Question for experienced Pharmacists-Working Retail

[Karisma23]

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I need some advice and I think this is the best place to get it, especially since I've noticed that there are so many pharmacists that have been doing this for years. I work for a large retail chain. I am a new pharmacist and have been licensed for about a month and a half. My DM hired 34 new grad interns for the district and there are only 19 stores so of course we have to float. The schedule has been extremely unfair. I have been getting all 2-10's and one 8-10/week. When I first started they weren't giving me enough hours so that I can qualify for benefits, so I spoke with my DM and my hours went up to 40/wk. Then I noticed they started having me work7-9 days in a row before I was able to get a day off. Today I am on my 8th day (2-10 shift) and I work tomorrow evening (9th day in a row) again before they give me a day off. I worked 83 hours last pay period and when I told my DM that it was 3 hours OT (not by choice, my schedule included this extra time) because I worked a 19 hour weekend after 7 days in a row she said she won't approve OT and pay me for me, but will apply the hours to another pay period at regular pay. I worked yesterday 2 hours OT (not by choice but that was how they scheduled me) and once again they won't pay me overtime.

I am not complaining, as I am thankful to have a job, but I am extremely tired after 7 days with 2 more to go before I am allowed a day off. The fact that my contract states that anything over 40 hrs/week is to be OT, esp when I did 83/pay period and then 82 hrs the next pay period is bothering me I feel like they are taking advantage of me. I don't know if this is happening to anyone else. When I do a 2-10 I really don't get any breaks, and though they pay me for the full 8 hours, if I do decide to step away and take a break everything goes into chaos and is backed up, and there is no time to finish by 10, then I get a call about how my numbers are suffering etc. I am just tired and worn out and I just started. Does anyone have any advice for us new pharmacists who are getting the busiest stores where we can't take break, being sent to other districts because there aren't enough hours in ours, being forced to work extra hours they are not compensated for and are spoken to about numbers when we do stand up for ourselves and take a break? I am at my breaking point and really am looking at my options.

Sorry this is so long but I would really value the experienced pharmacists opinions. Thanks.

 

[Epic]

Screw retail. It sux. It's the most primitive form of pharmacy practice and you will lose most of the education you worked so hard for. And when and if there is a surplus of pharmacists (and it's coming), you'll be first to go.

Go inpatient.

 

[Oxycotin]

I need some advice and I think this is the best place to get it, especially since I've noticed that there are so many pharmacists that have been doing this for years. I work for a large retail chain. I am a new pharmacist and have been licensed for about a month and a half. My DM hired 34 new grad interns for the district and there are only 19 stores so of course we have to float. The schedule has been extremely unfair. I have been getting all 2-10's and one 8-10/week. When I first started they weren't giving me enough hours so that I can qualify for benefits, so I spoke with my DM and my hours went up to 40/wk. Then I noticed they started having me work7-9 days in a row before I was able to get a day off. Today I am on my 8th day (2-10 shift) and I work tomorrow evening (9th day in a row) again before they give me a day off. I worked 83 hours last pay period and when I told my DM that it was 3 hours OT (not by choice, my schedule included this extra time) because I worked a 19 hour weekend after 7 days in a row she said she won't approve OT and pay me for me, but will apply the hours to another pay period at regular pay. I worked yesterday 2 hours OT (not by choice but that was how they scheduled me) and once again they won't pay me overtime.

I am not complaining, as I am thankful to have a job, but I am extremely tired after 7 days with 2 more to go before I am allowed a day off. The fact that my contract states that anything over 40 hrs/week is to be OT, esp when I did 83/pay period and then 82 hrs the next pay period is bothering me I feel like they are taking advantage of me. I don't know if this is happening to anyone else. When I do a 2-10 I really don't get any breaks, and though they pay me for the full 8 hours, if I do decide to step away and take a break everything goes into chaos and is backed up, and there is no time to finish by 10, then I get a call about how my numbers are suffering etc. I am just tired and worn out and I just started. Does anyone have any advice for us new pharmacists who are getting the busiest stores where we can't take break, being sent to other districts because there aren't enough hours in ours, being forced to work extra hours they are not compensated for and are spoken to about numbers when we do stand up for ourselves and take a break? I am at my breaking point and really am looking at my options.

Sorry this is so long but I would really value the experienced pharmacists opinions. Thanks.

Sorry to hear about your situation regarding the long hours and the shaft on OT pay. I'm still an intern but it sounds like your DM is not supporting you like she should. I can't really say what you should do exactly but I would push and push your DM for extra help at your store or at minimum be compensated for OT. I know a pharmacist who just says screw it and routinely overschedules tech help b/c his store is one of the busiest in the district. And they still have bad numbers. For OT, you're entitled to the extra pay if you work more than the standard number of hours. Do you have a copy of the employment contract? You could wave that around if your DM won't relent. You should really try and get these things taken care of sooner because otherwise you really run the risk of burnout. Let your DM know that she could be losing a good pharmacist if this keeps up.

Screw retail. It sux. It's the most primitive form of pharmacy practice and you will lose most of the education you worked so hard for. And when and if there is a surplus of pharmacists (and it's coming), you'll be first to go.

Go inpatient.

It depends on the company and store. I don't think you can just generalize retail as being all bad. The store I work at is great and i'd be very happy to work there for my career. True you don't use a lot of what you learned but in my opinion it's one of the most important areas of pharmacy because it's essentially the face of the profession. If things don't go right there, the reputation of the entire profession will get dragged in the mud, retail and all, and there will be consequences for all of us. And it's not "primitive" like you say, it just focuses on a different area than inpatient. I'm sure a lot of inpatient pharmacists forget a lot of the things retail pharmacists deal with (OTCs for example).

 

[PharmDstudent]

It depends on the company and store. I don't think you can just generalize retail as being all bad. The store I work at is great and i'd be very happy to work there for my career. True you don't use a lot of what you learned but in my opinion it's one of the most important areas of pharmacy because it's essentially the face of the profession. If things don't go right there, the reputation of the entire profession will get dragged in the mud, retail and all, and there will be consequences for all of us. And it's not "primitive" like you say, it just focuses on a different area than inpatient. I'm sure a lot of inpatient pharmacists forget a lot of the things retail pharmacists deal with (OTCs for example).

Arguing with Epic is like talking to a statue. His opinions about retail pharmacy are set in stone. I know he sounds harsh, but at least he's not flaky. Instead, he's straight forward.

 

[Karisma23]

Epic, I am at that point where a part of me agrees with you completely and then some. I've just about had it. And the surplus of pharmacist, you know what the funny thing is? The area I live in is saturated with pharmacists so there is no shortage and that hype is completely dead around here. They say they need pharmacists here but you really don't need 34 new people for 19 stores...hence why they can do what they think they can to us and why I am here writing this post. YOU ARE SO RIGHT!

Oxycotin, yeah I dealt with it as soon as I saw the discrepany in my hours. I was signing my payroll when I noticed they didn't even put the 10 hour and 9 hour shifts on there but just automatically applied an 8 hour shift, that's when I called and spoke with her and she told me she will not pay me OT and how it needs to be approved and won't be, so the hours are applied to another pay period at regular pay. The person who does scheduling also had me on for two weekends in a row when my contract states I am to work every other weekend. My DM took care of that but didn't seem phased by the fact that I said I was extremely tired and have been scheduled for 9 days in a row before getting a break. I did mention my contract and I do have a copy, I had to pull it out when they weren't giving me enough hours to become eligible for benefits. I've al ready spoken to who I needed to as soon as the matter came up and nothing is being changed. I'm at a loss now and am job searching because I don't feel this will change. Floating is floating and when there are enough pharmacists, like there are in my area, it doesn't matter if I quit or not to them. As far as the store you spoke of with not enough tech support, since I"ve started working, I've been to some of the busiest stores around that are clearly understaffed and it scares me to think of the mistakes that can happen and some that I have seen happen on the shift before me or prior to me going to the store. It's a shame really.

