working my tech job at Walgreens for almost a month, and I really hate it. The tasks aren't difficult so far, but I just don't think retail is for me. Plus, the environment stinks too. I didn't think I would ever get a job I hate as much as working at Wal-Mart, but I think I found it. I work 8 hours straight without so much as one break or lunch. The closest I've come to a break was getting a chance to sit down for like 5 minutes one time.

The only thing so far about watching the pharmacist work that I like is being able to consult people, but I've seen that only a few times. I'm toughing it out for a while to make sure this is what I do, but I'm worried that this is how it's going to be. I don't know, any opinions?

Hello... so there is definitely more to being a pharmacist than working retail. My first job as a technician was in a retail setting, and I didn't have any desire to become a pharmacist. All I could think of was "Boring, Boring, Boring" Why would I want to go to school for 6 years to deal with insurance companies. Needless to say, I took a job working in a hospital pharmacy, and my whole perpective changed. The hospital pharmacists were putting all of their clinical knowledge to work everyday... doing rounds with doctors... consulting doctors..... access to patients labs in order to keep track of drug metabolism... etc, etc, etc. I knew that is where I wanted to be. I loved the clinical aspect of pharmacy, and I could see how the pharmacists were challenged everyday. Everyday is different and mentally stimulating. Don't give up on Pharmacy just yet. Go to the closest hospital to see about volunteering, shawdowing a pharmacist or even employment. Your whole perspective could change as mine did. Good luck!

 

[PharmBug]

Don't base your entire opinion on Walgreens. I worked there for six months and hated it too. Then I went to work for an independent pharmacy and it totally renewed my love of pharmacy. You get to interact with customers on a more personal level because there is more to do than just give out Rx. I became a fitter for compression garments and mastectomy garments which helps to build your communication and professional skills. I think you could be happier in a different setting. Chain was not for me. Try independent or hospital before giving up.

 

[bananaface]

I love pharmacy but hated working at Walgreens. Don't write off retail because of a single negative experience. Also, you might try job shadowing some pharmacists in other practice areas to see what you might be interested in.

 

[PhilosophyGrl]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I don't want to give up on pharmacy because of this one experience. I know that they're other aspects to it then just what Walgreens is about. I trying to get trained and certified while working at Walgreens and then trying to find a job in a hospital setting. It's not completely bad, and there are some things that I like about it.

 

[Utterdevotion]

I guess I got lucky. I work at Rite Aid as a tech (my first job). And my pharmacists spoil me (feed me lunch and snacks, tell me life stories and give advice). And I see daily interaction a lot, even on our busiest days, my pharmacists somehow manages to fit it all in. I've learned so much working under them, and even appreciate our customers (who also spoil us!)

I'm going to miss them next year when I go off to pharmacy school 🙁
I'm so unprepared for the real word! lol.

 

[loneranger]

yeah, retail really sucks if you start out working at a busy understaffed store with a drive thru with lazy-ass pharmacists who don't help you out. Plus if you get a manager like the one in the movie, The Devil's Got Prada, prepare for Hell!
Haaaha, maybe i'm overreacting a little bit.
I did have a co-worker who wanted to be a pharmacist but after working at retail for a year, he chickened out and said he doesn't want to be a pharmacist anymore.

Anyways, maybe I'll create a thread for Pharmacy Workplace Horrors!

 

[PhilosophyGrl]

The pharmacists are nice, and some of the customers are good people, but I guess in retail you're always going to have jerks, and people who find something to complain about, i.e. one woman complaining about having to pay $1 on her medication! There was a lady that baked cookies for the pharmacy (I didn't eat any nor did I have time to anyways). The real negatives I have with it is the fact that we don't get breaks. We're "supposed" to get a unpaid 30 minute lunch break. I don't care about eating. I just want the 30 minutes (or at least 15 minutes) to sit down and just clear my mind. Also, the drive thru stinks. Whoever thought of this needs a kick in the butt. People treat it like Mcdonalds except they're probably more patient waiting on getting their big macs prepared right instead of medications that could possibly have adverse affects being given to them correctly. Oh, and they sit there balancing their check books when I have a extra big line of people waiting behind them that need to get taken care of. Ok, enough ranting... (for now)

 

[Farmercyst]

So, I've been working my tech job at Walgreens for almost a month, and I really hate it. The tasks aren't difficult so far, but I just don't think retail is for me. Plus, the environment stinks too. I didn't think I would ever get a job I hate as much as working at Wal-Mart, but I think I found it. I work 8 hours straight without so much as one break or lunch. The closest I've come to a break was getting a chance to sit down for like 5 minutes one time.

