What chain to work for?

[daysinnnc]

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So,
I am graduating next year and would like the opinion for current pharmacy student and pharmacist on which chain to work for?

I am currently an Intern at rite aid but as we all know their financial problem, I do think they will be around for long.

All opinions/suggestions will be appreciated. 🙂

 

[Tinkerbell22]

So,
I am graduating next year and would like the opinion for current pharmacy student and pharmacist on which chain to work for?

I am currently an Intern at rite aid but as we all know their financial problem, I do think they will be around for long.

All opinions/suggestions will be appreciated. 🙂

That would probably depend on your geographical location (some stores are regional).

 

[SHC1984]

Costco would be the best chain to work for...(if you can get a job there) good luck.

 

[Filler]

So,
I am graduating next year and would like the opinion for current pharmacy student and pharmacist on which chain to work for?

I am currently an Intern at rite aid but as we all know their financial problem, I do think they will be around for long.

All opinions/suggestions will be appreciated. 🙂

[YOUTUBE]KjSCTtTG8M4[/YOUTUBE]

 

[daysinnnc]

I am in NC. Not that many openings here in this state

 

[DestinyHope]

I would say whichever one will hire you! The job market is depressing... You really don't get to choose, unless you're wiling to live in a small town in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Doctor Rock]

Don't work for a chain! Talk to the independent owners, consider junior partnership, or find a hospital position.

 

[rph3664]

By all accounts, Target treats their pharmacists well and doesn't place emphasis on volume.

 

[Its Z]

By all accounts, Target treats their pharmacists well so far and doesn't place emphasis on volume, yet.

FIFY

 

[BME103]

why does it matter? all retails are the same

 

[GamecockPharmD]

I've been working as a retail pharmacist for almost a year now. Wrong Aid is getting to me. I applied for a full time hospital position and didn't get it, but I am more than likely getting a PRN position at another hospital to get my foot in the door to something full time. My concern is that if I add on this PRN job I'm going to get burned out working my full time job doing 12 hour shifts, filling about 400 Rx's a day, and not getting a chance to take a break. Oh, and I was also forced to be pharmacy manager and I didn't want it. I definitely want to do the PRN position, but my biggest concern is making time for my fiance. We are getting married in 5 months, and I could use some extra money working this PRN job for the wedding. The main reason I want this job is to build my resume and get out of retail. What chains allow you to work 8 or 10 hour shifts and actually provide an environment where you can get in your 30 minute break? I was thinking about trying out Walmart because I know they shut down their pharmacies for a while for everyone to get a break. And Rite Aid price matches, and if I go to Walmart I don't have to worry about that. I've had people with 5 dollar copays on their insurance come back, make me edit the prescription, and price match it to 4 dollars. I'm thinking about jumping to another chain until I can get a full time non-retail job. Any suggestions as to what the best chains actually are, even though they all pretty much suck? I would like to actually take a break, not work every other weekend like a do now, maybe every 3rd weekend, and I'd like to do 8 or 10 hour shifts.

 

[MountainPharmD]

I've been working as a retail pharmacist for almost a year now. Wrong Aid is getting to me. I applied for a full time hospital position and didn't get it, but I am more than likely getting a PRN position at another hospital to get my foot in the door to something full time. My concern is that if I add on this PRN job I'm going to get burned out working my full time job doing 12 hour shifts, filling about 400 Rx's a day, and not getting a chance to take a break. Oh, and I was also forced to be pharmacy manager and I didn't want it. I definitely want to do the PRN position, but my biggest concern is making time for my fiance. We are getting married in 5 months, and I could use some extra money working this PRN job for the wedding. The main reason I want this job is to build my resume and get out of retail. What chains allow you to work 8 or 10 hour shifts and actually provide an environment where you can get in your 30 minute break? I was thinking about trying out Walmart because I know they shut down their pharmacies for a while for everyone to get a break. And Rite Aid price matches, and if I go to Walmart I don't have to worry about that. I've had people with 5 dollar copays on their insurance come back, make me edit the prescription, and price match it to 4 dollars. I'm thinking about jumping to another chain until I can get a full time non-retail job. Any suggestions as to what the best chains actually are, even though they all pretty much suck? I would like to actually take a break, not work every other weekend like a do now, maybe every 3rd weekend, and I'd like to do 8 or 10 hour shifts.