 

[Epic]

Arguing with Epic is like talking to a statue. His opinions about retail pharmacy are set in stone. I know he sounds harsh, but at least he's not flaky. Instead, he's straight forward.

Arguing with me is futile. Many have figured that out. So when I talk, people just listen. And if they disagree, then they're wrong. And if I'm wrong, I will readily admit it.

Then again, I'm not always straight forward in my approach. Because that doesn't bode well sometimes. My approach is to get it accomplished. And I will always try to take the best route...

What the heck am I talking about??

 

[PharmDstudent]

Arguing with me is futile.
What the heck am I talking about??

"Screw retail. It sux...Go inpatient."

 

[Epic]

It depends on the company and store. I don't think you can just generalize retail as being all bad. The store I work at is great and i'd be very happy to work there for my career. True you don't use a lot of what you learned but in my opinion it's one of the most important areas of pharmacy because it's essentially the face of the profession. If things don't go right there, the reputation of the entire profession will get dragged in the mud, retail and all, and there will be consequences for all of us. And it's not "primitive" like you say, it just focuses on a different area than inpatient. I'm sure a lot of inpatient pharmacists forget a lot of the things retail pharmacists deal with (OTCs for example).

1. Retail is bad because it's a product distribution driven profession. Retail pharmacy has yet to incorporate cognitive services to sustain itself.

2. Face of the profession?? Well, good job making public believe all we do is hide behind the counter and count pills. People wonder why it takes that much schooling to become a pharmacist.

3. Reputation of our profession? See #2. And I think the reputation has been dragged in the mud.

4. OTC? I hope you're kidding. OTC medications are an integral part of hospital formulary. It's not just a matter of forgetting your education. At a retail setting, you fail to learn essential pharmacotherapeutics practice commonly practiced at an inpatient setting.

5. I'm glad you like retail.

 

[Epic]

Epic, I am at that point where a part of me agrees with you completely and then some. I've just about had it. And the surplus of pharmacist, you know what the funny thing is? The area I live in is saturated with pharmacists so there is no shortage and that hype is completely dead around here. They say they need pharmacists here but you really don't need 34 new people for 19 stores...hence why they can do what they think they can to us and why I am here writing this post. YOU ARE SO RIGHT!

 

[Epic]

Arguing with Epic is like talking to a statue. His opinions about retail pharmacy are set in stone. I know he sounds harsh, but at least he's not flaky. Instead, he's straight forward.

Hush.. you don't know.

I still dream of the day I can own my little burger joint/soda fountain pharmacy where retired folks can come and hangout and not get their coffee mug go dry..

 

[The Fargoan]

I work in that little burger joint/soda fountain pharmacy. Except it's not grumpy old guys drinking endless cups of coffee. Mostly it's downtown homeless types getting out of the sun or wind or snow.

 

[Jeddevil]

Karisma -

We could probably offer better advice to you once you tell us what firm you work for and what part of the country you are in.

I have 20 bucks on CVS.

 

[Epic]

I work in that little burger joint/soda fountain pharmacy. Except it's not grumpy old guys drinking endless cups of coffee. Mostly it's downtown homeless types getting out of the sun or wind or snow.

That's ok too. Of course I would yell at them.. "go take a shower you stinky bastards.. then come back for the free coffee."

 

[Hels2007]

"Screw retail. It sux...Go inpatient."

Do hospitals commonly provide dull, rusty spoons to new hires? Because I would need one to take my brain out before I sign up. 😀

I am very, very part-time in retail (every over weekend) and never had those problems. However, if DM refused to pay overtime I would go over their head to the regional director, or the HR contact. Exploit the corporate structure for what it's worth. 🙂

 

[MountainPharmD]

1. Retail is bad because it's a product distribution driven profession. Retail pharmacy has yet to incorporate cognitive services to sustain itself.

2. Face of the profession?? Well, good job making public believe all we do is hide behind the counter and count pills. People wonder why it takes that much schooling to become a pharmacist.

3. Reputation of our profession? See #2. And I think the reputation has been dragged in the mud.

4. OTC? I hope you're kidding. OTC medications are an integral part of hospital formulary. It's not just a matter of forgetting your education. At a retail setting, you fail to learn essential pharmacotherapeutics practice commonly practiced at an inpatient setting.

5. I'm glad you like retail.

Oh Z-pack there isn't going to be a surplus of pharmacists for years and years to come. Someone has to staff all those Walgreens and CVS's that seem to pop up across from each other every time it rains.

Retail pharmacy is moving in the right direction as far as medication therapy mangement, immunizations and patient counseling (unless you work for Walgreens or CVS but thats another topic.) If you work for the right company retail pharmacy is where you can do the most good and effect the most lives.

 

[Epic]

Oh Z-pack there isn't going to be a surplus of pharmacists for years and years to come. Someone has to staff all those Walgreens and CVS's that seem to pop up across from each other every time it rains.

Retail pharmacy is moving in the right direction as far as medication therapy mangement, immunizations and patient counseling (unless you work for Walgreens or CVS but thats another topic.) If you work for the right company retail pharmacy is where you can do the most good and affect the most lives.

I say the supply will meet demand in about 5 years...

I haven't had any difficulties hiring pharmacists here. Shortages are in undesirable areas where you wouldn't want to live.

 

[MountainPharmD]

I say the supply will meet demand in about 5 years...

I haven't had any difficulties hiring pharmacists here. Shortages are in undesirable areas where you wouldn't want to live.

Someone is paying me a whole lot of money to relocate here. So not everyone is having an easy time hiring pharmacists.

I do think the extreme shortage of pharmacists we have seen the last few years is over. That was mostly due to the switch from a 5 year to a 6 year program and the resultant drop in applicants.

The problem if you will is third-party payers imposing ever-lower reimbursement rates on pharmacies, which must churn out a high volume of prescriptions to keep margins up. Prescription volume is raising at a rate of (depending on your source) 15% to 30% a year as the baby boomers get older. The prescription volume will be there but the reimbursement will not. So a pharmacy that staffed 4 pharmacists 5 years ago is doing double the prescription volume today using only 2.5 pharmacists.

 

[Hibiclens]

I say the supply will meet demand in about 5 years...

I haven't had any difficulties hiring pharmacists here. Shortages are in undesirable areas where you wouldn't want to live.

Not going to get into the whole when will supply meet the demand debate....but when that does happen....what will that mean for the current retail pharmacist...no more annual pay raises....a pay cut....decreased hours???. What exactly will happen when there is a glut of graduates with no jobs available. What will that do to the current pharmacists. Just curious.

 

[MountainPharmD]

Not going to get into the whole when will supply meet the demand debate....but when that does happen....what will that mean for the current retail pharmacist...no more annual pay raises....a pay cut....decreased hours???. What exactly will happen when there is a glut of graduates with no jobs available. What will that do to the current pharmacists. Just curious.

The exact same thing that happens in any profession when there is a surplus of potential employees and a shortage of jobs.