The only thing so far about watching the pharmacist work that I like is being able to consult people, but I've seen that only a few times. I'm toughing it out for a while to make sure this is what I do, but I'm worried that this is how it's going to be. I don't know, any opinions?

If this were in CA it would be illegal. You'd be eligible for back pay for missed lunches at the least.

 

[steveysmith54]

sounds like a sweat shop. LOL

I observe techs when i volunteer and i wouldn't really want to do what they do... On their feet, always in a hurry, etc.

Odly enough i am going to file for my tech certification tomrrow. lol

 

[PhilosophyGrl]

If this were in CA it would be illegal. You'd be eligible for back pay for missed lunches at the least.

We get paid for working through our lunches, but I rather lose the money and get a freaking break!

 

[FatimaMohamed]

wow so much with works, i so cant wait to start working,

 

[genesis09]

Pharm Techs have to get breaks. It's required by the federal government. You are guaranteed a 15 minute break every 4 hours or something like that. You can technically file a complaint with the federal government, and the company could be forced to pay a fine.

 

[PhilosophyGrl]

Pharm Techs have to get breaks. It's required by the federal government. You are guaranteed a 15 minute break every 4 hours or something like that. You can technically file a complaint with the federal government, and the company could be forced to pay a fine.

I know it's against the law, but I guess it's one of those you don't want to be the snitch situations. No one else takes their scheduled lunches or breaks. They take occasional bites of their food inbetween busy times, and I've seen someone sit down for like 5 minutes once since starting. I'm just trying to get as much info from working their so I can get certified and then find a hospital position.

 

[sdn1977]

I know it's against the law, but I guess it's one of those you don't want to be the snitch situations. No one else takes their scheduled lunches or breaks. They take occasional bites of their food inbetween busy times, and I've seen someone sit down for like 5 minutes once since starting. I'm just trying to get as much info from working their so I can get certified and then find a hospital position.

Thats CRAZY! You look at the clock, tell your pharmacist you'll be leaving in 30 minutes to take your lunch, leave the pharmacy in 30 minutes....go away & eat your lunch then come back. There you have it - lunch break!!!

Same thing...you need to use the restroom...tell your pharmacist you'll be taking a few minutes to use the restroom....leave for 15 minutes once each morning & once each afternoon. Bob's your uncle - 15 minute break!

Now...if your pharmacist asks if you can delay for a bit here or there...do so....unless you really need to use the restroom or something...but go away! I expect that & so does your employer!

If you think you're getting good information from this environment, you're not! Its unhealthy for you & dangerous for your patients! And...we have many, many studies which support that.

 

[bananaface]

I know a pharmacist who used to run a store alone for 8 hours without any breaks. She started getting UTIs. When one developed into a kidney infection, she finally decided that it wasn't worth it.

When you allow yourself to work under inhumane conditions, you do a disservice to yourself, your patients, and your coworkers. If your 8 hour shift is not enough, your employer needs to schedule more hours. If the work needs to be done earlier, they need to start your day earlier. If there isn't enough overlap, they need to address it. If they need to feel a little crunch to realize there is a problem, so be it.

When I worked at Wags (for 2 weeks and 6 days) they would schedule little cross coverage so that if you opened, the second tech would show up 6 hours into your shift then not want you to go to lunch right away. One day the lead tech who made the schedule asked me to wait until a 3rd tech came in to go to lunch. That would have meant going to lunch 7.5 hours into a shift. I said No. It was so tempting to walk out that day. I never wanted to leave anyplace so bad.

 

[Farmercyst]

I know a pharmacist who used to run a store alone for 8 hours without any breaks. She started getting UTIs. When one developed into a kidney infection, she finally decided that it wasn't worth it.

When you allow yourself to work under inhumane conditions, you do a disservice to yourself, your patients, and your coworkers. If your 8 hour shift is not enough, your employer needs to schedule more hours. If the work needs to be done earlier, they need to start your day earlier. If there isn't enough overlap, they need to address it. If they need to feel a little crunch to realize there is a problem, so be it.

When I worked at Wags (for 2 weeks and 6 days) they would schedule little cross coverage so that if you opened, the second tech would show up 6 hours into your shift then not want you to go to lunch right away. One day the lead tech who made the schedule asked me to wait until a 3rd tech came in to go to lunch. That would have meant going to lunch 7.5 hours into a shift. I said No. It was so tempting to walk out that day. I never wanted to leave anyplace so bad.