You don't want much do you? It is a sad commentary on our profession that all a young pharmacist wants is to not have to work a continuous 12 hour shift without a break while filling 400 prescriptions. Very sad...

 

[MountainPharmD]

why does it matter? all retails are the same

Amen brother.....and getting worse everyday.

 

[Allure]

Move to California and you'll get a lunch break and work only 8-hour shifts even with CVS

 

[blueclassring]

I work in California and have to work 2-12 hour shifts every other week. We do get paid time and half over 8 hours, though.

 

[Allure]

At least you get paid time and half over 8 hours. So I guess it is still cheaper than to bring in another pharmacist. I was just referring to CVS. They open 14 hours so it makes sense to have that 2 hours overlap vs. paying 1.5 for that 6 hours.

 

[museabuse]

At least you get paid time and half over 8 hours. So I guess it is still cheaper than to bring in another pharmacist. I was just referring to CVS. They open 14 hours so it makes sense to have that 2 hours overlap vs. paying 1.5 for that 6 hours.

I am jealous of California. 14 hour shifts suck and are dangerous.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

I am in NC. Not that many openings here in this state

Would you consider moving to another state? It obviously depends what kind of benefits you are looking for in a workplace, but I personally think working for a grocery chain like Target, Kroger, Publix, etc would be best since they are typically not open that late, and some close on every holiday and have limited weekend hours. You would most likely have to work 10-12 hours shift a couple of times per week and work every other weekend though. Publix has some stores that have one 40 hour and one 30 hour RPh, and they are open shorter hours in general. Apparently not many new grads are eager to take the 30 hour position, so it's something to consider if you're willing to do that as well. It's probably easier to get a job if you intern for a certain company first though.

IOh, and I was also forced to be pharmacy manager and I didn't want it. I definitely want to do the PRN position, but my biggest concern is making time for my fiance. We are getting married in 5 months, and I could use some extra money working this PRN job for the wedding. The main reason I want this job is to build my resume and get out of retail. What chains allow you to work 8 or 10 hour shifts and actually provide an environment where you can get in your 30 minute break?

Oh that's terrible... this seems to happen a lot (being forced to move up to manager). I was going to suggest Walmart as well... I was talking to a pharmacist who graduated from my school and I was surprised to find out that they work an 8 hour shift at Walmart (and of course they get a lunch break). This is in a big city too.

 

[GamecockPharmD]

my main issue is not getting the break. the 12 hours wouldnt get to me as much if i had an opportunity to not have a customer in my face every second of the day. and its never enough for the big wigs. i met the company goal of providing 100 flu vaccines at my store last year, but they were disappointed that i didnt do more with my volume. well, im the only immunizing rph at my store, i have a ton of medicaid pts so the shot isnt covered, and i got the vaccine late. how many shots did the store do last year? zero! im the first immunizing rph theyve had. a little appreciation would be nice, but that will never happen. no "thank you" for providing immunizations at that store, etc.

 

[WVUPharm2007]

Try to switch to night shift. It's awesome. Really. The computers go down for 30 minutes every day to reboot and I literally have to take a break. I sit down in the back...eat my lunch...its nice.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

my main issue is not getting the break. the 12 hours wouldnt get to me as much if i had an opportunity to not have a customer in my face every second of the day. and its never enough for the big wigs. i met the company goal of providing 100 flu vaccines at my store last year, but they were disappointed that i didnt do more with my volume. well, im the only immunizing rph at my store, i have a ton of medicaid pts so the shot isnt covered, and i got the vaccine late. how many shots did the store do last year? zero! im the first immunizing rph theyve had. a little appreciation would be nice, but that will never happen. no "thank you" for providing immunizations at that store, etc.

🙁 That doesn't sound fun. The break really does make a difference. I once worked at a store that gave mandatory breaks on weekdays, but when I would occasionally work alone with the RPh on the weekend and couldn't take a break the whole day felt different.

