I'm interested in working at an independent pharmacy as an intern. I would love to hear from those who have worked in an independent setting in regards to their experience in flexibility of schedule. How flexible was the pharmacist if you could only work one day a week or a day and a weeknight during school days? Also, if you were fortunate to have a flexible pharmacist to work under when did you tell him/her of your want to work one day a week( when you first got hired or as school approached).
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Independent Pharmacy Experience
Started by glhm93
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Independent pharmacies are chill... they make most of their money from compounding hormones and pet medications. The day will sometimes go slow if you're working up front because it's very low volume with a lot of staff. If you're in the back compounding then time will fly by.
You will almost definitely have some flexibility with your schedule, which is nice. I'm currently on my 6th year rotations and I can come in whenever, as long as I call/text the business manager a day or two ahead of time. I end up with about 2 weekends a month with 2-3 week nights.
Having experience in both chain and independent, I would say I've been busier at the independent than at the chain, even after working at several of the chains stores. Some independents are slow, some are much faster paced.
Having experience in both chain and independent, I would say I've been busier at the independent than at the chain, even after working at several of the chains stores. Some independents are slow, some are much faster paced.
I've worked for my independent for 8 years-5 years before starting pharmacy school and now in my final year (we're a 3 year accelerated program). It varies according to where you work really. The indy I work for is a mini chain and has 4 stores and our main store alone has ~12 techs and 4 pharmacists (working per day) to take on the busy daily work load. Because I was already employed there I was able to stay on but I cut my time to one night a week and every other Saturday (we're closed Sundays) but I do know if another classmate wanted to try getting a job there they wouldn't hire any more part-time people. However you may find another independent who will gladly take on students for a few nights and weekends. Chains in my area are the same way-only allowing about 10 intern hours a week.
Best advice is to call around to prospective places and tell them your situation. One independent may vary from the other-the same with the chains.
Best advice is to call around to prospective places and tell them your situation. One independent may vary from the other-the same with the chains.