It's not a pharmacy, but the offices we have manned by one person, they actually close the doors three times a day, two breaks and lunch.

 

[sdn1977]

It's not a pharmacy, but the offices we have manned by one person, they actually close the doors three times a day, two breaks and lunch.

Thats the beauty of being in CA - the law requires the pharmacist take a lunch & specifically provides the option - at the pharmacist's discretion of closing the pharmacy so a lunch can get taken.

You'd think the wheels would come off when this was proposed (just like the non-smoking laws from decades ago)...but no one cares! Patients get used to it & plan around it. Prescribers offices are closed & there is always a recorder to leave an rx on.

The only one who suffers is you - oh and the pt you hurt because you were too tired & overworked & hypoglycemic to not be careful in your job.

The studies are there to support this - just search them out.

Pharmacists are their own worst enemies!

 

[gaba101]

So, I've been working my tech job at Walgreens for almost a month, and I really hate it. The tasks aren't difficult so far, but I just don't think retail is for me. Plus, the environment stinks too. I didn't think I would ever get a job I hate as much as working at Wal-Mart, but I think I found it. I work 8 hours straight without so much as one break or lunch. The closest I've come to a break was getting a chance to sit down for like 5 minutes one time.

The only thing so far about watching the pharmacist work that I like is being able to consult people, but I've seen that only a few times. I'm toughing it out for a while to make sure this is what I do, but I'm worried that this is how it's going to be. I don't know, any opinions?

yeah, there can be some rude customers at walmart that can make your work experience there not so pleasant. but at least we dont have to fill as many prescriptions as Rite Aid/Walgreens/Slav-on, etc and the pharmacy closes for a 1-hour lunch break (shuts compleely down for some peace & quiet) and depending on how your pharmacy manager runs the pharmacy, some even shut down (completely) for a 15-minute break. even better, when you get to intern pharmacist & pharmacist level, it's real nice that they pay you a decent amount of money for a "meal time compensation per meal" for you to eat and recover from the morning chaos.

 

[PhilosophyGrl]

I got done with an 8 hour shift last night. Not one word was mentioned about anyone taking a break or going to lunch. I'm seriously getting fed up with this. The only reason I'm not saying anything is because no one else is taking their lunches or breaks.m I feel like I'm the new person whining about not getting a break when these people have been here for awhile and they don't take their breaks either. Schools starting back up in a couple of weeks for me, I'm just trying to make it till then so my hours can get cut way back.

I think I'm going to try and find a pharmacy tech position in a hospital because I might go nuts working retail for too long. Sigh...

 

[dumbguy]

i had a pharmacist that I work with on Weekends. We have a drive-thru and it would be just me and the pharmacist working the whole day. THe pharmacist doesn't clock out for lunch but occassionally would go in the back to munch on her snacks and talk on her cell phone. It would drive me crazy sometimes because she would do this often throughout the day, even when there were customers waiting. She would call up her friends or her family and talk with them on her cell phone in the back while I typed up the prescriptions and rung people up.

 

[howsoonisnow]

Pharm Techs have to get breaks. It's required by the federal government. You are guaranteed a 15 minute break every 4 hours or something like that. You can technically file a complaint with the federal government, and the company could be forced to pay a fine.

I live in Arizona which is a "right to work" state. Law requires a 30 minute (unpaid) lunch for an eight hour shift, but employers are not required to give breaks that are paid such as 15 minute breaks, etc.

 

[twester]

I know it's against the law, but I guess it's one of those you don't want to be the snitch situations. No one else takes their scheduled lunches or breaks. They take occasional bites of their food inbetween busy times, and I've seen someone sit down for like 5 minutes once since starting. I'm just trying to get as much info from working their so I can get certified and then find a hospital position.

In Colorado, the state Department of Employment has a number one can call to report work hour violations anonymously. You might check to see if your state has something similar. Besides that, all states protect whistle-blowers from retaliation.