 

[meister]

DON'T work for CVS or Rite-Aid, and probably not Walgreens either

 

[PumpkinSmasher]

Certain Kroger subsidiary chains can be good retail spots and Walmart is actually not too bad. Maybe look for a PT with benefits retail job and really push for hours on the hospital PRN position.

Rite Aid and Safeway are awful in my experience. WAGs and CVS the same crap and who knows how long Target will really last but they did get a new computer system. My area has a couple of smaller employee owned chains that stand out as the best by far to work as retail pharmacist but at the end of the day there is still all the same retail crap going on.

 

[Redheadedpharm]

I think you have to be educated and prepared for your interviews no matter who the potential employer might be. Ask questions and be specific. Find out the details of the job your are applying for and really press the interviewer to give details. You can find good and bad situations with most any potential employer. The key is to make sure you are securing a good situation for yourself. Here are a couple of things I would recommend for anyone looking for a pharmacist position:

1. Ask questions. Find out if you will be floating or if you are in one store. And if you are in one location can you go talk to employees that work there now. What kind of volume does that location do and how much help will you have? What are the shifts and how many weekends/holidays will be required of you? Be as specific as possible with your questions.

2. Be flexible. Some people only want one kind of position from one kind of employer in one specific area of the country. If you open your mind to other potential jobs or even other areas of your state or elsewhere you might have more employment options that you think. Look at what is available to you and open your mind to all of your possibilities. You never know what you might find. The perfect job might not be what you initially thought is was going into the job search process!

3. Get everything in writing. Please don't take companies for their word. If you are promised anything don't agree to any employement position before getting EVERYTHING in writing. And keep a copy of that written and signed agreement for your records in case there are problems in the future about what you were promised from your employer. This is so important I should have listed it first! Everyone should do this no matter who you decide to work for or what the terms of your employment might be!

4. Come prepared. Going into an interview prepared is much better than the alternative. If you already have an idea what the average salary is for a similar position in your area you will know if the offer they are giving you is fair or at least in line with what other companies are offering. Knowledge is power and it will help you to be more confident in negogiating the terms of your employment.

5. Don't give up. Yes, it is a tougher job market than it has been in years past. Yes, it might take more work and research to find that job that is right for you. But jobs are out there and you will prevail if you keep at it. Just don't get discouraged if things don't immediately go your way. If one job prospect doesn't work out for you simply move on and look for the next opportunity.

6. Network. Many pharmacy graduates and practicing pharmacists underestimate the opportunities they have to network and find employement through those channels. Check with your pharmacy school for job opportunities. What about a pharmacy organization in your area? Ask your classmates if they know of any job opportunities. Most pharmacists and pharmacy school graduates have more connections within the profession than they realize and any one of those connections could turn into a potential job opportunity.

I hope this helps. Which chain you decide to work for isn't as important as what you do to prepare yourself for the job ahead of time. If you are educated and prepared you can find a good job for yourself no matter what name is on the sign out front. Just don't let any employer take advantage of you. Be your own best advocate and you will find that position that is right for you!

 

[jasonkido]

Every thread about retail is so negative. Too bad its about 80% of pharmacy jobs.

 

[PegIntron]

I work in California and have to work 2-12 hour shifts every other week. We do get paid time and half over 8 hours, though.

If I may ask, how much time do you get for lunch during a 12 hour shift?

 

[TonyRx]

I guess in the end beggers can't be choosers in this economy and job market, especially with those student loans hanging over your head. Yea, most retail chains are pretty similar and it becomes the lesser of two evils game. Best of luck with your job search.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

I don't think everyone in pharmacy school is so negative about retail... I think it's a major theme on HERE.

A lot of people in my class say they don't want anything to do with residency/hospital/academia/research/etc. They just want to stay with their current company and get a job when they graduate. They're okay with working retail.

 

[blueclassring]

Because of California Employment Law, we have to clock out for a 30 minute lunch after 5 hours of work. Theoretically, we are entitled to a 15 minute break every 4 hours but that never happens because we are so busy. I think I'm going to start taking my breaks though.

 

[PegIntron]

Because of California Employment Law, we have to clock out for a 30 minute lunch after 5 hours of work. Theoretically, we are entitled to a 15 minute break every 4 hours but that never happens because we are so busy. I think I'm going to start taking my breaks though.

