Pharm Manager CVS (or any chain) Tips/Tricks/Advice/etc.

[Kratos907]

Hey guys, so after being a floater pharmacist for past couple of years, I interviewed and was offered a pharmacy manager position at a target CVS.
Now, this is me going from a floater position (where you don't have to deal with metrics, docs, payroll etc, just gotta fill and leave)
to someone who will now be in charge of everything.

Looking for any tips, tricks and well advice from not just CVS Pharmacy Managers but from those from different chains as well.

Thanks all in advance!!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Wickett]

If theres a particular PIC you met as a floater that you developed a good relationship with, ask him/her if it's ok for you to call if you have any questions as you start out. Dont worry about smashing metrics the first 3-6 months, and just get acclimated to your new store. Your top priority as a new PIC should solely be to get people's meds out on time and accurately, ensure things are being done properly to satisfy a basic state board inspection, and build a rapport with your customers.

Fight the urge to change everything all at once (exceptions of course being blatant state board or company policy violations), or else you may alienate the staff. Just sit back at first and see what the status quo at the store has been, and see what you would like to keep and change. Change should be done in small increments (a new PIC is a big adjustment for everyone, and old habits can die hard).

Be nice, but dont put up with blatant insubordination from staff, or it will set a bad precedent. Biggest thing is to just try to relax and not pressure yourself too much in the beginning. The rest is just learning through experience, and reaching out to other successful PICs for tips/strategies, especially when it comes time to start meeting metrics goals.

Your top immediate goal should just be to retain good staff and your customer base. Oh, and being at the same store dealing with the same people every day, refrain from staff gossip, especially with any techs....that will bite you in the ass.

 

[aznkukuboi]

Wait it's a target. How many scripts do they do? It's easier to mess with metrics at a lower volume store.

 

[Kratos907]

If theres a particular PIC you met as a floater that you developed a good relationship with, ask him/her if it's ok for you to call if you have any questions as you start out. Dont worry about smashing metrics the first 3-6 months, and just get acclimated to your new store. Your top priority as a new PIC should solely be to get people's meds out on time and accurately, ensure things are being done properly to satisfy a basic state board inspection, and build a rapport with your customers.

Fight the urge to change everything all at once (exceptions of course being blatant state board or company policy violations), or else you may alienate the staff. Just sit back at first and see what the status quo at the store has been, and see what you would like to keep and change. Change should be done in small increments (a new PIC is a big adjustment for everyone, and old habits can die hard).

Be nice, but dont put up with blatant insubordination from staff, or it will set a bad precedent. Biggest thing is to just try to relax and not pressure yourself too much in the beginning. The rest is just learning through experience, and reaching out to other successful PICs for tips/strategies, especially when it comes time to start meeting metrics goals.

Your top immediate goal should just be to retain good staff and your customer base. Oh, and being at the same store dealing with the same people every day, refrain from staff gossip, especially with any techs....that will bite you in the ass.

Wow, thank you for the tips, I do have quite a few PIC's i can get in touch with who would be more than happy to help, and I've seen many on this forum be very helpful to others. I was told though that even though the weekly volume may be low compared to a standalone store, the immunization goal is insane (2350). Also learn what all the various forms, binders, IAR's, Inventory, Audits, orders etc. are and how to do them, since as a floater everywhere i went I was told to leave it for the staff pharmacists, so had no experience with them.
All I can say is this is an exciting opportunity, yet terrifying at the same time.

Oh, to clarify, I've been asked in multiple private messages its in North Carolina, and does around 1500/wk

 

[mentos]

Don't let your techs walk all over you. You'll have to set the tone in the beginning otherwise they'll be playing on their phones and gossiping all day.

 

[Wickett]

Wow, thank you for the tips, I do have quite a few PIC's i can get in touch with who would be more than happy to help, and I've seen many on this forum be very helpful to others. I was told though that even though the weekly volume may be low compared to a standalone store, the immunization goal is insane (2350). Also learn what all the various forms, binders, IAR's, Inventory, Audits, orders etc. are and how to do them, since as a floater everywhere i went I was told to leave it for the staff pharmacists, so had no experience with them.
All I can say is this is an exciting opportunity, yet terrifying at the same time.

Oh, to clarify, I've been asked in multiple private messages its in North Carolina, and does around 1500/wk

Yup...the flu shot goals at CVS are pretty nuts. I have a friend that's a PIC at a target with a volume around 1k a week, and her goal is around 100 shots per week. She never meets the goal, and life goes on. Just dont be at the bottom of your district and you're fine. I especially wouldn't worry about it this year, since your starting out past peak flu shot time.

