Techs administering Covid vaccine

[Sine Cura]

Perhaps he is referring to the expansion of permissible duties of pharmacy techs in Texas.

I don't think pharmacists as a whole actually advocate for such changes but the chains are, but if he is taking shots about pharmacists who collectively didn't step up to "save" the profession....

I don't actually care about pharmacy? I just want to be paid and wind down wage scuffling without living in destitution for 30+ years.

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[footfairy]

You aren’t one of us? Who are “you folks”?

I dont think I've ever seen him say a positive thing about another pharmacist. Usually it's just gleeful posts about how the saturation is going to make him more money by underpaying pharmacists at his clinics.

 

[johnpharm01]

I have zero sympathy for any of you. You folks have begged and begged and BEGGED for this. You whined on the Facebook groups. You whined to the state board. You're getting everything you wanted. Put a smile on your face.

I don't think I have begged for anything in my pharmacy career. Or in life. Except to have Eva Mendes come over and give me a back massage.

 

[johnpharm01]

Pharmacists don't retire, they work until they die. While there are a few rare exceptions of pharmacists who invested well on this board, 99% of pharmacists, like the general public, have very little retirement savings.

Agreed my retirement savings is good just have to get there.

 

[owlegrad]

It’s just funny to act like the pharmacists complaint about this are the same pharmacists who advocated for it. That’s obviously patently false. If he is going to act like all pharmacists act as a group he should include himself in that group, right?

 

[johnpharm01]

Wife doesn't work and hasn't for years so only my income. Easier to get stuff done at home that way. Gonna be retiring in the next 3-4 years hopefully. No debt whatsoever. Most recently took lower paying, better quality of life jobs. If the job is tolerable why not just continue to soak up the $$$?

It's definitely an individual decision, but I would worry I would go straight from retirement to a crematorium.

 

[BenJammin]

You aren’t one of us? Who are “you folks”?

I'm not a retail pharmacist.

 

[johnpharm01]

I'm not a retail pharmacist.

Explain your comment then. It comes out of left field. I have never heard of pharmacists asking techs to immunize.

 

[Chrish]

I've had pharmacist interns take a verbal or voicemails. I let them to write it down, but I always make sure they put the person on hold so I can see the rx they wrote, and I usually see errors over half the time and have to take over and take the order from scratch. A lot of clinical judgement is in play when taking an order and a lot of headaches can be prevented before the messed up rx is scanned in if I can reason with the md office calling it in beforehand. I try to emphasize with the interns that md offices will try to call in stuff that has many issues and doesnt make any sense. Have to use that clinical knowledge and ask questions or make suggestions if it is something that could make problems for you.

Depends on the intern tbh. We have an intern and she is always right on the money. We have her take the voicemail and then go back listen to them. I have yet to find any errors. But then again, she has a lot of pharmacy experience so that helps.

 

[footfairy]

I've had pharmacist interns take a verbal or voicemails. I let them to write it down, but I always make sure they put the person on hold so I can see the rx they wrote, and I usually see errors over half the time and have to take over and take the order from scratch. A lot of clinical judgement is in play when taking an order and a lot of headaches can be prevented before the messed up rx is scanned in if I can reason with the md office calling it in beforehand. I try to emphasize with the interns that md offices will try to call in stuff that has many issues and doesnt make any sense. Have to use that clinical knowledge and ask questions or make suggestions if it is something that could make problems for you.

What kind of spaz interns did you hire that have errors on 50% of their voicemail transcriptions?

 

[RxEvileye]

I feel like pharmacists immunizing was always a step toward letting technicians do so. If medical assistants in random clinics are out there doing med recs saying stuff like "do you take XYZ for blood pressure" and poking arms, I see no reason why a trained pharmacy technician couldn't.

If the division of labor helps the pharmacy, why try to retain something so non-clinical (and, in the vast majority of cases, safe) as the administration step as a pharmacist duty?

 

[Charcoales]

What kind of spaz interns did you hire that have errors on 50% of their voicemail transcriptions?

What kind of spaz interns did you hire that have errors on 50% of their voicemail transcriptions?

Was only a new p2. I definitely being too harsh on them but they took in 4 verbals while I was there one day and could tell right away 2 of them were weird (weird route of admin, ir vs er dosing, days supply mismatching, only dr with common last name so couldnt find them in system etc). But they were new so understandable. They accidently hung up on both instead of putting them on hold and had to have them call them back after writing a list of things to ask them to clarify for each. Just them learning things.