My pharmacist never takes a break because if she does, the work just adds up when she comes back. She would take a quick restroom break.

 

[PumpkinSmasher]

I guess in the end beggers can't be choosers in this economy and job market, especially with those student loans hanging over your head. Yea, most retail chains are pretty similar and it becomes the lesser of two evils game. Best of luck with your job search.

Beggar's can't be choosers??? Well, do everything in your power to not be a beggar but instead a qualified, confident candidate!

I have student loans hanging over my head but I refuse to settle for a career path that does not challenge or excite me. Why spend all those years in school to do something you don't even like? Pure insanity!

The market is tough, no doubt! I have interviewed and been denied for two inpatient clinical pharm positions as well as a clinical pharm managed care position. It always stings getting rejected but you have to learn from the interview and the experience, stay proactive, and keep networking!

I have two inpt hybrid model pharmacist interviews lined up and one inpt staff pharm interview lined up. These interviews came through networking! Talking to faculty, preceptor, classmates, and calling around. You have to want it and move forward passionately. I have no guarntees I will get any of these positions but I will sell myself the best I can and learn from the experiences, hoping for a good fit for both parties!

Good luck to everyone out there, your first job most likely won't be your dream job but hopefully something that is a step toward your dream job.👍

 

[PumpkinSmasher]

My pharmacist never takes a break because if she does, the work just adds up when she comes back. She would take a quick restroom break.

What in the world is professional at all in that work environment?

 

[pharm B]

I really enjoyed participating in "Second Saturday" events at HEB (a Texas grocery chain). People come in to the pharmacy area for glucose, lipid, and other minor screenings. Some are free, some are minimal in cost. The environment at the stores I volunteered at was quite different from the insanity I've seen firsthand in other retail environments.

Not every retail chain is the same, though. That's just not true. At least Wal-Mart lets their pharmacists take a lunch. IIRC, one of the main competitors doesn't even have that "feather" in their cap.

 

[pharm B]

What in the world is professional at all in that work environment?

It's not about being "professional." If you're the only pharmacist working during a given time period, then the workflow stops as soon as you stop. A 15 minute break would be a real wrench in the gears.

 

[owlegrad]

I don't think everyone in pharmacy school is so negative about retail... I think it's a major theme on HERE.

A lot of people in my class say they don't want anything to do with residency/hospital/academia/research/etc. They just want to stay with their current company and get a job when they graduate. They're okay with working retail.

This is so true. I bolded the parts I agree with the most. Not everyone finds retail so detestable, particularly not those who have the most experience actually working in a pharmacy. It is not for everyone for sure, but many/most are ok with it and some even prefer it to other options. God forbid someone mention that on SDN though.

 

[Ackj]

Because of California Employment Law, we have to clock out for a 30 minute lunch after 5 hours of work. Theoretically, we are entitled to a 15 minute break every 4 hours but that never happens because we are so busy. I think I'm going to start taking my breaks though.

Do you actually punch a clock as a pharmacist? I thought most were salaried. At least that's how it works at Kmart. If there are any deviations from the standard biweekly schedule (extra day, day off, etc), you report it to the DM for an adjustment in pay. I also believe you get paid 12 hours a day even though we close for lunch.

Personally, I hate punching the clock. I guess I get paid more because of it, but I always get yelled at by HR about it. I'm sorry that the counter was full of waiters at 5 and I didn't punch out until 5:15. Not going to be a jerk to my coworkers and leave when it's that busy, 15 minutes isn't going to kill the store's budget.

 

[PumpkinSmasher]

It's not about being "professional." If you're the only pharmacist working during a given time period, then the workflow stops as soon as you stop. A 15 minute break would be a real wrench in the gears.

You are missing the point my friend... The fact that those working conditions exist day in and day out in retail is the travesty to the profession.

 

[Allure]

I don't know why people are not able to take breaks. I don't take the whole 30-min break all at once, but I eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, and dinner whenever I work retail...so 5 minutes each and that is almost 30 minutes right there. I also drink a lot of water when I'm at work, so I feel like I have to go every 2 hours or so. You can't just work hard, but you have to also work smart. Retail doesn't stress me out. I am very nice to my customers, but I will also let them have it if they are unreasonable.