The question you should ask yourself is "What market shift or change would lead to a surplus of pharmacists"

 

[Oxycotin]

1. Retail is bad because it's a product distribution driven profession. Retail pharmacy has yet to incorporate cognitive services to sustain itself.

2. Face of the profession?? Well, good job making public believe all we do is hide behind the counter and count pills. People wonder why it takes that much schooling to become a pharmacist.

3. Reputation of our profession? See #2. And I think the reputation has been dragged in the mud.

4. OTC? I hope you're kidding. OTC medications are an integral part of hospital formulary. It's not just a matter of forgetting your education. At a retail setting, you fail to learn essential pharmacotherapeutics practice commonly practiced at an inpatient setting.

5. I'm glad you like retail.

1. I agree to a large extent but it is starting to incorporating more cognitive services albeit at a slow pace.

2. Of course we're behind the counter counting pills. That's our job in addition to other things we're supposed to be doing..like counseling and really talk to people. Sadly a lot of pharmacists fail to do this and really do stay in the back and not come out. But there are those who do take care of people and are very respected and acknowledged. By the way, yes retail IS the face of the profession because i'd be willing to wager a lot of money that the majority of people don't have a good idea of what pharmacists do in other settings.....like inpatient. If you're implying retail pharmacists don't represent the profession well, then other pharmacists in other settings aren't doing a good job letting the public at large know what we're doing.

3. To some extent. But i'd say our profession is still thought pretty highly of compared to other fields.

4. I apologize if it sounded like inpatient pharmacists forget everything about OTC. I do know that OTCs are on hospital formularies. I know that retail pharmacists pretty much have to stay up on the latest OTCs to make the most up-to-date recommendations. I don't have much experience in hospitals so please feel free to correct me if i'm wrong.

5. I do but that doesn't mean I won't work in another setting if I like it. All I know is that I don't think the clinic setting is for me..but i'm not sure about hospital. I'm waiting until i'm done with rotations to make a decision. I'm glad you like inpatient.

 

[Karisma23]

Sorry Jeddevil, I hope you didn't take a bet because it isn't CVS I work for but the Greens as I call them. I spoke with another pharmacist when I went into work today about it and he was outraged, but said they do things like this to the pharmacists around here often. He said this is completely breaking the law because they had me working and not paying me, especially when I have a contract stating anything over 40 hours should be OT. As far as I see it they are about to lose a pharmacist becuase this is wrong in so many ways. I am job hunting so if anyone knows of anything good in the South Florida area I'd appreciate the help. I am completely turned off at this point. I wasn't one of the people that went to school for pharmacy because it was in demand etc, I went because I've wanted to be a pharmacist since middle school (weird right?) but I've been around it ever since and I love the patient interaction and naive as I was thought I would do some good in retail. Sadly I see that is not the case in today's chain pharmacy settings. I'm so disappointed, especially at how they take advantage of pharmacists.

And really to tell the truth, when u are in a state like Florida where there are 5 pharmacy school's, some with satellite campuses, the areas u want to live in are saturated with pharmacists. The need and bonuses, high salaries are in areas where no one wants to go, and the places that are hiring pharmacists like CVS and Walgreens, where there is no need for pharmacists are taking advantage of the situation (the reason this thread began in the first place). it's such a sad situation right now, so so sad.

 

[Oxycotin]

Epic, I am at that point where a part of me agrees with you completely and then some. I've just about had it. And the surplus of pharmacist, you know what the funny thing is? The area I live in is saturated with pharmacists so there is no shortage and that hype is completely dead around here. They say they need pharmacists here but you really don't need 34 new people for 19 stores...hence why they can do what they think they can to us and why I am here writing this post. YOU ARE SO RIGHT!

Oxycotin, yeah I dealt with it as soon as I saw the discrepany in my hours. I was signing my payroll when I noticed they didn't even put the 10 hour and 9 hour shifts on there but just automatically applied an 8 hour shift, that's when I called and spoke with her and she told me she will not pay me OT and how it needs to be approved and won't be, so the hours are applied to another pay period at regular pay. The person who does scheduling also had me on for two weekends in a row when my contract states I am to work every other weekend. My DM took care of that but didn't seem phased by the fact that I said I was extremely tired and have been scheduled for 9 days in a row before getting a break. I did mention my contract and I do have a copy, I had to pull it out when they weren't giving me enough hours to become eligible for benefits. I've al ready spoken to who I needed to as soon as the matter came up and nothing is being changed. I'm at a loss now and am job searching because I don't feel this will change. Floating is floating and when there are enough pharmacists, like there are in my area, it doesn't matter if I quit or not to them. As far as the store you spoke of with not enough tech support, since I"ve started working, I've been to some of the busiest stores around that are clearly understaffed and it scares me to think of the mistakes that can happen and some that I have seen happen on the shift before me or prior to me going to the store. It's a shame really.

Ah ok. Yeah i'd say it's time to start looking for another position.

 

[Old Timer]

Karisma -
We could probably offer better advice to you once you tell us what firm you work for and what part of the country you are in.
I have 20 bucks on CVS.

Could be, I have my money on Walgreens.... 2-10 is a Walgreens shift though an 8-10 is not. Also, when you are hired at CVS, you get a base number of hours.

Retail pharmacy is moving in the right direction as far as medication therapy mangement, immunizations and patient counseling (unless you work for Walgreens or CVS but thats another topic.) If you work for the right company retail pharmacy is where you can do the most good and effect the most lives.

Of course the fact CVS paid for about 40 pharmacists in our area to take the APhA immunization course so they could give injections at stores didn't really happen.

Since they are only interested in pushing pills they didn't just join with URI to develop a Community Pharmacy Residency Program.

 

[tussionex]

1. Retail is bad because it's a product distribution driven profession. Retail pharmacy has yet to incorporate cognitive services to sustain itself.

2. Face of the profession?? Well, good job making public believe all we do is hide behind the counter and count pills. People wonder why it takes that much schooling to become a pharmacist.

3. Reputation of our profession? See #2. And I think the reputation has been dragged in the mud.

4. OTC? I hope you're kidding. OTC medications are an integral part of hospital formulary. It's not just a matter of forgetting your education. At a retail setting, you fail to learn essential pharmacotherapeutics practice commonly practiced at an inpatient setting.

5. I'm glad you like retail.

i second all of the above. go hospital. you wont regret it.

 

[MountainPharmD]

Sorry Jeddevil, I hope you didn't take a bet because it isn't CVS I work for but the Greens as I call them. I spoke with another pharmacist when I went into work today about it and he was outraged, but said they do things like this to the pharmacists around here often. He said this is completely breaking the law because they had me working and not paying me, especially when I have a contract stating anything over 40 hours should be OT. As far as I see it they are about to lose a pharmacist becuase this is wrong in so many ways. I am job hunting so if anyone knows of anything good in the South Florida area I'd appreciate the help. I am completely turned off at this point. I wasn't one of the people that went to school for pharmacy because it was in demand etc, I went because I've wanted to be a pharmacist since middle school (weird right?) but I've been around it ever since and I love the patient interaction and naive as I was thought I would do some good in retail. Sadly I see that is not the case in today's chain pharmacy settings. I'm so disappointed, especially at how they take advantage of pharmacists.

And really to tell the truth, when u are in a state like Florida where there are 5 pharmacy school's, some with satellite campuses, the areas u want to live in are saturated with pharmacists. The need and bonuses, high salaries are in areas where no one wants to go, and the places that are hiring pharmacists like CVS and Walgreens, where there is no need for pharmacists are taking advantage of the situation (the reason this thread began in the first place). it's such a sad situation right now, so so sad.