 

[JustFillIt]

if you have a large team - about 8 or more working under your direct supervision, it always helps to fire someone at the start. Target the weakest link and partner with with the HR department.

It’s called “a shot across the bow”. Then you need to exhume an aura of grace and forgiveness for the rest of the team after you have fired all the bad apples. You will appear as a gracious and loving boss that knows how to use the hammer when necessary. You may even consider buying the team doughnuts, or other goodies, on a weekly basis. Then when one of them tests the limits again, you pull a dr. Jekle and Mr. Hyde act and bring the hammer down in a nasty way. It is a balancing act between two extremes.

This will wrap them right around your finger. It keeps them guessing

 

[King2440]

Hey guys, so after being a floater pharmacist for past couple of years, I interviewed and was offered a pharmacy manager position at a target CVS.
Now, this is me going from a floater position (where you don't have to deal with metrics, docs, payroll etc, just gotta fill and leave)
to someone who will now be in charge of everything.

Looking for any tips, tricks and well advice from not just CVS Pharmacy Managers but from those from different chains as well.

Thanks all in advance!!

Here’s another tip..do NOT ever let a floater just fill and leave like you used to. They are the manager when they are there. Do not have them leave you a laundry list. Ensure they get daily tasks or checklists done. They need to be holding the fort down as well as leading the team. If not - hold them accountable.

 

[Sine Cura]

Be respectful but don't be buddy-buddy with your techs. They are your direct reports, not your friends.

Same goes for your staff pharmacist.

GL making time for one-on-one sitdowns with your staff if it ever comes to formal disciplinary action or remediation. LOL

 

[Twentytwelve2]

Observe the work flow and find out new implementations to speed it up. Be creative!

 

[owlegrad]

Observe the work flow and find out new implementations to speed it up. Be creative!

Good luck trying to get people to do anything differently then they ever have. I guess the bright side to high turnover is not having to deal with bad habits.

 

[northeast-southwest]

if you have a large team - about 8 or more working under your direct supervision, it always helps to fire someone at the start. Target the weakest link and partner with with the HR department.

It’s called “a shot across the bow”. Then you need to exhume an aura of grace and forgiveness for the rest of the team after you have fired all the bad apples. You will appear as a gracious and loving boss that knows how to use the hammer when necessary. You may even consider buying the team doughnuts, or other goodies, on a weekly basis. Then when one of them tests the limits again, you pull a dr. Jekle and Mr. Hyde act and bring the hammer down in a nasty way. It is a balancing act between two extremes.

This will wrap them right around your finger. It keeps them guessing

I exhaled out of my nostrils at a rapid pace after reading that first sentence

 

[Avex007]

What to do if they don't listen. Pharmacy manager enable them. Ignore Staff pharmacist concern?

Don't let your techs walk all over you. You'll have to set the tone in the beginning otherwise they'll be playing on their phones and gossiping all day.

 

[mentos]

Good luck trying to get people to do anything differently then they ever have. I guess the bright side to high turnover is not having to deal with bad habits.

Especially if they've been there for years. They're not going to change for the new kid on the block.

 

[sozetone]

Hey guys, so after being a floater pharmacist for past couple of years, I interviewed and was offered a pharmacy manager position at a target CVS.
Now, this is me going from a floater position (where you don't have to deal with metrics, docs, payroll etc, just gotta fill and leave)
to someone who will now be in charge of everything.

Looking for any tips, tricks and well advice from not just CVS Pharmacy Managers but from those from different chains as well.

Thanks all in advance!!

With all due respect, did you ever question why the staff at that store did not step up to take the spot? or perhaps another staff (at another store) who wanted to promote to manager?

managing now-a days is nearly impossible, and nobody wants the stress anymore. That is if you want to be making numbers, goals, KPI's....etc. It's walking a tightrope of failure on a daily basis. Hiring, training, record keeping, reporting, paperwork,conference calls, metrics, monthly visits, extreme scrutiny...all while they give you little to no help to get your job done. i could go on and on, but i wont bother... i assume by now you are learning and will learn a whole lot more. Give it 6 months or so.....you will wish you stayed as a floater.... hindsight is always 20/20. I have been managing since 2012 when i graduated. (had a friend referral ;-) and now i'm with WM. I am leaving VERY soon and will GLADLY take a paycut and staff position or floater wherever i end up. I refuse to EVER manage a pharmacy again. I'm not saying you cant do it or it cannot be done, just expect to burn out within 18 months or less.....and keep some jack Daniels handy for tough days. (at night and home of course!)

good luck, take the cash and step out after 18 months.... thats the usual commitment time...for most companies.