 

[blueclassring]

We use a time clock to log our hours. We aren't required to clock out for breaks, and lunches on an 8 hour day. I can't anyways, since I work by myself on weekends. Who has time to have lunch when your handling the workload of 4 people? It is insanity folks, but luckily my student loans are almost paid off.

 

[pharm B]

You are missing the point my friend... The fact that those working conditions exist day in and day out in retail is the travesty to the profession.

I think someone else previously pointed out that the Texas State Board of Pharmacy was of no help. The end result of an inquiry into this kind of behavior was a statement on behalf of TSBP that "pharmacists should be good employees, and pharmacies should be good employers."

🙄

I agree it's a travesty, but without a solid organization to represent us, it's a hard fight to fight. Hell, even on twitter the Angry Pharmacist has more followers than APhA or ASHP.

 

[MountainPharmD]

I don't know why people are not able to take breaks. I don't take the whole 30-min break all at once, but I eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, and dinner whenever I work retail...so 5 minutes each and that is almost 30 minutes right there. I also drink a lot of water when I'm at work, so I feel like I have to go every 2 hours or so. You can't just work hard, but you have to also work smart. Retail doesn't stress me out. I am very nice to my customers, but I will also let them have it if they are unreasonable.

This is one of the saddest things I have ever read. You think it is a good thing that added up all together you might get a 30 minute break? The first problem I have is you are at work long enough that you have to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, and dinner. The second is you are trying to tell us how smart you work that in an entire day you might get a whole 30 minutes if you add all the little breaks you take to eat. Wow! What a great profession. Working a 14 hour shift and getting 5 minute breaks to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, and dinner sounds great!!!! I hope some day I can work as "smart" as you. What a joke......

 

[MountainPharmD]

I think someone else previously pointed out that the Texas State Board of Pharmacy was of no help. The end result of an inquiry into this kind of behavior was a statement on behalf of TSBP that "pharmacists should be good employees, and pharmacies should be good employers."

🙄

I agree it's a travesty, but without a solid organization to represent us, it's a hard fight to fight. Hell, even on twitter the Angry Pharmacist has more followers than APhA or ASHP.

I posted that link. It is on the Texas State Board website.

http://www.tsbp.state.tx.us/files_pdf/Working Conditions.pdf

Here are some select quotes:

The Texas State Board of Pharmacy (TSBP) has received numerous letters and telephone calls from pharmacists regarding the inadequate conditions and environment in the pharmacies in which they work. Frequently, the comments involve the following issues:
• a pharmacist's inability to take periodic breaks, such as a breaks for meals and basic human needs, especially when working long hours; and
• the inability of a pharmacy manager or pharmacist-in-charge (who is not the owner of the pharmacy) to make decisions about the operation of the pharmacy, such as the employment of a sufficient number of trained, support staff to meet the needs of the pharmacy's patients.

In summary, TSBP encourages pharmacists to be valuable employees and pharmacy owners to be good employers.
Rev. 08/03

What I find the most interesting, other than the Boards only recommendation was for all of us to be nice to each other, is this was written or revised in 2003!!! Crap, I only wish I had the staffing levels and working conditions I did in 2003! I hope in 8 years I am not sitting around unemployes thinking wow I wish I had a job like I did in 2011.

 

[rxlea]

Do you actually punch a clock as a pharmacist? I thought most were salaried. At least that's how it works at Kmart. If there are any deviations from the standard biweekly schedule (extra day, day off, etc), you report it to the DM for an adjustment in pay. I also believe you get paid 12 hours a day even though we close for lunch.

Personally, I hate punching the clock. I guess I get paid more because of it, but I always get yelled at by HR about it. I'm sorry that the counter was full of waiters at 5 and I didn't punch out until 5:15. Not going to be a jerk to my coworkers and leave when it's that busy, 15 minutes isn't going to kill the store's budget.

holy moly, Kmart still exists? 😕

 

[Allure]

This is one of the saddest things I have ever read. You think it is a good thing that added up all together you might get a 30 minute break? The first problem I have is you are at work long enough that you have to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, and dinner. The second is you are trying to tell us how smart you work that in an entire day you might get a whole 30 minutes if you add all the little breaks you take to eat. Wow! What a great profession. Working a 14 hour shift and getting 5 minute breaks to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, supper, and dinner sounds great!!!! I hope some day I can work as "smart" as you. What a joke......