 

[RxPreceptor]

techs getting certified as immunizers has slowly become a thing at least locally here, NY. I have a few certified tech immunizers in my district now; 1 year ago, we had per diem nurses and/or pharmacy interns.

Seems like corporate fat cats will take any opportunity to cut costs and shift more liability onto individual RPhs
Anyone else having techs becoming immunizers in your area?

 

[RXDOC1986]

Pharmacists don't retire, they work until they die. While there are a few rare exceptions of pharmacists who invested well on this board, 99% of pharmacists, like the general public, have very little retirement savings.

I beg to differ! I don't know what crowd you have been hanging with. I personally know a bunch of OLD pharmacist. And no I am not their accountant, but pretty much can deduct that they are doing well and set for retirement. I have been a pharmacist for 37 years, I am 62, work because I love my profession, not because I am destitute. I am an immigrant, pharmacy has afforded me a VERY comfortable life style. I am not an investment guru, I have a financial advisor. I have never followed or worried about the stock market. I just have a 401K going on 36 years. I own my home (now valued @$1.3 million, went down a bit)) and more than enough in my 401K to retire.
Now, if after 40 yrs of making a very good income, a pharmacist doesn't have a paid off home and at least $1 million in retirement money, they are doing something very wrong. OR were really stupid with money and investments.

 

[BidingMyTime]

Now, if after 40 yrs of making a very good income, a pharmacist doesn't have a paid off home and at least $1 million in retirement money, they are doing something very wrong. OR were really stupid with money and investments.

Or in my case, had a ton of children!

 

[RXDOC1986]

Or in my case, had a ton of children!

Define "a ton"?
Hey, I feel your pain. Kids are like little vampires, sucking that money out of you until you are dry!
Just finished putting two boys through college, the third one is a girl, this one is going to hurt my wallet even more!
My daughter actually said to my wife, last night as I was leaving the house for my hospital job, that she felt so sorry for me working day and night with two jobs. She was wondering why I had to work so much? My wife said, "just look around you" someone has to pay for all this.

 

[projektreverb]

Define "a ton"?
Hey, I feel your pain. Kids are like little vampires, sucking that money out of you until you are dry!
Just finished putting two boys through college, the third one is a girl, this one is going to hurt my wallet even more!
My daughter actually said to my wife, last night as I was leaving the house for my hospital job, that she felt so sorry for me working day and night with two jobs. She was wondering why I had to work so much? My wife said, "just look around you" someone has to pay for all this.

I feel for you, college costs are outrageous nowadays.

 

[mentos]

Pharmacists don't retire, they work until they die. While there are a few rare exceptions of pharmacists who invested well on this board, 99% of pharmacists, like the general public, have very little retirement savings.

Not sure I agree with this. Maybe this forum is an anomaly but there's plenty of established multi millionaires here already, especially those who started working in the early 2000s or earlier. Real estate was dirt cheap back then. Plenty of pharmacists max their retirement accounts each year (as all pharmacists should) and have a lot of home equity and other taxable investments. When I was in school, a preceptor bought us food and I asked how much I owed her. She laughed and said she was loaded.

 

[mentos]

Define "a ton"?
Hey, I feel your pain. Kids are like little vampires, sucking that money out of you until you are dry!
Just finished putting two boys through college, the third one is a girl, this one is going to hurt my wallet even more!
My daughter actually said to my wife, last night as I was leaving the house for my hospital job, that she felt so sorry for me working day and night with two jobs. She was wondering why I had to work so much? My wife said, "just look around you" someone has to pay for all this.

Dang you're still working two jobs at your age? Does your wife work? Did your kids go to private college? I don't know how anyone can afford college 20 years from now. I know someone (not a pharmacist) paying 75k/year for their kid's private undergrad school!

 

[Dred Pirate]

Not sure I agree with this. Maybe this forum is an anomaly but there's plenty of established multi millionaires here already, especially those who started working in the early 2000s or earlier. Real estate was dirt cheap back then. Plenty of pharmacists max their retirement accounts each year (as all pharmacists should) and have a lot of home equity and other taxable investments. When I was in school, a preceptor bought us food and I asked how much I owed her. She laughed and said she was loaded.

ya - most of my friends are well off - I graduated early 2000's and am officially a multi-millionaire - although I don't feel rich haha- but between my wife (who makes half of what I make) - we put around 70k into our retirement accounts each year.