I think I would get out of Florida if I were you. You can move to virtually any state you want and have a job. Use the current market to your advantage and move some place different for awhile. Research it a little and go to a place that is experieincing a shortage of pharmacists. Be warned CVS and Walgreens will likely abuse you no matter where you go. The only exception is the CVS Old Timer works at. He appears to work at the only CVS pharmacy that is different then all the rest.

 

[SCCpharm]

So is being taken advantaged of, as Karisma has, the norm in the retail setting??

 

[MountainPharmD]

So is being taken advantaged of, as Karisma has, the norm in the retail setting??

It all depends on where you are at and what company you work for. Seems to happen alot with a couple of national chains.

 

[PharmDstudent]

Hush.. you don't know.

I still dream of the day I can own my little burger joint/soda fountain pharmacy where retired folks can come and hangout and not get their coffee mug go dry..

I don't know nor do I care, don't forget it- that statement makes me sound b*thcy. Well...I am. This basal metabolic rate diet is pretty rigorous.

I have my own fantasies. How you gonna serve me up that coffee? I like it iced, with one Splenda, and to have a little soy milk floating on top. I'm be up all night drinking the stuff.

 

[sdn1977]

Ha! I go away for a few days & crazy assumptions & exclamations get made.....

First, Karisma...you have a BAD situation. I don't have any knowledge of the Florida labor laws, but in CA what you are experiencing is blatantly illegal from a labor standpoint. But, I also have to admit that forcing employers & this is BOTH retail & hospital, which in my 30+ years I have experienced exploitation by BOTH was a hard & difficult battle which took 10 years or more to rectify. So - all of you new CA pharmacists who automatically get paid time & 1/2 for over 8 hrs & over 40 hrs/wk - thank those of us who went to Sacramento for years & years & fought & battled CSHP & CPhA who did NOT want to advocate for the pharmacist - whether it was retail or hospital.

Now - off my soapbox....Karisma, at some point you must decide what line you won't cross. The reason I say that is because you hold not just your health in becoming overworked & overtired, you also hold your patients. You really, really don't want to make that mistake that potentially hurts or God forbid kills a patient. You must decide where that is for you. I know what I can and cannot do & have agonized in my own decision. Some can do more than what I can. On occasion, I can & am willing to do more than others. There is no judgement here - its is just a personal decision you must make. I would caution you to be very, very careful though in how you choose to make your transition. You never want to burn bridges in this profession!

Now, Epic.........Back Off!!!! You & I both know that hospital pharmacy is not the be all & end all of this profession. I LOVE the critical care & adrenaline rush of a hospital environment. But, we both know plenty of hospital pharmacists who have hidden themselves in basements for years & years & wouldn't venture onto a nursing floor or god forbid into scrubs & into the OR pharmacy if God Himself came down & provided the Holy Grail to do so.

For those who are considering either route - I would venture to not rule out any aspect of pharmacy. I spent 20+ years in hospital pharmacy & like Karisma came to a point in the late 90's when staffing was so absolutely horrible, the job was mind numbing (checking UD & pyxis fills will make you go bonkers), there were too many of those basement pharmacists getting on the "clinical" recommendation bandwagon without sufficient experience & putting patients at risk (no - you cannot just fill in the numbers for the aminoglycoside dosing equation - you must use your knowledge of the patients physiology at the time to know if those numbers are actually reflecting a steady state situation or a changing situation) - that I decided I was not going to end my inpatient hospital career by causing the death of someone. I had also had to clean up too many messes & made too many apologies for bad dosing decisions without the support of pharmacy administration to keep those who did not have the skills from continuing to put pts at risk. So......I quit. Sounds like I just decided to go in & quit one day. No! It took me 3 years to get there. Not 3 years of suffering....just 3 years of evaluating, discussing, being part of a process. When it was obvious nothing was ever going to change for the better without major hospital changes - I decided to move on.

Over the course of that time, I realize that one aspect of hospital pharmacy which I missed & is still missing now is patient interaction. If you can imagine in the late 70's & 80's - each & every patient discharged from the hospital was counseld by a pharmacist on his medications. Now, its all done by nurses which is a complete & utter joke!!! We've also got those crazy medication reconcilliation forms which thankfully are undergoing change because, as I said more than a year ago, it does not do what it was intended to do. I missed the patient part. So.....I changed my career to meet what I wanted. I work part time in both arenas. I now counsel those patients who are discharged & don't get discharge counseling on their new medications - a real black hole in hospital pharmacy, IMO!

I can tell you Epic knows hospital pharmacy inside & out. But, Epic does not know what is going on in the ambulatory aspect of pharmacy. Yes - I'd agree that some corporations are far, far too concerned with product distribution. IMO - a pharmacist should NEVER, EVER be forced to recommend any product. If a pharmacist feels a product is indicated, he should use his good judgement by evaluating for that one patient who is inquiring. Likewise, evaluating rxs per hour is humilating & degrading for pharmacists. Sure - I can get a lisinopril rx out really fast until the pt asks to talk to me about this cough..... After seeing the physician twice, now the pt sees the NP only - bp is fine, so no change in therapy. When the NP was asked by the pt about the cough, the pt was given a cough syrup & mucinex 🙂rolleyes🙂. That stuff didn't work, the x-ray was clear 😱 & the cough is still there 6 months later. Now.....that lisinopril rx is going to take me longer. I now need to ask for Diovan or Avapro or something the insurance will cover & get the PA process started. Something the NP has completely missed since its off their radar & the pt is not seeing an MD/DO.

So - Epic - these pharmacists (me included) do indeed do something good & worthwhile. It would have been very, very nice if Mrs Epic had some counseling a few months ago, wouldn't it???

But, her pharmacist may have been like Karisma - overworked & overwhelmed. So - Karisma is asking us to give her/him some insight into what to do professionally. Just telling her to jump ship is not helping the profession nor is it making her/him feel better about the decision that has to be made. No one wants to feel like they've made a mistake.

No - this is not the norm in all retail settings. As I mentioned, I've been exploited in both settings. But, if this is the norm in FL - all you FL pharmacists need to get together at your state level & push for being included in your labor laws. Both hospital & retail pharmacists need to support each other. Unfortunately, dops & your professional organizations will not support you because they are influenced strongly by either the large retail corporations or dops. Epic was a rare dop who valued & treated his employees respectfully. I've worked for far worse.

Karisma, you know what you need to do, but it may take time to get yourself there. Keep in mind that line you cannot cross. There is no job worth someone's life - your job/life or someone else's. Be cautious & think hard about the battles you want to fight. Always think - what's the worst that could happen if you said no or it will wait until tomorrow or I can only do the very best I have on this particular day....And - keep in mind what you wanted to do professionally & what you know you can do well. The whole bonus concept within pharmacy is destructive, IMO. Work & get paid a proper income & in a proper manner for what you do well. If you are not motivated by the "greed" factor of a bonus, you'll always go into work wanting to do the very best you can for the that days pay. It may mean getting a mom's amox filled fast for her child since they've been up all night & spent 6 hours in the ER. Or, it could be getting that ACE inhibitor stopped because of a chronic cough. But - change what your mind tells you to value & keep it focused on what is really motivating you, not necessarily what is motivating the corporation you work for.