First of all, it is not the saddest thing you have ever heard because you use that line every day.

Second, I feel the need to eat every 2-3 hours, so how having one 30-min break is going to help me.

Third, nobody makes you work 14-hour shift. You can work 7 hours a day and work 6 days a week, but I suspect most people just want to work 3 days a week.

And lastly, when I said you have to work smart instead of hard...I meant you have to do things to make the work flow easier on you and not stress out about little things. It has nothing to do with taking breaks. And I usually do nothing the last hour and still get paid for it.

If you "hate" your profession so much, then do something about it.

 

[rxlea]

Not every store is the same. Some are laid back and less stressful. Others have terrible working conditions. I wish people would get that instead of telling others how great they have it at X place. People will have opinions based on their experience and those with a positive experience argue that retail isn't so bad. Negative experience = negative attitude. Neither opinion is more right than the other. However, regardless of where you work, NO ONE should be forced to work that amount of time without breaks or do that many scripts without adequate staffing. That's the main issue. Instead of, "But, at my store blahblahblah" why don't we acknowledge that some of our colleagues might not have it quite as good? They may also not be in a place to "do something" about it. So, shouldn't we advocate on behalf of our colleagues AND our profession?

 

[R2pharmD2]

Not every store is the same. Some are laid back and less stressful. Others have terrible working conditions. I wish people would get that instead of telling others how great they have it at X place. People will have opinions based on their experience and those with a positive experience argue that retail isn't so bad. Negative experience = negative attitude. Neither opinion is more right than the other. However, regardless of where you work, NO ONE should be forced to work that amount of time without breaks or do that many scripts without adequate staffing. That's the main issue. Instead of, "But, at my store blahblahblah" why don't we acknowledge that some of our colleagues might not have it quite as good? They may also not be in a place to "do something" about it. So, shouldn't we advocate on behalf of our colleagues AND our profession?

👍

I hate it when people assume that their personal experience represents how it is for everyone, everywhere. I agree that if some of our colleagues are dealing with poor working conditions (which they certainly are), it's something we should all be concerned about.

 

[Tinkerbell22]

holy moly, Kmart still exists? 😕

lol we have one in my hometown (no Walmart to compete)... but there is no pharmacy at that one.

well... of to work... better leave time to eat breakfast and lunch now...

 

[MountainPharmD]

First of all, it is not the saddest thing you have ever heard because you use that line every day..

Because every time I come on here I read something sadder and more pathetic than the day before.

Second, I feel the need to eat every 2-3 hours, so how having one 30-min break is going to help me.

Third, nobody makes you work 14-hour shift. You can work 7 hours a day and work 6 days a week, but I suspect most people just want to work 3 days a week. ..

You can eat all day if you want. The point is you should have a break or rest period. What profession do you know of that does not offer basic things like breaks, lunches or time to go to the bathroom? What profession do you know of where you have no choice but to stand on your feet for 10 to 14 hours with a break only if you get lucky and can steal 5 minutes here and there?

No one forces you to work 14 hour shifts. Gosh the alternative sounds so much better. What a great choice 14 hour days or work 6 days a week. Wow you are so lucky!!!!

If you "hate" your profession so much, then do something about it.

I do not hate the profession. I hate what is happening to it. I am dissapointed in people like you who seem to think it is a wonderful thing that you get to sit a eat for 5 minutes 5 times a day in your 14 hour shift.

 

[starsweet]

You can eat all day if you want. The point is you should have a break or rest period. What profession do you know of that does not offer basic things like breaks, lunches or time to go to the bathroom? What profession do you know of where you have no choice but to stand on your feet for 10 to 14 hours with a break only if you get lucky and can steal 5 minutes here and there?

Nursing.

 

[museabuse]

Nursing.

Every nurse I see in hospital is always sitting while they are charting which is quite frequently.