And I graduated with 6 figure debt. Anybody that graduated before 2010 -2014 should be in the same boat as me - those that graduated later - obviously have a harder road to hoe - but if they make smart decisions can still live comfortably.

 

[owlegrad]

… Anybody that graduated before 2010 -2014 should be in the same boat as me…

Yikes. There are so many reasons why someone might not be in the same boat as you. Familial obligations, poor health, divorce come to mind. Not to mention that not everyone wants to put away 70k per year - some people want to spend some of what they make after all.

Having said that, congratulations on your financial success. I hope you enjoy the journey as well.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Yikes. There are so many reasons why someone might not be in the same boat as you. Familial obligations, poor health, divorce come to mind. Not to mention that not everyone wants to put away 70k per year - some people want to spend some of what they make after all.

Having said that, congratulations on your financial success. I hope you enjoy the journey as well.

fair enough, let me rephrase that - baring extenuating circumstances, most should be. Hell I went through a divorce (that hurt finanically in the short term, but was beneficial in the long term for many reasons including finances). As far as spending, heck, I never go without- I travel more than just about anyone I know- I just know I am not house poor, don't drive a fancy car, and if you take away travel, I can walk or drive less than 2 miles to just about anywhere I socialize and work.

 

[mentos]

Yikes. There are so many reasons why someone might not be in the same boat as you. Familial obligations, poor health, divorce come to mind. Not to mention that not everyone wants to put away 70k per year - some people want to spend some of what they make after all.

Having said that, congratulations on your financial success. I hope you enjoy the journey as well.

True but anyone reasonably healthy without huge familial obligations should at least be on track to retire. No pharmacist should have to work until they die. Only in America can someone make over a million dollars in a decade and have nothing to show for it.

 

[owlegrad]

True but anyone reasonably healthy without huge familial obligations should at least be on track to retire. No pharmacist should have to work until they die. Only in America can someone make over a million dollars in a decade and have nothing to show for it.

I feel like I am playing devils advocate for some reason, but “have nothing to show for it” can be interpreted different ways. I mean if they spent it on things they enjoy, they do have something to show for it - the things they enjoyed or the memories made. Now it is also possible to truly just squander the money away in a meaningless way but it is also possible to spend money and have something to show for it.

In truth I am a “millionaire next door” type. I live well below my means and invest a big chunk of my income. So I understand this “if I can do it, any pharmacist should be able to!” mentality but for some reason I can’t put my finger on it just sounds judgmental to me. Let people spend money how they want. Who knows, one day I could end up regretting being too frugal. As far as I know dying with as much money as possible isn't everyone’s goal.

Also I don’t have the data to back this up but I doubt America is the only country where someone could “waste” all their money.

 

[RXDOC1986]

Dang you're still working two jobs at your age? Does your wife work? Did your kids go to private college? I don't know how anyone can afford college 20 years from now. I know someone (not a pharmacist) paying 75k/year for their kid's private undergrad school!

All fair questions!

Yes, still working two jobs at my advanced age. Why, because I am still able to! I have NO hobbies but work. Will keep working until health/dementia sets in. Love my profession, and enjoy my job.
My dad worked until he was 82, retired and passed away at 84.

Yes/No, my wife still works, maybe 10-12hrs per week. She is capable of working 40-50hrs a week, if needed. She is a Dental Hygienist, in very high demand these days, making $40-50/hr. BUT managing the household and our teenager is much, much more important.

Yes my kids went to State Universities, no need for private or out of state - worth graduating with ZERO loans.

 

[RXDOC1986]

True but anyone reasonably healthy without huge familial obligations should at least be on track to retire. No pharmacist should have to work until they die. Only in America can someone make over a million dollars in a decade and have nothing to show for it.

Points well taken! But as an immigrant living the American Dream, I must say "Only in Ameerikka" (from a comic act). No other nation, not even the First World Nations, is Credit held to such high esteem. People in other cultures actually SAVE UP to buy goods and services. You like a little red sports car, you buy it when you have enough cash. A vacation, you save up for it. College, either it's free OR you pay as you go.
You can actually finance that cute little puppy in the pet shop! Yes, buy a dog on credit! How crazy is that!
Yes, there are WAY too many opportunities to live "the good life" on credit here in the USA. Much more so than any other country.

As I look at my IRS SS statement, since 1985 I have made over $3.5 million, maybe another $500-750K before I retire. I can see how you can blow a lot of money in a very short time. Commercialism in this country is running amok.
And yes, there are easily ways for a pharmacist to have to work until they die, AMEX and VISA has made certain of that.