I know - a long post, but I have truly walked in those very same shoes. Its easy to say what you'd do, but its not easy to do it. Those are just suggestions & thoughts from my point of view. I see pharmacy from both sides on a monthly basis. Hospital is not better than retail nor is the opposite argument true. I've had the unfortunate situation of having to leave a job which became untenable myself. But, take my thoughts for just what they're worth - only the bandwidth they occupy......

Good luck Karisma! I'll be thinking about you.....

 

[Karisma23]

SDN, thank you for taking the time to post that response. I truly do appreciate it. A lot of what you said are things I have thought about, it's like you were in my mind. So to address your post.

You are correct about the labor law. It is this way in Florida as well. I spoke with another pharmacist last night at work who has been in the profession for years as well and after talking to him he told me how illegal it was but all he could say was "you need to handle that." Everyone says that, but at the same time I don't want to burn bridges so I'm not too sure how to proceed at this time. That particular pharmacist also told me this is the only DM that does this and no one else he knows of will do something like this. I found that a little disturbing and obviously see this as something that will not change.

I agree with you that knowing what line not to cross is extremely important. I know that my breaking point wasn't so much the OT pay, it was me being overworked and tired after 7 straight days of 2-10's with two more to go at two of the busiest stores in the district before a day off. I knew I was tired and I knew there was potential for error and it scares me, this was why I tried to speak with her on my 7th day but she never seemed phased by it. I have friends that can work 15 days straight in a row just to get overtime pay and not care, but that's just it, when they're at work, they don't really care, they just go and verify, hardly counsel and move on to the next store. I personally can't do that, as I do feel obligated to my patients.

I guess this is hard for me to swallow because I don't feel I am like a lot of my friends, so when I try to explain this situation and my disappointment they don't understand and say "just think of that paycheck at the end of two weeks and it won't matter." I'm so tired of hearing "just think about all that money you make and that paycheck." To be honest, I don't feel any amount of money will bring anyone fulfillment in anything if they aren't enjoying it or doing what they want. Yeah you feel a temporary happiness when you get to buy something nice, but that only lasts a few minutes or hours before you once again feel exactly how you did, unfulfilled. That's where I am right now. The paycheck doesn't mean much to me because I am unable to do what I want to do as a pharmacist for my patients.

This is a huge decision for me. Some may call me naïve, especially since I am fresh out of school, but I know what I want to do. When I interviewed for jobs I was looking for a company that I could grow with, who would allow me to tap into a different area, away from behind the counter. I know that's part of retail pharmacy, but in every interview I expressed my interest of becoming a certified Diabetes Educator because I taught many classes on various rotations with diabetes educators and enjoyed every aspect of it. I also expressed a desire to get into MTM and being naïve at the time, believed the false promises that I would be placed with pharmacists who work for the company in those areas. Unfortunately that is not happening, even though I mentioned it again just a few weeks ago. I even said I'd volunteer my time to do brown paper bag sessions for free as part of my volunteering and those suggestions have flown into thin air. I want so badly to reach out to my patient's and to help them have the best outcomes, but it is lacking in the setting I am in. I truly love the profession and I worked hard to get here, as you all have, but I am so disappointed in what I see. There is so much we can do as pharmacists, yet I feel like there is so much suppression of our capabilities.

In my short time of being a pharmacist the mistakes I've seen have scared me. I think to myself "what if that was done to my mother, how would I feel." I've had to clean up some mistakes, one being a HTN medication being dispensed with a synthroid label. I wondered if that pharmacist never opened the bottle to see what was in it. The patient never even had HTN and took the medication for 6 days. I've seen the wrong patient's medications go into bags that didn't even belong to them and when the patient called me, I telling me what happened, I was just in shock. I believe these mistakes happened because the store was busy and understaffed and the pharmacists involved were overworked. I left notes for them telling them of the mistakes I had to deal with while I was at their store for that particular day but I never knew if anyone called the patient to follow up and just make sure they were ok so just swept it under the rug. Though these were mistakes made my other pharmacists and not mine, I am afraid that working under these conditions can cause me to make these mistakes one day and I don't want to.

You're right SDN, I know what I need to do, but it is extremely hard, especially being so new to all of this. I am taking steps to try and move in the right direction because I do know what I want to do. I am taking a consultant pharmacist course because we have to be certified in this state. I am hoping that this will open more doors for me and help me find an area I will find some fulfillment, where this isn't a job but my career. No, they don't get paid as much as a retail pharmacist but it doesn't matter to me. I am hoping to still stay part time in retail because I do have some hope that there will eventually be some change and I do like the patient interaction.

I am thankful for your reply, you have put my mind somewhat at ease. I am in the process of making decisions, but they are difficult ones. It was nice to hear you say the things you did because I've gotten the opposite from my own friends who are pharmacists because thinking about the paycheck doesn't take away from the fact that I am tired and disappointed. Thanks again.

 

[Oxycotin]

I second that. SDN is very imformative

 

[MountainPharmD]

sdn is.....WOW - just wow!

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

Epic, I am at that point where a part of me agrees with you completely and then some. I've just about had it. And the surplus of pharmacist, you know what the funny thing is? The area I live in is saturated with pharmacists so there is no shortage and that hype is completely dead around here. They say they need pharmacists here but you really don't need 34 new people for 19 stores...hence why they can do what they think they can to us and why I am here writing this post. YOU ARE SO RIGHT!

Oxycotin, yeah I dealt with it as soon as I saw the discrepany in my hours. I was signing my payroll when I noticed they didn't even put the 10 hour and 9 hour shifts on there but just automatically applied an 8 hour shift, that's when I called and spoke with her and she told me she will not pay me OT and how it needs to be approved and won't be, so the hours are applied to another pay period at regular pay. The person who does scheduling also had me on for two weekends in a row when my contract states I am to work every other weekend. My DM took care of that but didn't seem phased by the fact that I said I was extremely tired and have been scheduled for 9 days in a row before getting a break. I did mention my contract and I do have a copy, I had to pull it out when they weren't giving me enough hours to become eligible for benefits. I've al ready spoken to who I needed to as soon as the matter came up and nothing is being changed. I'm at a loss now and am job searching because I don't feel this will change. Floating is floating and when there are enough pharmacists, like there are in my area, it doesn't matter if I quit or not to them. As far as the store you spoke of with not enough tech support, since I"ve started working, I've been to some of the busiest stores around that are clearly understaffed and it scares me to think of the mistakes that can happen and some that I have seen happen on the shift before me or prior to me going to the store. It's a shame really.

Karisma, I am still not getting some points. I am sure the situation you put is as bad as it is, since there is no reason for you to exaggerate it. However, you ask how can 19 stores maintain 34 new pharmacists? Yet in another line, you wrote that you were scheduled for 9 days in a row, 9-10 hours shift, working both weekends (standard cvs practice is every other weekend), and so on (in your other posts). The math just doesnt add up. . .

I dont understand why people are complaining of a surplus but yet at the same time are being "forced" to work so much. I understand there wont be a shortage for long (bls extended their estimate to 2012). Yet, why are we complaining about too much work? I still know of pharmacists who work two jobs (hospital and retail) in the city.

