A Day in the Life of an Independent Community Pharmacist

Community pharmacy

In an independent community pharmacy, where more than 60% of pharmacists work, the start of the day is busy – and tends to get busier. An independent pharmacist runs the business as well as performing many of the other pharmacy duties, so there's a lot to do.

First jobs

One of the first jobs is to ensure all the staff are present. If not, it may be necessary to arrange cover. Another job is to check appointments for the day. These may include meetings with sales reps, staff appraisals, and any scheduled contact with doctors to discuss patients.

Information

These types of appointment vary from day to day. What is more consistent is the arrival of patients, the dispensation of drugs, and the checking and maintenance of patients' records.

When patients come to the pharmacy for prescribed drugs, they often want information. Their main concerns are the purpose of the drugs and possible side effects.

The pharmacist has to make time for these inquiries. Some patients listen to what the pharmacist says and accept this. Others engage in discussions with the pharmacist and are only satisfied when they feel they've had clear answers to their questions.

Interaction

Such pharmacist-patient interaction can form a major part of the working day. It also doesn't end with prescribed drugs. Many people come to a pharmacy hoping for advice and over-the-counter medicine from the pharmacist.

This is an increasing trend, and for minor ailments the pharmacist can suggest appropriate treatments. Patients may also ask about alternative therapies. The pharmacist must therefore be prepared to enter into discussions about these and their possible benefits.

Such situations can require tact and interpersonal skills, as well as an understanding of illnesses, drugs, and herbal remedies.

Doctors

One of the pharmacist's daily tasks is to maintain detailed knowledge of the latest of these drugs and therapies. Doctors often rely on this expertise and may well call the pharmacist at any time to talk about medication that's new to the market.

Computers

Many people now use computers as part of their jobs and pharmacists are no exception.

During the day, the pharmacist must consult and update computerized patient records. These records are not just a means of keeping track of the drugs a patient has received: the pharmacist must use them to check that a patient is not taking the wrong combination of drugs, and is following the right dosage. If there are any problems, the pharmacist may then have to contact the patient and the doctor.

Running a business

The pharmacist must combine all these duties with running a business. Although other staff can handle much of the daily routine, the pharmacist remains responsible for the major decisions. These can cover staff recruitment, inventory levels, and maintenance of store premises.

Admin

At some point in the day, possibly when the pharmacy has closed, the pharmacist has to complete the admin work. This may relate not just to the medicines but to any other products the store offers. The pharmacist also has to settle the numerous bills for the business such as utilities and insurance.

Working hours

The working hours for an independent community pharmacist can therefore extend beyond the opening times of the store. Some pharmacists can get help in the form of a manager or additional pharmacists but if the store is small this is hard to justify. The result can be a much longer day than their salaried equivalents.

Published on 2009-11-18