A new job is an exciting fresh start, but, for most, the excitement comes with some tension. Whether you’re a fresh graduate new to the field or an experienced pharmacist embarking on your next chapter, your position in a new work environment will require adjustments.  

Here are a few tips to help you get started in the right direction at your new pharmacy job.

1. Introduce Yourself

Introducing yourself to your new coworkers may not be the first thing on your mind amid all the commotion of your first day at a new job. However, taking the time to make an impression and learn a few names around the office will give you a head start toward becoming familiar with, and respected by,  your new coworkers.

Approach your closer-contact coworkers first and introduce yourself to them. Tips for initial success include keeping the conversations light, making sure not to overshare,  and avoiding discussing non-work-related topics. 

2. Learn the Culture of the Office

It may feel easy to talk about your past job with your new coworkers, but learning about how things work in your new space will benefit you more in your first few weeks. Try to engage in conversations with your new coworkers to learn about the workflow dynamics at your new office, as well as their personal job experiences. As a more informed employee, you can better contribute toward making your office more productive and efficient. 

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

You must be confident when working as a pharmacist because there’s no room for error when dealing with someone’s health. However, company policies, procedures, and protocols will all likely differ from your last job. The best way to gain confidence is by asking questions and having your employer clarify what best practices you should follow. 

And don’t worry about being a bother. No one expects you to know everything on your first day. As long as you make an effort to learn, it won’t go unnoticed.

4. Arrive Early, Stay Late

Rushing in the door a few minutes late and stepping out early are two ways to negatively affect your team’s first impression of you. Give yourself some extra time to account for possible morning rush traffic and track your route before the first day to learn how long it will take you to get to work. Be an available and dedicated worker and stay each day until your job is done.

5. Show Ambition

If you find your first few days/weeks on the job a little slow, use this opportunity to ask for an assignment. Offer to take over tasks for your coworkers to free them up if they seem busy. By showing initiative and lending a helping hand, you’ll quickly make friends and may even learn something new. 

You worked hard to land your pharmacy position. Show your appreciation and enthusiasm for your career by being eager to get to work and do a great job.

Ready to Start a New Pharmacy Career?

At HealthCare Support, we’re committed to helping passionate healthcare professionals get the jobs that fit them best. If your job search is proving difficult, leave it in our hands. We have the experience and connections to get you where you belong. To learn more about our open pharmacy jobs and services, please give us a call at 888-219-6285.

Burnout in the workforce is an overarching issue affecting all career areas. Specifically, burnout in the medical field negatively affects employees and can adversely affect patients. As a pharmacist, your mental health and well-being are of utmost importance for you — and your patients. Here are some steps you can take to put yourself and your welfare first.

Check-in on Yourself

Once, or maybe a few times a week, give yourself a little check-up to see what you may be lacking. Go outside and maybe take a walk to get some exercise. Also, prioritize your relationships with family and friends. Everybody needs support from the essential people in their life, so be sure to spend time with them. Kick back, relax, and engage in some personal hobbies and interests. You’re a hard-working pharmacist. You deserve to be kind to yourself.

Speak Up at Work

If you’re feeling burnt out, or otherwise upset with the current state of your role at work, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your bosses and supervisors are there for you, and having a positive workspace also helps them out. Speaking up for yourself can be challenging, but once it’s done, you will feel more confident and be glad you did. This will also set you up with a safety net in case any burnout-related issues arise. 

Plan Your Week Ahead

Each week, plan ahead what tasks you’re looking to get done either at work or in your home life. Be sure to make time for fun and do the things that you want to do. If you properly schedule out your week, you’ll practically be forced to take time for yourself and your own personal interests. 

Take a Day Off

On the topic of overworking, it’s impossible to put your best foot forward at work if you feel like you need a break. Take a day for yourself occasionally — even hard-working pharmacists need a break sometimes. Then, come back to work well-rested, ready to help patients and work efficiently.

HealthCare Support Is Here for You

If you need a fresh start in your healthcare career, a new perspective, or just a sounding board to vent your professional frustrations, rely on the supportive staff at HealthCare Support. At HCS, we are experienced professionals who are here to help you find the ideal career where you can be your best self. Leave the job search to us, and rest assured that we are passionate about helping you in your journey. 

To learn more about our open jobs and services, please give us a call at 888-219-6285.

Pharmacists do much more than just fill and hand out medication. They are highly educated and trained to know the ins and outs of prescribing medications, discussing medication safety, and providing necessary consultation and outreach to patients. Most pharmacists are also trained to give tests and screenings. In addition, pharmacists can work in hospitals and work directly with doctors to identify the proper medications for patients. 

Therefore, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the largest pharmacist association in the United States, created American Pharmacists Month in 2004. Every October, pharmacists all over the country celebrate American Pharmacists Month to raise awareness for all that pharmacists do to help patients and support communities. 

How Can You Celebrate American Pharmacists Month?

We want to give recognition to all the pharmacists that help us and our loved ones get the care they need. There are many simple ways to support pharmacists, not just during American Pharmacists Month, but everyday. These include:

• Saying “thank you”

  Tell your pharmacists that you appreciate their hard work. These moments of gratitude can happen in-person, or you can join in on the conversation digitally on any of these important dates:

  • Sept. 25 – World Pharmacists Day #worldpharmacistday
  • Oct. 1 – The Start of American Pharmacists Month 
  • Oct. 12 – Women Pharmacist Day #womenpharmacistday
  • Oct. 20 – National Pharmacy Technician Day #rxtechday

• Giving a positive review

  Many people only give reviews if they have a negative experience. However, you should not take your positive experiences for granted. Instead, praise your pharmacist with a good online review that can benefit others. 