 

[sozetone]

And please don't just "fire" someone off the bat. If you have a low performer, have a "level set conversation first" explaining where your expectations are and where they need to be. Then document that via email to yourself....then monitor for any deviation from what you explained was expected...before counseling/coaching.....give everyone a fair chance to perform and help them achieve to the level and standards YOU set for YOUR store.....if they choose not to, coaching begins.....yes, do not be buddy buddy, but be yourself. Your stuck in a box all day so its gonna happen anyway. Delegate tasks to your staff pharm , but dont over-load them....delegation is key... techs included. to help reduce YOUR work and stress level. reward good behaviors....make it public when someone goes "above and beyond" post it on a board like we do at wal-mart. Boost morale... listen to WORK APPROPRIATE music on pandora or whatever ya know? Work "along side" your staff in the trenches. Meaning: take the trash out, clean the toilet, do tech work whenever you are able. Show them you care about the business, but also them as individuals. once they see you working hard along side them, they will work harder. Who wants their boss to out-work them right? PM me if you need solid advice on anything.... good luck.

 

[Sine Cura]

Who wants their boss to out-work them? Lazy sacks of **** obviously.

 

[rxkrafted]

Definitely try to create a good relationship with the existing staff there because they'll be able to save your a** when you need it.

 

[sozetone]

Who wants their boss to out-work them? Lazy sacks of **** obviously.

Yeah and those are the ones you "level set conversation" with and begin coaching if necc....

 

[firas2ff]

Really interesting subject, I need to follow up with the discussion here

 

[APN-59 rph]

Hey guys, so after being a floater pharmacist for past couple of years, I interviewed and was offered a pharmacy manager position at a target CVS.
Now, this is me going from a floater position (where you don't have to deal with metrics, docs, payroll etc, just gotta fill and leave)
to someone who will now be in charge of everything.

Looking for any tips, tricks and well advice from not just CVS Pharmacy Managers but from those from different chains as well.

Thanks all in advance!!

Fly with this and pack away every spare dollar....up to the match if there is one...upper management has forked tongues..Beware if the outfit starts selling assets...Be very careful about any stock purchase..

 

[sfachine]

Especially Walgreens stock. I feel sorry for any long timers with investments in WBA.No raises for 3 years and a stock almost halved in value during the same time period.

 

[firas2ff]

That is my similar question for you peers, I just recently accepted an offer at a CVS location as a manager, the store is filling almost 1800 RXs a day, is that something I should fear from? how and what my experience is expected to be? I am frustrated and fearing the near future, just to be upfront.

 

[rxkrafted]

That is my similar question for you peers, I just recently accepted an offer at a CVS location as a manager, the store is filling almost 1800 RXs a day, is that something I should fear from? how and what my experience is expected to be? I am frustrated and fearing the near future, just to be upfront.

It depends... are you a new graduate or have previous experience? If anything, fear won't help you but preparation will.

 

[firas2ff]

It depends... are you a new graduate or have previous experience? If anything, fear won't help you but preparation will.

I have been a pharmacist for 16 years, but never a manager, what do you think?

 

[rxkrafted]

I have been a pharmacist for 16 years, but never a manager, what do you think?

I think you'll be fine as long as you been with the company for several years and can work under pressure. Be prepared and make changes to make work efficient if needed, but don't be afraid.

 

[northeast-southwest]

That is my similar question for you peers, I just recently accepted an offer at a CVS location as a manager, the store is filling almost 1800 RXs a day, is that something I should fear from? how and what my experience is expected to be? I am frustrated and fearing the near future, just to be upfront.

1800 a week most likely

 

[sozetone]

That is my similar question for you peers, I just recently accepted an offer at a CVS location as a manager, the store is filling almost 1800 RXs a day, is that something I should fear from? how and what my experience is expected to be? I am frustrated and fearing the near future, just to be upfront.

I wouldnt say be afraid, but these manager positions are all a waste of time. they will short staff you, and make it impossible to really be successful. They are NOT grooming you for long term success with the company, they just need a PIC in a pinch. You will be under a lot of stress and pressure to perform. grab the money and dip out after 18 months.... do what you can....stay off the radar... be a treetop flyer.

 

[firas2ff]

I wouldnt say be afraid, but these manager positions are all a waste of time. they will short staff you, and make it impossible to really be successful. They are NOT grooming you for long term success with the company, they just need a PIC in a pinch. You will be under a lot of stress and pressure to perform. grab the money and dip out after 18 months.... do what you can....stay off the radar... be a treetop flyer.

Thank you, it is my first position with them, so I have been in multiple companies so far, but not this one