 

[ztechrx]

hmm wow that sounds like a sweatshop and not a pharmacy 😱

by federal law you're required to have a 15 minute break for every 2 hrs worked and a 30 minute lunch break after 4 hrs.

i work in a very busy walgreen pharmacy too but there is always a "break person" and a "lunch person" who floats around all the positions and relieves the techs for breaks. you should not feel obligated to stay there and refuse to take breaks just because the store is busy, go to the break room have a drink or snack... it won't upset your pharmacist if you're gone for 15 mins believe me. also if you don't take your breaks then that throws off the whole break schedule and most pharmacists get upset then because the techs are tired and not as alert as they should be which then causes problems.

nobody likes drive thru but that's usually where everyone who has 1 month of experience is put to work. don't give up on pharmacy because of that. once you start gaining more knowledge the pharmacists will recognize that and give you more responsibilites it won't be "would you like a shake with your adderall script today mam" forever 😀

 

[rx22]

I got done with an 8 hour shift last night. Not one word was mentioned about anyone taking a break or going to lunch. I'm seriously getting fed up with this. The only reason I'm not saying anything is because no one else is taking their lunches or breaks.m I feel like I'm the new person whining about not getting a break when these people have been here for awhile and they don't take their breaks either. Schools starting back up in a couple of weeks for me, I'm just trying to make it till then so my hours can get cut way back.

I think I'm going to try and find a pharmacy tech position in a hospital because I might go nuts working retail for too long. Sigh...

I have been a tech..senior tech at walgreens for abt 5 years now..In our district..everyone is very strict abt the breaks..we are required to take an hour.. half hour unpaid and two 15 mins paid breaks for every 8 hour shift. My pharmacy manager is really cool so he lets us take the whole hour together and go out for lunch or home or just sit and read..we just punch in and out at the half hour.. but I am really shocked after listening to ur experience..you need to let your distrct supervisor know abt the break situation..im sure if the upper people at corporate found out abt this they would not be very happy coz it could lead to legal issues..so please call them and report in anonymously so breaks can be enforced..because you deserve them.. pharmacists get half hour lunches no matter what..so why shouldnt the techs? i think techs are pretty dumb at ur store if they choose not to take their breaks..

 

[PhilosophyGrl]

I managed to squeeze in one 15 minute break today. I went outside to my car to have a mini break down and call my folks. I guess I was trying to get the ok from them for me to quit, which I did get, but I didn't quit. I guess it was just something about tonight that made me really want to say f-this and walk out. I didn't think I would find a job I hated more than working as a cashier at Wal-Mart, but this is way worse. We got 1-hour lunches and two 15 minutes if we worked an 8 hour shift, and no drive thru! I don't want to be a quitter, especially when I haven't worked there that long, but I'm honestly to.

We were slow tonight and still all I got was one 15 minute break for an 8 hour shift. No one here, not even the pharmacist, take their schedule breaks. The pharmacist that was working tonight managed to eat their lunch in the back, but they didn't clock out for it. Grr, sorry for all the complaining!

 

[StargirlRx]

You really should talk to you Pharmacy Supervisor. The RXM should let you take a lunch AT LEAST!! I would talk with them or even to the Store Manager. I'm sure something will come out of it!! My RXM is very strict about the Lunch Break thing, but we don't have a need for the 15 min. breaks. We are a brand new store, and it is pretty much dead, so no one bothers with the 15 min. breaks, but the 1/2 hr. is just about mandatory!!

 

[airen]

I guess I got lucky. I work at Rite Aid as a tech (my first job). And my pharmacists spoil me (feed me lunch and snacks, tell me life stories and give advice). And I see daily interaction a lot, even on our busiest days, my pharmacists somehow manages to fit it all in. I've learned so much working under them, and even appreciate our customers (who also spoil us!)

I'm going to miss them next year when I go off to pharmacy school 🙁
I'm so unprepared for the real word! lol.

which pharmacy do you work at? i want to work at that store!

 

[Ashphrodite]

I guess I got lucky. I work at Rite Aid as a tech (my first job). And my pharmacists spoil me (feed me lunch and snacks, tell me life stories and give advice). And I see daily interaction a lot, even on our busiest days, my pharmacists somehow manages to fit it all in. I've learned so much working under them, and even appreciate our customers (who also spoil us!)

I'm going to miss them next year when I go off to pharmacy school 🙁
I'm so unprepared for the real word! lol.

I am also very lucky. I work for an independent pharmacy in my hometown, and the owner is amazing. We can have all of the candy and drinks we want, plus she buys us lunch. I love every pharmacist I work with, and I get a taste of everything because we have several fill in pharmacists...hospital, nuclear, and primary care. The owner also taught me alot about the business aspect, and the techs are awesome. I have the best time at work...so I know I'm going to miss it. I also worked at CVS for a few months. It was tolerable, but you didn't really get as close with the customers, and it seems as if the only thing your boss cared about was how many times you scanned the extra-care card. I did like the more advanced technology there, though. 🙂