You also said that you were "forced" to work these hours? Why is that? I have never heard of a pharmacist being forced to work. . . In NYS, practically every district that I have worked for (CVS), it is quite common for a pharmacist to say no if they were asked to cover for somebody else, after their scheduled hours.
Were the other 34 NEW pharmacists being "forced" to work also? Can the reason be because you cannot say No to you DM (which seems to be the problem here). I am asking that because you seem to be unable to tell the DM "no" to other situations and "no" to corporate for not giving you OT or assigning you to other weeks. I mean how many old pharmacists were there??? I dont see how you can even get OT in with 34 new pharmacists plus probably at least 38 old ones for . . . 19 stores.

I also found many of the other posters (not to insult) but curious, as why they hate slaverph and indrph so much, when they were basically preaching the same thing just 2-3 years ago. In the end, they were banned for trolling. . . what is the difference now?

I apologize for bringing up these obvious points; but i believe future pre pharmacy students can use some clear understanding on this situation as it is vital to the profession imo. We seem to have a member hicblein who asked some questions. . . who seemed to be concern.

 

[Karisma23]

Karisma, I am still not getting some points. I am sure the situation you put of is as bad as it is, as there is no reason why you should exaggerate it. However, you said how can 19 stores keep 34 new pharmacists? Yet in another line, you wrote that you were scheduled for 9 days in a row, 9-10 hours shift, working both weekends (standard cvs practice is every other weekend), and so on (in your other posts).

I dont understand why people are complaining of a surplus but yet at the same time are being "forced" to work so much. I understand there wont be a shortage for long (bls extended their estimate to 2012). Yet, why are we complaining about too much work? I still know of pharmacists who work two jobs (hospital and retail) in the city.

I also found many of the other posters (not to insult) but curious, as why they hate slaverph and indrph so much when they were basically preaching the same thing back then. In the end, they were banned for trolling. . . what is the difference now?

I apologize for bringing up these obvious points; but i believe future pre pharmacy students can use some clear understanding on this situation as it is vital to the profession imo.

I'm sorry to say, but I don't know where you got this idea that I work for CVS. If you read my other responses u will see that I do not work for CVS. If I didn't make this clear, I will state this again. There were 34 NEW pharmacists hired for 19 stores in this district; however, all my shifts are not scheduled in this district. They are sending us off to other districts as part of our normal schedule to cover. They are working us beyond the normal hours we are to work and refusing to pay us for me, but state they will at some future time. IF you find that normal, then that is your opinion but in mine it isn't. I didn't even know it wasn't my distirct until one day was asked who I worked for, when I told them, I was informed I was being scheduled in someone else's district. As an example, I only worked 2 days this pay period out of 9 days so far in my own district. Standard practice is every other weekend and that was why I had to bring that up to my DM. I am not comparing myself to other pharmacists and as I replied to SDN's post, and as he mentioned in his post, we all have our limits and know our limits. If you can work 9-15 days in a row and don't need a break, that works for YOU, that does not work for me and I believe I should have a choice in the matter. I didn't sign a contract stating I have to work 7-9 days in a row. But once again, if you read my post in reply to SDN you'd understand why I feel the way I do. I am not doing OT by choice, I am not asking for extra shifts, I am stating what is going on in MYT situation and I asked experienced pharmacists for their opinion. I am happy someone like SDN did reply to me because what he states is rational and logical. I never once complained but asked for an opinion on a situation. As far as these other people slaverph or whatever you mention, I have no idea what you are talkin about. I hope I was able to clear up whatever point and questions it seems you have in this matter. I am off to work. Take care.

 

[Karisma23]

You also said that you were "forced" to work these hours? Why is that? I have never heard of a pharmacist being forced to work. . . In NYS, practically every district that I have worked for (CVS), it is quite common for a pharmacist to say no if they were asked to cover for somebody else, after their scheduled hours.
Were the other 34 NEW pharmacists being "forced" to work also? Can the reason be because you cannot say No to you DM (which seems to be the problem here). I am asking that because you seem to be unable to tell the DM "no" to other situations and "no" to corporate for not giving you OT or assigning you to other weeks. I mean how many old pharmacists were there??? I dont see how you can even get OT in with 34 new pharmacists plus probably at least 38 old ones for . . . 19 stores.quote]

And in regard to this edit you just added in, I did say no, and I did tell her of my frustrations with with schedule, but she did not seem phased by it. I mentioned it to the scheduler as well and nothing is changing, hence my furstration and the beginning of this thread. Like I said, I asked the opinion of other pharmacists who have been in this sitation or at least what they think of it. Have a great day!

 

[bigdogc]

Screw retail. It sux. It's the most primitive form of pharmacy practice and you will lose most of the education you worked so hard for. And when and if there is a surplus of pharmacists (and it's coming), you'll be first to go.

Go inpatient.

can you explain why a surplus of pharmacists will be happening soon and why retail pharmacist will go first?

 

[psurocks]

i intern at a retail wags and love it....being a night guy, the 2-10 shift will be perfect for me.....yes, the insurance rejects get annoying, and yes, there are customers who always complain, and yes, we are understaffed at my store....but the pressure brings out the best of us and we have as a store dealt with the volume we do professionally.

i rotated at a hospital and it was terrible

being a hospital staff pharmacist must be depressing, sitting in a basement all day of a building doesnt really float my boat

when i rotated with the clinical pharmacist: working on those smelly hospital floors (ie transition care unit), the smell on some of those floors was awful...factor in the really boring P and T meetings, and the extremely boring weekly patient care meeting the clinical pharmacist had to attend really was difficult to sit thru w/out falling asleep
...not to mention the fact which no one mentions in school (from my expereince) of how long it takes for docs to actually take you seriously.

every job setting has ups and downs, retail isnt the best, but nor is clinical or staff rph at hosp, they all have advantages and disadvantages, its up to u to find which one you can handle

 

[genesis09]

In Illinois, companies have to give you 1 day in 7 off. If they don't, you can report them.

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

You also said that you were "forced" to work these hours? Why is that? I have never heard of a pharmacist being forced to work. . . In NYS, practically every district that I have worked for (CVS), it is quite common for a pharmacist to say no if they were asked to cover for somebody else, after their scheduled hours.
Were the other 34 NEW pharmacists being "forced" to work also? Can the reason be because you cannot say No to you DM (which seems to be the problem here). I am asking that because you seem to be unable to tell the DM "no" to other situations and "no" to corporate for not giving you OT or assigning you to other weeks. I mean how many old pharmacists were there??? I dont see how you can even get OT in with 34 new pharmacists plus probably at least 38 old ones for . . . 19 stores.quote]

And in regard to this edit you just added in, I did say no, and I did tell her of my frustrations with with schedule, but she did not seem phased by it. I mentioned it to the scheduler as well and nothing is changing, hence my furstration and the beginning of this thread. Like I said, I asked the opinion of other pharmacists who have been in this sitation or at least what they think of it. Have a great day!

I think you mis-read some of my points. A lot of it was also directed at other people. In any case, I feel that you should just tell your DM no. There is no possible way your DM can force you to work more than you agreed to at the beginning. If she fires you, get another job elsewhere. For CVS, our "contract" states where we will be working specifically.

 

[Old Timer]

I can only echo what SDN told you. If you are so tired you cannot function at the level YOU feel you need to, you need to back off. I personally will not work more than 4 days in a row. I can't be mentally alert enough to perform at a level that I am satisfied with. Will I occasionally bend my own rule, sure but then I shorten the shifts. I will NOT work 5 10+ hour days in a row.

The only thing I can add is, if it is just your DM, then you should transfer to a different district. If you like the company otherwise, you can try to stay and change things from the inside or band together with other pharmacists to change the laws in your state.