 

[RxPreceptor]

All fair questions!

Yes, still working two jobs at my advanced age. Why, because I am still able to! I have NO hobbies but work. Will keep working until health/dementia sets in. Love my profession, and enjoy my job.
My dad worked until he was 82, retired and passed away at 84.

Yes/No, my wife still works, maybe 10-12hrs per week. She is capable of working 40-50hrs a week, if needed. She is a Dental Hygienist, in very high demand these days, making $40-50/hr. BUT managing the household and our teenager is much, much more important.

Yes my kids went to State Universities, no need for private or out of state - worth graduating with ZERO loans.

No hobbies? That seems troubling…I’m like the complete opposite with too many hobbies & not enough time.

I’ve made it a life goal to keep trying to learn new things since post graduation…whether they be related to chemistry, pharmacy or not. It’s strange how skills & knowledge from one thing can translate to another

 

[RXDOC1986]

No hobbies? That seems troubling…I’m like the complete opposite with too many hobbies & not enough time.

I’ve made it a life goal to keep trying to learn new things since post graduation…whether they be related to chemistry, pharmacy or not. It’s strange how skills & knowledge from one thing can translate to another

Troubling for whom? I appear to be a well-adjusted senior citizen!
So, your hobbies are chemistry and pharmacy? Maybe that's a little troublesome!
I was thinking like golf and knitting as hobbies! Maybe woodworking?
Okay, you got me, my hobbies are eating and sleeping, I am very good at both.

 

[RxPreceptor]

Troubling for whom? I appear to be a well-adjusted senior citizen!
So, your hobbies are chemistry and pharmacy? Maybe that's a little troublesome!
I was thinking like golf and knitting as hobbies! Maybe woodworking?
Okay, you got me, my hobbies are eating and sleeping, I am very good at both.

Just say no to drugs…hobbies, extra curricular activities keep kids off drugs 🤪

 

[BidingMyTime]

Not sure I agree with this. Maybe this forum is an anomaly but there's plenty of established multi millionaires here already, especially those who started working in the early 2000s or earlier. Real estate was dirt cheap back then. Plenty of pharmacists max their retirement accounts each year (as all pharmacists should) and have a lot of home equity and other taxable investments. When I was in school, a preceptor bought us food and I asked how much I owed her. She laughed and said she was loaded.

Granted I am going by my anecdotal experiences. Which includes working with pharmacists who should be retired, but aren't, because they can't afford to be (or maybe they are lying and just say that because they don't want to quit working?) Sometimes its obvious what the problem is, like 1 pharmacist I've worked with who appears to have a gambling addiction, other times it isn't. I will say, even though I have far more than the average number of children, and have/or are currently putting them all through college with no debt, and eat out every single day.....I still put a little away for retirement & I have a reasonable retirement. I'm not a millionaire, and I will likely have to stop eating out every day when I retired, but I do have enough for a comfortable, if modest, retirement. Undoubtedly the area of the country where one lives, is also going to have a big effect on how much one has saved for retirement.

So perhaps you are right. I just see so many older (ie >65 years of age) pharmacist working, and it doesn't appear to be because they love their job that much. With pharmacist meetings.....going back 20 - 30 years, it seem like there were always retired pharmacists there, just because they wanted to keep in touch with pharmacists. But in the past 10 - 20 years, there seem to be few (if any) retired pharmacists at meetings.....maybe that is because retired pharmacist have no desire to go to meetings anymore, but it gives me the thought that pharmacists just aren't retiring like they used to.

 

[DH1987]

I graduated in 2016 and am doing really well financially...maybe it's because I live in a low COL area, relatively speaking. But I cleared all my student loan debt, I own a house which is now furnished, a car that's almost paid off, and still have about 100k between my 401k and savings. This is better than the vast majority of people my age and even up to 10-15 years older. But man, I really paid my dues to get here. Having no kids definitely helps, too.

 

[BenJammin]

Retiring at 82 only to die at 84 seems like a nightmare.

 

[projektreverb]

Retiring at 82 only to die at 84 seems like a nightmare.

Imagine never being able to retire. I think the concept of retirement is dead for the young generation with how flat the income growth curve is versus rising costs.

 

[GrandTheftAutumn]

Just how "Techs administering Covid vaccine" thread turned into a pharmacist retirement thread.

 

[Dred Pirate]

Just how "Techs administering Covid vaccine" thread turned into a pharmacist retirement thread.

because here everything resorts to "how do we get out of working?"