mozart_fan said:
I started wokring as a "Pharmacy Assistant" at a retail pharmacy about a month and a half ago. At first, I recieved little hours there because I was also a seasonal cahsier. Some days were good, most actually, but other days went horrible. I was late in finishing things and I just am not fluent at the computer yet.
I'm worried a bit that maybe she will fire me from the pharmacy. I'm a freshman and working towards a BA or BS degree at a CC, for now. As a Phamracy assistant, there is so much I don't know about Pharmacy...I kind of want to get right into the workforce...and I've considered starting to work towards a Pharmacy Tech certificate, work, and continue pre-reqs at this same school, without a bachelors degree.
Any thoughts? Has any here worked in pharmacy and had trouble to begin with (of course), what was your pharmacists (boss) reaction?
I can't IMAGINE not having problems starting out on a new job, especially in a pharmacy...and I know exactly what you mean. I remember within the first few days of working my retail pharmacy job, I wondered how it was possible for the pharmacists/techs to function with the "dead weight" of an inexperienced tech on their hands. I loved the job, but there were days when I came home angry with myself because I felt I was learning too slowly...mind you I only worked Tues/Thurs plus an occasional Saturday and Sunday.
I'm the type who's used to learning things very quickly, and the slower it comes to me, the more vexated I become. When I started in that pharmacy, I had had NO experience whatsoever in anything pharmacy related. It truly is like learning how to read or write or ride a bike...jumping headfirst into something you have had no prior contact with is often anything but a bed of roses, and like all things that are worthwhile, it takes lots of time and practice. Let me tell you, in my first two weeks (i.e. four days), I had customers say nasty things about how slow I was, and at least all of the techs and one of the pharmacists snapped at me for something trivial.
The point of me telling you all this is that it WILL work out okay. Retail pharmacy is not easy, even for experienced folks. The fact that you are concerned in spite of the fact that you know you are doing your best is a good sign. It means that you are conscious of what you are doing, and are actively making an effort to learn. The pharmacist knows this, I guarantee you. He/she had to start somewhere too.
That is precisely the reason that both of the pharmacists I currently work with always tell new hires that if everyone worked retail pharmacy at least once in their lives, the world would be a much brighter place. The reason is that retail pharmacy is perhaps one of the most stressful jobs in the pharmacy industry. There are lots of things you can do besides retail if you don't like it -- which is one of the fantastic things about pharmacy -- however, my bosses also say that if you can handle the stresses/pressures of retail pharmacy, then you can handle most other types of pharmacy without batting an eye. I agree that retail does not give you a complete picture of the field...but that is for another thread all together.
As suggested earlier, carry your notepad with you. Jot things down, write down questions that aren't very pressing (like what to do when the cash register runs out of tape, or the computer codes for different insurance programs) and address them with techs/the pharmacist at quieter times.
There are also a series of other things you can do. If you work for a chain store, gently press the store manager to help you find extra training on the computer stuff. If you've already done that, then ask to do it again. Explain to your manager that it's a top priority that you can perform the computer tasks so you can be as helpful to the pharmacist as possible and so that you can provide good customer service without delay. Ask the pharmacist if you can come in on your own time and tinker with things, like learning where things are, even practicing computer stuff. Also, pull the pharmacist aside sometime when he/she can afford the time, and address your concerns. No harm can come of the situation by trying to elucidate it. Ask the pharmacist what he or she thinks you should know how to do by now, or if you're right where you should be, which sounds like you are, then ask what goals you should realistically be setting for yourself at this point in your career as a pharmacy tech. As long as you pick an appropriate time to discuss these issues, then I can promise you that the pharmacist will do his/her best to help you.
Also, there is one last major thing you can do. If you can afford it, look into taking a technician training course. I live in NC, and it's required by state law that new techs take such a class...it's offered by the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists. I paid $67 for mine, and most companies will reimburse you if you pass the PTCE after taking the class. See if there is an organization like this in your state, or ask the pharmacist. *Most* programs sponsored directly by some of these professional organizations are reasonably priced. (As with anything else, buyer beware. Ask lots of questions if you are in doubt of the credentials of those offering the course.)
Overall, just show your boss that you are making a true and active effort, and your job will be there for you for as long as you want it!
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