Whatever you decide, remember you need to be happy at your job. If you are not happy at your job, not only will you do it poorly, it will affect the rest of your life. I was in a similar position to SDN before I went with CVS. I was unhappy with the way I was able to practice pharmacy. You spent too long with that patient, why did you sell X when we make more on Y. It took some soul searching before I decided to move on. The most important person you need to make peace with over this issue is you.

 

[Epic]

Epic.........Back Off!!!! You & I both know that hospital pharmacy is not the be all & end all of this profession. I LOVE the critical care & adrenaline rush of a hospital environment. But, we both know plenty of hospital pharmacists who have hidden themselves in basements for years & years & wouldn't venture onto a nursing floor or god forbid into scrubs & into the OR pharmacy if God Himself came down & provided the Holy Grail to do so.

Ha! When do you know me to back off!!!

You see, Karisma is not in your shoes. You've had an opportunity to practice both in and outpatient pharmacy. You choose to work both now. But tell me if I'm wrong, but I know you would never go work for a sweat shop national chain pharmacy full time. Why not? But if you had to choose between a full time national chain pharmacy and my pharmacy, where would you go?

Remember, my pharmacists work in nursing units.

I abhor what retail pharmacy has become. The art of independent community pharmacy practice has been taken away from us and became an entity dictated by Wall Street. Retail pharmacy has become a profit driven machine to please investors. If not, prove me otherwise.

Hospital inpatient pharmacy still holds patient care as the core principle value. And most of the time, it's not driven to increase revenue. Cost effectiveness of pharmacy practice of course is a priority. However, at a hospital level, a DOP and the administration can still decide how we're going to practice pharmacy with patient care in mind. How often does a CVS PIC dictate how his pharmacy will operate?

CVS will be CVS and Wags will be Wags.

But the basement pharmacy that we would like to use as an example can be changed overnight to a satelite pharmacies throughout the hospital. All it takes is one DOP with a vision.

Do you know where I'm getting at?

Hospital Pharmacy is still dicated and operated by pharmacists. Bad hospital pharmacy can improve and become better.

We dictate our profession and we drive clinical programs. "We don't have time to do clinical" is no longer an excuse because I have not seen a shortage of pharmacist at my hospitals. Granted, I see a lack of qualified clinicians but the new grads are very eager and ready to learn. And it's a beautiful sight to see those kids in action running the floors making interventions. Just 2 weeks ago, I was with 3 fresh out residency pharmacists at one of our hospitals. I told them they are the future. They will become clinical coordinators....and directors. And they will do my job in the future.

Or they can work retail and be unhappy.

Inpatient pharmacy is not for every pharmacist. Then again, retail is not for everyone either. No job is perfect.

If retail pharmacies can increase volume but cut overhead through reducing the payroll, they will do it in a heartbeat. In fact they are...through automation, mail order, and remote verification. Their goal is not for the enhancement of pharmacy. It is to increase profit. And they will do it with or without pharmacists any which way they can.

SDN, you can pick and choose where you work. You can work the retail pharmacy and dictate how you'll work it. But the majority of retail position isn't that way. Especially for Karisma. He/she is unhappy. Will inpatient be any different? I hope so.

For every unhappy retail pharmacist, I will recommend they give inpatient pharmacy a try. If that doesn't work out, then they're SOL.

The old cliche' of "you can go from hospital to retail...but retail to hospital is tough" still holds true today. I think it's a prduent move for every pharmacist to become familiar with both practice. Yes I can work retail. I just choose not to. Because I have options.

I just want new pharmacists to have options to choose from. Because it's a smart thing to do.

Excuse my typos... I've had a goofy traveling day.

 

[Epic]

can you explain why a surplus of pharmacists will be happening soon and why retail pharmacist will go first?

Yes I can. But what do you think?

 

[sdn1977]

Epic - Good job! No - I've never known you to back off nor have I ever known you to tell a good pharmacist (like me😀) to just "get back to work & be quiet" or something similar. Which is why I use you as an example of a very unusual dop. I truly have only met one dop like him in my life. So - he is very, very rare & those of you who might have the chance to work with him should jump at it!

You are very, very correct - I would not work for a sweat shop. I dont work for any of these chain pharmacies which get mentioned here. I will admit, the money has never been a motivator for me. One might say its because of drsdn, but that is not the case. We spent 5 years while he was building up his practice & he did not make a dime (welll...he did - $750 which we spent on a new TV in 1980😳). I was the one making the money (and I never let him forget it - don't let him forget it now actually).

But, we had the feeling that we had absolutely nothing to lose, which was true. We had NOTHING! We didn't have a house & no prospects of one (at 18-19% - NO!), no children, one car which had a loan & a HUGE loan for the dental office. So - we owed more than we had or even had prosepects of. That unusually gave us the freedom to choose where & how we'd practice.

Then - real life came, but not like you'd think (house, children, cars....). No - I mean real life. A parent died, a sibling was killed in a plane crash & drsdn developed a brain tumor....alll while we were doing the house, car & children. So - again, we got a real life lesson in what's important.

Karisma - the money is not important at all. You need to make enough to pay your bills & keep you happy. You already know that a burst of money (bonus) is a fleeting thing. What would happen if you were called at work tomorrow & were told that your sibling was on a business trip on the company plane & they haven't been able to locate it for 1 hour? That is exactly what drsdn felt. He immediately called me & our lives turned upside down. Then my life came to a standstill when drsdn was diagnosed with a brain tumor - oh & now I had 2 little kids. Both circumstances occured when I was full time in a hospital. The ICU orders just blurred & I could no more enter tpns than to find the way to my car. That breaking point will change based on circumstances - know it & know when to walk away.

There is far, far more to life that cranking out rxs at a preset rate. Take control of your life and become that pharmacist you want to be. You may not be able to do that brown bag lunch, but you can take the time to educate each and every patient who receives a new rx. What is the absolute worst that can happen? They won't give you a bonus??? Who cares! You are paid to do a good job - so do it. If that next pt complains, take extra time with him. Show him you'll go the extra mile for him too.

You can be a force for change if retail is what you're looking for. I WILL NOT recommend a product for someone who asks me a questions. In fact, I often prevent a patient from buying anything - I just educate them.

I think we are getting to the place where corporate pharmacy is seeing pharmacy as a way to get people in. If they buy fine, but pharmacists will not go out & help the marketing take place. I will actively discourage products which are advertised as specials (glucosamine & chondroitin for example). Fortunately, my corporation doesn not penalize me (nor do they even inform me of what they've put on sale - I don't care actually). I've yet to be reprimanded for not encouraging the purchase of a product the pt didn't need.

Epic has a point - if you want to do hospital work - change early. Its very, very hard to get to that point of knowledge at your fingertips, good working relationships with prescribers & nurses & just the schedule alone. I'd say do acute inpt early which gives you a better perspective to what the pt has gone thru before they get to the retail setting.

I think the point we are both making is, you need to stretch yourself & if you're going to make a move - you might consider jumping in the deep end. You're already working toward a consultant position. A CDE is a good move too. Go to your local hospital & make an appt with the dop. Tell him/her you'd like to get back to acute clinical scenarios. You might have to do on call work, but thats a good place to get wet & ease in slowly. Find out if they have a geriatric, diabetic clinic or snf.

Good luck - don't give up. I know you're sad & have had your reality tarnished a bit. But, that is life. I wish drsdn had not had his head cut open & I wish my sister-in-law were still alive.....but, what do they say - if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.

