What is the typical number of drug dilutions a Pharmacist does in an 8-hour shift? What are some of the steps involved in the dilution of some of the medicines? In addition to doing drug dilutions, dealing with customer inquiries, and talking on the telephone with insurance companies, what else does the Pharmacist do?
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Typical workload for a pharmacist.
Started by jjoeirv
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I'm a bit confused by your query...
I'm assuming your asking about retail pharmacy practice. Most drugs are manufactured in solid doseage forms (capsules, tablets, caplets, etc., each of a manufactured strength), transdermal patches, creams, ointments, ear and eye drops, and liquids in the form of solutions, suspensions, etc. As such, a pharmacist doesn't really do any "dilution" in community practice, unless they are involved in the extemporaneous compounding of a prescribed preparation (which rarely happens where I intern at, beyond "magic mouthwash"). If your talking about hospital pharmacy, drugs meant for IV delivery often have to be diluted to a certain concentration in IV fluid...this is typically performed by technicians.
So, a retail pharmacist (especially with minimal help, ie "no technicians and no clerks") can do the following: receive the prescription, obtain patient info, computer entry and third party adjudication (if applicable, which is usually), print the label, fill the script (count pills, pour liquids, etc), verify, label, call physician offices and insurance companies, fax refill requests, PARs, place orders with the wholesaler, inventory, etc etc etc....and maybe try to get a bite to eat and use the bathroom....
With good support personnel staffing, I've seen retail pharmacists do almost nothing but verify, take new Rx's over the phone, counsel, and other tasks that only legally a pharmacist can do (still alot of work 😉 )
I'm assuming your asking about retail pharmacy practice. Most drugs are manufactured in solid doseage forms (capsules, tablets, caplets, etc., each of a manufactured strength), transdermal patches, creams, ointments, ear and eye drops, and liquids in the form of solutions, suspensions, etc. As such, a pharmacist doesn't really do any "dilution" in community practice, unless they are involved in the extemporaneous compounding of a prescribed preparation (which rarely happens where I intern at, beyond "magic mouthwash"). If your talking about hospital pharmacy, drugs meant for IV delivery often have to be diluted to a certain concentration in IV fluid...this is typically performed by technicians.
So, a retail pharmacist (especially with minimal help, ie "no technicians and no clerks") can do the following: receive the prescription, obtain patient info, computer entry and third party adjudication (if applicable, which is usually), print the label, fill the script (count pills, pour liquids, etc), verify, label, call physician offices and insurance companies, fax refill requests, PARs, place orders with the wholesaler, inventory, etc etc etc....and maybe try to get a bite to eat and use the bathroom....
With good support personnel staffing, I've seen retail pharmacists do almost nothing but verify, take new Rx's over the phone, counsel, and other tasks that only legally a pharmacist can do (still alot of work 😉 )
The typical workday for a pharmacist, too, can range from 5 hours (midday shift) to 14 hours (full day shift). I know in the Washington DC area, pharmacists tend to have longer hours (10+). keep the work schedule in mind when applying to work at a pharmacy.
note: some pharmacies have a policy where there are to be no stools or seats in the pharmacy, so invest in some comfortable shoes
note: some pharmacies have a policy where there are to be no stools or seats in the pharmacy, so invest in some comfortable shoes
