Retail/VA Q&A Session ???

[khoanguyen1512]

Hello fellow RPh, students, resident,
I am currently a clinical night pharmacist at VA in Arizona. I was very active in this pharmacy forum while applying for my pharmacy school and get ton of help throughout my entrance application. I am returning the favor by opening this Q&A session to answer any questions you guys have to the best of my knowledge.
Little sparknote about me:
1. Graduated 2019 at Roseman University College of Pharmacy, Utah campus
2. Worked as INTERN at CVS, Smiths (aka kroger), and Primary Children hospital (inpatient) in Utah
3. CVS staff RPh for 8 months, then PIC for 5 months then PRN now
4. VA outpatient pharmacist since 2021 and now inpatient night (7 on 7 off) RPh

I consider myself to be very lucky to move from RETAIL to directly working for VA without any residency/hospital experience. While i cant help you find job, I do strongly believe a certain personality and preparation can help you achieve your dream job. As what i can help with, I can:
1. Give you interview tips on how to structure the interview process and how to answers it with confidence.
2. Talk with you about your experience, resume and any general questions you might have with interview ( i interviewed pharmcy school candidate and staff RPh)
3. Give you the inside scoop about the work condition as a Staff RPh vs PIC vs Inpatient vs Night shift
4. Help you to apply through USAJOBS.gov

Disclaimer: this is not professional advice, I can only give you my experience as far as i know and you will make your own decision on that information.

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[samven582]

you need don't need hospital experience to work at the VA

 

[khoanguyen1512]

you need don't need hospital experience to work at the VA

In my case, no. I only worked in a children's hospital for 1 year plus some months during my pharmacy school year as an intern. I do know many people who work with me are from the retail world that is hired directly to the VA with no hospital experience. Hope that help

 

[samven582]

In my case, no. I only worked in a children's hospital for 1 year plus some months during my pharmacy school year as an intern. I do know many people who work with me are from the retail world that is hired directly to the VA with no hospital experience. Hope that help

I work for the VA and I can tell from my own experience it's not needed. Compare to the private sector, VA inpatient pharmacy is pretty much order entry and IV making.

 

[khoanguyen1512]

I work for the VA and I can tell from my own experience it's not needed. Compare to the private sector, VA inpatient pharmacy is pretty much order entry and IV making

agreed, most of the time is taking care of outpatient queues but there always interesting situation rising up with ordering inpatient med. Nice to see a VA RPh, which VA are you working for???

 

[bacillus1]

There are quite a few VA pharmacists on this board, including myself. Acute care medicine clinical specialist at a VA here.

 

[kitkatjam]

1.) What was the pay difference between CVS staff and VA outpatient?
2.) About how long was the hiring process?
3.) Is there some amount of govt pension after x number of years?

 

[ValeRx]

1.) What was the pay difference between CVS staff and VA outpatient?
2.) About how long was the hiring process?
3.) Is there some amount of govt pension after x number of years?

1. Depends on a lot of factors
2. Typically 4+ months
3. 20 year minimum

 

[khoanguyen1512]

1.) What was the pay difference between CVS staff and VA outpatient?
2.) About how long was the hiring process?
3.) Is there some amount of govt pension after x number of years?

1.the pay difference is about 30k difference between the two job (CVS pay more but i were a manager and i negotiated so it was expected to be higher)
for government pay scale you have the General Schedule (GS) pay + adjustment for locality so it is depend on where you live and work.
2. For my personal case, i applied in March and interview in early May, then it does take 3 week to 1 month for background check. Then you have to do 1 week of just general training to know your benefit and computer system before you can hit the pharmacy training.
3. Government pension depend on your type of job. If it is do not exceed, you got no benefit. If you are permanent, you will get your pension calculated by (your year of work)*0.1*(average of top 3 salaries). There are variation of this calculation based on your situation. If you want to know more, please check out OPM.gov under retirement to do more research.
Hope that help.