Again - I'll be thinking about you!

ps - the "excess" pharmacist issue needs its own thread, IMO.

 

[dgroulx]

Sorry Jeddevil, I hope you didn't take a bet because it isn't CVS I work for but the Greens as I call them. I spoke with another pharmacist when I went into work today about it and he was outraged, but said they do things like this to the pharmacists around here often. He said this is completely breaking the law because they had me working and not paying me, especially when I have a contract stating anything over 40 hours should be OT. As far as I see it they are about to lose a pharmacist becuase this is wrong in so many ways. I am job hunting so if anyone knows of anything good in the South Florida area I'd appreciate the help. I am completely turned off at this point. I wasn't one of the people that went to school for pharmacy because it was in demand etc, I went because I've wanted to be a pharmacist since middle school (weird right?) but I've been around it ever since and I love the patient interaction and naive as I was thought I would do some good in retail. Sadly I see that is not the case in today's chain pharmacy settings. I'm so disappointed, especially at how they take advantage of pharmacists.

And really to tell the truth, when u are in a state like Florida where there are 5 pharmacy school's, some with satellite campuses, the areas u want to live in are saturated with pharmacists. The need and bonuses, high salaries are in areas where no one wants to go, and the places that are hiring pharmacists like CVS and Walgreens, where there is no need for pharmacists are taking advantage of the situation (the reason this thread began in the first place). it's such a sad situation right now, so so sad.

I work for Walgreens (in Florida) and you should be entering your hours worked into SELS on Store Net. If you worked 84 hours, then enter those in. You will be paid at "B" rate (1.5 x your base rate). If you work a holiday, you will be paid double time. All floaters are supposed to use SELS to enter hours worked.

Your DM doesn't set your schedule, so you need to talk with the scheduler in your district. When I first became licensed, she phoned me and asked me where I lived so she could float me at stores close to home. She made sure that I always got 40 hours per week, even if I had to work a midshift at a store that was too slow to have a midshift. She could have sent me someplace busier in the district, but the commute would have been too far. They bend over backwards to make sure I am happy. Maybe you should change districts. Only 2 new grads were hired this year for my district. (Pasco & Hernando County) One wanted overnights and was immediately placed in a permanent position. I'm a floater, though I have a 2 month permanent spot while an RPH is on maternity leave.

 

[Karisma23]

Hi Dgroulx, it's amazing how we have such different experiences. I do document my hours in SELS and I have tried to document the 83 and 82 hour pay periods but around here, something like that needs to be approved by my DM, who when I called about it, refused to do so. As far as the scheduler, because there are so many of us, they conveniently "forget" what we requested or maybe there just are too many of us. After reading your post and your experience in the SAME state, I am thinking this may just all be to the fact that there are too many of us, so there is no reason to care around here. Goodluck with your district and I hope you enjoy every single minute being a pharmacist there.

SDN, I am so sorry to hear about drsdn and your sister in law. You have been through a lot, and you just know so much and are willing to share with the rest of us and help guide us. That says so much in itself about you as a person.

All of you, Epic, SDN and OldTimer, you are amazing. I really am so happy and thankful I decided to post this thread and was able to come across people like you. The stories and experiences you have shared with me have helped me far beyond what you know at this point. I actually was thinking about my CPh course and kept putting it off, until this thread and reading some of the beginning comments. I am going for it and hopefully all turns out well this weekend. I am taking your words to heart and I am doing a lot of soul searching right now. We all have different needs and wants as people and as pharmacists and I am realizing that more and more everyday. I am truly grateful that you all took time out of your schedules to give your opinions. I dont believe any of you will ever know the extent of the effect that your words had on me. I found a lot of peace in your posts.

My first step is taking this CPh course, passing the exam on Sunday and then finding a preceptor to get hours and be licensed. I will take it from there and hopefully begin to move my life in the right direction. Thank you all.

 

[Tuck]

Hi Dgroulx, it's amazing how we have such different experiences. I do document my hours in SELS and I have tried to document the 83 and 82 hour pay periods but around here, something like that needs to be approved by my DM, who when I called about it, refused to do so. As far as the scheduler, because there are so many of us, they conveniently "forget" what we requested or maybe there just are too many of us. After reading your post and your experience in the SAME state, I am thinking this may just all be to the fact that there are too many of us, so there is no reason to care around here. Goodluck with your district and I hope you enjoy every single minute being a pharmacist there.

SDN, I am so sorry to hear about drsdn and your sister in law. You have been through a lot, and you just know so much and are willing to share with the rest of us and help guide us. That says so much in itself about you as a person.

All of you, Epic, SDN and OldTimer, you are amazing. I really am so happy and thankful I decided to post this thread and was able to come across people like you. The stories and experiences you have shared with me have helped me far beyond what you know at this point. I actually was thinking about my CPh course and kept putting it off, until this thread and reading some of the beginning comments. I am going for it and hopefully all turns out well this weekend. I am taking your words to heart and I am doing a lot of soul searching right now. We all have different needs and wants as people and as pharmacists and I am realizing that more and more everyday. I am truly grateful that you all took time out of your schedules to give your opinions. I dont believe any of you will ever know the extent of the effect that your words had on me. I found a lot of peace in your posts.

My first step is taking this CPh course, passing the exam on Sunday and then finding a preceptor to get hours and be licensed. I will take it from there and hopefully begin to move my life in the right direction. Thank you all.

It appears that the problem resides with your DM. I know it is frowned upon, but you really need to take this matter a step higher in the chain if you have to do so. If you have to make sure that you record your phone calls with the DM regarding his/her policies on your overtime pay. No one wants to burn any bridges, but at the same time, if this is a personal policy by the DM that is both patently unfair to the pharmacists as well as illegal, then you should bring this to the attention of someone who can deal with it. I had a similar problem when I was working in a different field prior to pharmacy and got no response. I filed a lawsuit for breach of contract and began a push to make it a class action lawsuit and the issue was resolved within a month and the DM was let go. That being said...most of the time the threat alone will be enough to get things changed as it will end up costing them a lot more in the long run. If it is the point to where your willing to leave your job, then it is time to take more drastic steps.

 

[wannabeSS]

Karisma which district do you work in? I'm applying for an intern position in 262 (Ft. Lauderdale west) with Joan Bustelo. She seemed like a nice person when I talked to her at school.

 

[SHC1984]

Bump. Great thread. When will there be a surplus of pharmacists? I mean there are only so many walgreens, cvs, (rite aid is going down) etc etc....how can all theses stores have enough positions opened to hired all these brand new graduates every year? I always wonder why there are so many pharmacy schools out there...there are only 56 dental schools in the USA I figure that is more then enough for any schools.

 

[wannabeSS]

Bump. Great thread. When will there be a surplus of pharmacists? I mean there are only so many walgreens, cvs, (rite aid is going down) etc etc....how can all theses stores have enough positions opened to hired all these brand new graduates every year? I always wonder why there are so many pharmacy schools out there...there are only 56 dental schools in the USA I figure that is more then enough for any schools.

There basically is a surplus down here in south florida. There is a hiring freeze and new grads are getting pushed into central fill locations. Also all of the stores that are filling less than 500 per day just went to a 9-9 m-f and 10-6 sat-sun.

 

[Sparda29]

Hush.. you don't know.

I still dream of the day I can own my little burger joint/soda fountain pharmacy where retired folks can come and hangout and not get their coffee mug go dry..

I'd rather have a pharmacy with an attached hookah lounge.