Looking to make my escape from retail- what’s the catch with cvs health specialty positions ?

[DoctorRx1986]

So I’m nine years in at one of the major devils that has been around since the early 1900s. After nearly a decade in, I finally started looking and applying for jobs in nearly any setting outside of retail here in the sunshine state . My ideal position would be a remote position working from home for an insurance company with nice pay, good schedule , no weekends /holidays etc . I have also seen a number of cvs health specialty pharmacy positions , some being onsite and others remote . I figured if specialty positions are much more relaxed than traditional retail , why are pharmacist also leaving such positions ? There has been a mass exodus of pharmacists from the chains in the last several months . But why are those specialty pharmacy positions vacant too ?Usually coveted and highly desirable positions do not go unfilled and I have seen a number of these specialty jobs with cvs also listed . As I said, I am waiting on a remote but if I have to take another offer even for a few months I will in order to leave retail . There is no incentive in retail , it’s exhausting, and I want better hours . The time to get out is now and that’s what I’m trying to achieve . I started my search almost one month ago and I expect at least a four to six month journey ahead before I land something better . I just want to make sure I don’t fall for any traps at cvs , including specialty , if there’s a reason people leave those jobs too .

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[M0df]

I will start by saying I don't have any first hand knowledge of their specialty business. I haven't seen too many people here post with that knowledge. I would research other subforums that discuss their minute clinic and infusion type divisions to get better idea. It is cvs and it will be metrics driven with insufficient staffing. Those things are certain.

 

[DoctorRx1986]

I will start by saying I don't have any first hand knowledge of their specialty business. I haven't seen too many people here post with that knowledge. I would research other subforums that discuss their minute clinic and infusion type divisions to get better idea. It is cvs and it will be metrics driven with insufficient staffing. Those things are certain.

Speak of the devil, I just received an email inviting me for an interview for one of the specialty positions . I will , however, proceed with caution and see what they’re all about . I can’t imagine it would be any worse than traditional retail though but who knows . Maybe I’d have to take a leap of faith , jump into specialty , and if I end up getting an interview for a remote job , jump ship ? We’ll see .

 

[Sakonji]

Same boat here but my background is in independent. No useful advice but I read a post someone made about their job at a specialty pharmacy and I honestly think someone with a decent experience in retail can certainly do it. In fact I really believe that someone who can survive retail can pretty much handle any pharmacy job except the ones that need specialized training. It is just the management and the politics that will make or break you.

Community to Specialty?

Hi all! I’m considering making the switch to specialty. My current job is in the community and my staffis good but between shots, testing and all the other responsibilities it’s a bit much. More tasks added no compensation. I know it would be an adjustment from being in such a fast-paced (at...

forums.studentdoctor.net

 

[DoctorRx1986]

Same boat here but my background is in independent. No useful advice but I read a post someone made about their job at a specialty pharmacy and I honestly think someone with a decent experience in retail can certainly do it. In fact I really believe that someone who can survive retail can pretty much handle any pharmacy job except the ones that need specialized training. It is just the management and the politics that will make or break you.

Community to Specialty?

Hi all! I’m considering making the switch to specialty. My current job is in the community and my staffis good but between shots, testing and all the other responsibilities it’s a bit much. More tasks added no compensation. I know it would be an adjustment from being in such a fast-paced (at...

forums.studentdoctor.net

I’ve had people warn me to tread lightly because even if it’s specialty it’s still a chain just like the one that has been around since the early 1900s. I’ve also had people tell me if cvs specialty may interview me for a position why not just stay with my current employer and transition into their specialty pharmacies ? It’s a valid point . Anyway, I will go for the interview and listen to what they have to sell me . If I’m not satisfied or unsure , I’ll just continue with my job search until I find what I would truly like -remote /wfh. Not going to lose anything by interviewing .

 

[KidPharmD]

Based on what some of my friends have told me, the worst part about CVS specialty is that you still work for CVS. They aren't only crappy to their retail employees.

 

[DoctorRx1986]

Based on what some of my friends have told me, the worst part about CVS specialty is that you still work for CVS. They aren't only crappy to their retail employees.

This is exactly what I was thinking too . But will still interview to see how it goes . I’ve been looking for new employment opportunities for just under a month and moving onto cvs after working for almost a decade at their competitor doesn’t make much sense .

 

[Sparda29]

I hate that CVS Specialty exists and Caremark mandates that customers use them for specialty drugs instead of allowing independent pharmacies to dispense.