PIC or staff pharmacist?

[Pharmacy1999]

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I am a staff pharmacist and possibly going to be put in a situation of either becoming the PIC myself or having another mystery person (who most likely will have less experience than I have) taking over. I do not really want to be the PIC, but am considering it just because I don't want someone crappy telling me what to do. Does anyone have any insight into potential pros and cons? Also, I have zero experience in managing a pharmacy (other than being the pharmacist on duty, of course!).

 

[pharm B]

The biggest pro I've seen is the bonus that the PIC gets. It's usually a low 5 figures, but it's money to pay down debt, etc.

The negative arises when you realize that every time there's a "serious" problem, your phone will be ringing. Our PIC just about went nuts because she had a cashier who wanted to call her about every little incident. Hope you're good with your people. 🙂

 

[Old]

The biggest pro I've seen is the bonus that the PIC gets. It's usually a low 5 figures, but it's money to pay down debt, etc.

The negative arises when you realize that every time there's a "serious" problem, your phone will be ringing. Our PIC just about went nuts because she had a cashier who wanted to call her about every little incident. Hope you're good with your people. 🙂

Wondered what chain you were referring to with a 5 figure bonus. Ones that I have seen are a potential bonus of that much that is basically unobtainable. I have never seen one that high. the ones I have seen with one major chain is a couple grand which when you add up all the free hours and extra grief you have to deal with probably comes out to 5 cents an hour.

My 2 cents- you could get a PIC that is a jerk which might be difficult. Odds are if you are the PIC the staff pharm will soon realize it is your phone that will ring when a problem arises or company goals are not met so they won't care much what gets done. Not to mention all the other stuff that goes with the job. Stay the staff pharm. work your shift, do a good job and go home without a worry.

 

[Old Timer]

Riddle me this:

• What company do you work for?
• How many prescriptions does your store fill per week?
• Is the store volume growing?
• Do you have control of the tech staffing?
• Do you get a raise for being the PIC?
• Are you good with people?
• Does the current staff like you?
• Does the current staff respect you?

Ignore the what if question. You could get a ***** for a PIC, but you could also become the PIC and get a ***** for a staff pharmacist. What if doesn;t mean a thing. If my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a bicycle.

 

[Old]

Riddle me this:

• What company do you work for?
• How many prescriptions does your store fill per week?
• Is the store volume growing?
• Do you have control of the tech staffing?
• Do you get a raise for being the PIC?
• Are you good with people?
• Does the current staff like you?
• Does the current staff respect you?

Ignore the what if question. You could get a ***** for a PIC, but you could also become the PIC and get a ***** for a staff pharmacist. What if doesn;t mean a thing. If my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a bicycle.

Don't really know where you are going with this. I really don't know many PIC's who have done it for any length time who are excited about it.

Now, your grandmother was a bicycle?? what was your grandfather??

 

[Old Timer]

Don't really know where you are going with this. I really don't know many PIC's who have done it for any length time who are excited about it.

I did it for six years and I would do it again under the right circumstances. Depending on the answers to the questions I would help the OP make an informed decision about which choice is better for him.

Now, your grandmother was a bicycle?? what was your grandfather??

It's a family secret....

 

[Old]

I did it for six years and I would do it again under the right circumstances. Depending on the answers to the questions I would help the OP make an informed decision about which choice is better for him.



It's a family secret....

Ah. I see where you are going.

Under the right circumstances it would be okay. However, with the continual squeezing of tech hours and all the other new demands I would be hesitant to do it again. I found it to be a thankless job. Difficult to get alot of things done or do things to increase rx's and sales unless you want to do it all on your own time. Supervisors above who have no idea what we do or why but are certain that we are all overpaid. At least this is the case in my area.

 

[Old Timer]

Ah. I see where you are going.

Under the right circumstances it would be okay. However, with the continual squeezing of tech hours and all the other new demands I would be hesitant to do it again. I found it to be a thankless job. Difficult to get alot of things done or do things to increase rx's and sales unless you want to do it all on your own time. Supervisors above who have no idea what we do or why but are certain that we are all overpaid. At least this is the case in my area.

You are correct young grasshopper. It depends on the circumstances. The store, the volume, the compensation and of course the quality of your superiors. If your boss is a prick, I would never take on any added responsibility. So if the OP can answer the questions and a few follow-ups, we can help him make an informed decision...

 

[Old]

You are correct young grasshopper. It depends on the circumstances. The store, the volume, the compensation and of course the quality of your superiors. If your boss is a prick, I would never take on any added responsibility. So if the OP can answer the questions and a few follow-ups, we can help him make an informed decision...

Wish I still were a young grasshopper.

 

[Rebel78]

Riddle me this:

• What company do you work for?
• How many prescriptions does your store fill per week?
• Is the store volume growing?
• Do you have control of the tech staffing?
• Do you get a raise for being the PIC?
• Are you good with people?
• Does the current staff like you?
• Does the current staff respect you?

Ignore the what if question. You could get a ***** for a PIC, but you could also become the PIC and get a ***** for a staff pharmacist. What if doesn;t mean a thing. If my grandmother had wheels, she'd be a bicycle.

Don't forget the RX supervisor over you. Are they "OK" or a PITA?

 

[J ROD]

staff pharmacist.....being a PIC is for suckas!! 👍

 

[Ackj]

Don't forget the RX supervisor over you. Are they "OK" or a PITA?

Our hierarchy is simpler; the store has only 2 full time pharmacists. One is the "Supervising Pharmacist" and makes 50 cents an hour more than the other pharmacist. I can't really see a whole lot of difference between them, other than SP makes more inventory decisions and talks to the DM a bit more. Also, the plaque on the wall says something to the effect of the pharmacy being operated by him.

 

[Old Timer]

• What company do you work for? Wags, among the worst to be PIC for right now, I'm sure
• How many prescriptions does your store fill per week? ~2400
• Is the store volume growing? Yes, slowly and steadily
• Do you have control of the tech staffing? Not so much
• Do you get a raise for being the PIC? Yes
• Are you good with people? I think I am, hardly any complaints ever and lots of compliments
• Does the current staff like you? Yes, although it will be difficult to fill the shoes of the current PIC...
• Does the current staff respect you? Yes

I'd like to see where this goes!^^I have considered some of the above, what is your take on it?
Thanks for the input everyone 👍

How many pharmacist hours per week?
24 hr store? (I assume not)
How many tech hours per week?
Were your hours cut recently? (Tech and or pharmacist)
How much of an increase?
What is your bonus based on?

 

[Old Timer]

How many pharmacist hours per week? 104
24 hr store? (I assume not) nope
How many tech hours per week? ~220
Were your hours cut recently? (Tech and or pharmacist) Yes for tech, no for pharmacist.
How much of an increase? Not sure, haven't worked at this store for that long. Sometimes when I look at the comparison from last year, the volume is up 7-20%
What is your bonus based on? Wags has a lot of factors in some crazy formula, I am told. The current PIC told me it was just over 10 k this last year (before taxes).

If you have a shot at at 10K bonus and a salary increase, I would go for it.