• Staying on top of your health

  When you take care of yourself, it makes your pharmacists’ jobs much easier. 

Support Pharmacists Today and Everyday 

At HealthCare Support, we’re a national staffing resource for the healthcare industry helping talented, passionate professionals find a role they love. We are always recognizing pharmacists around the country and want to see them thrive in a position that is the best fit for them. If you need help getting on the right path to your ideal career, our dedicated team can offer you custom support. 

To learn more about our open pharmacy jobs and services, please give us a call at 888-219-6285.

Mark your calendars for World Pharmacist Day on Sept. 25. The theme, “Pharmacy united in action for a healthier world,” aims to present the industry’s impact on global health and connect pharmacists worldwide. Read on to learn how you can show gratitude to pharmacists everywhere this World Pharmacist Day. 

What Is World Pharmacist Day?

World Pharmacist Day is a campaign created by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), an international organization representing pharmaceutical education and science. The FIP started World Pharmacist Day in 2009, creating an opportunity to promote pharmacists and their role in health worldwide. It honors these medical professionals, drawing attention to the advantages of the health they provide. 

Why Are We Celebrating Pharmacists?

In every corner of the world, pharmacists are creating a healthier society. They are the reason people get the best outcomes from medications. Pharmacists make the world better by using their knowledge, expertise, and reach. As accessible and quick-to-respond healthcare professionals, pharmacists are prepared to assist and answer any questions or concerns. 

So it’s no surprise there’s a day for celebrating them. World Pharmacist Day, filled with events and activities, reminds and motivates people to understand the importance of pharmacists everywhere. 

What Does World Pharmacist Day’s 2022 Theme Really Mean?

The theme changes yearly, but the date remains constant. The FID chose Sept. 25 because it was the day the organization started in 1912. Each year, there’s a new theme, giving those within the pharmaceutical industry a chance to highlight the outstanding efforts to improve health worldwide. 

This year’s theme, “United in action for a healthier world,” sheds light on how the world joins forces for health, despite conflicts or differences. The world is in the process of restoring vital health services rattled by COVID-19. This is no small feat, so pharmaceutical professionals must join forces to create a healthy planet.  

How to Show Your Appreciation

The goal of World Pharmacist Day is to raise awareness of pharmacists and their role in helping the world. Here are ways you can join the celebration: 

1. Thank pharmacists for everything they do for you and your community.
2. Support local pharmacies by purchasing medicines and other items as much as possible.
3. Educate yourself on different aspects of being a pharmacist, inform those around you and encourage them to join in observing the day.

Showing gratitude to pharmaceutical professionals shouldn’t be a one-time occurence. Make these actions a habit every day.  

Thank You, Pharmacists!

To every pharmacist out there, thank you for your hard work in improving global health. You are an integral part of the community, and your impact continues to grow. 

At HealthCare Support, we recognize your impact. That’s why we’re committed to placing you in positions you love and can thrive in, because when pharmacists are fulfilled and growing, the whole community feels the positive effects. 

As a national staffing resource for the healthcare industry, we’ll help talented and passionate professionals like you get on the path to the career of your dreams. To learn more about our services and open pharmacist jobs , please give us a call at 888-219-6285. 

Since pharmacists are highly trained experts in dispensing and managing medications, we often turn to them to answer questions about our prescriptions, side effects, and overall health. Here are the 10 most frequently asked questions for pharmacists.

1. Why Are Pharmacists Important?

Pharmacists are extremely knowledgeable about pharmacology and drug side effects. A pharmacist can help recommend medications and monitor your health for potentially harmful interactions.

2. What if My Medications Make Me Sleepy?

Over-the-counter medications often cause drowsiness. Proper dosing schedules can help to reduce daytime drowsiness. If a medication is causing drowsiness, you should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it.

3. Can Age Increase the Risk for Any Medication Side Effects?

Yes. There are many medications which can impair memory or cause brain fog. Such side effects tend to have a greater impact on the elderly.

4. Why Do Some Medications Affect My Bathroom Habits?

Many medications are diuretics, which work to remove fluid from the body, increasing urination. Additionally, many medications have diarrhea as a side effect.

5. Does It Matter What Time of Day I Take My Medications?

Yes. It is extremely important to follow the dosing schedule for your medications. Be sure to take it at the same time everyday as recommended by your doctor and avoid missing doses.

6. How Can Caregivers Help Manage Medications?

While caregivers cannot legally open medication containers, they can still help patients by reminding them when to take their medications and confirming they are following their dosing schedule.

7. Should I Throw Out Medicine After the Expiration Date?

Though there is some debate when it comes to expiration dates, in general, you want to be cautious, particularly if you are elderly. The effects will vary by medication. If you are unsure, check with your doctor. They will be able to tell you how medicinal expiration may affect your specific medication.

8. Does It Matter How I Store My Medicine?

Be sure to store medicines in a cool, dry place away from children and pets. If you have multiple medications, you should also make sure to not mix them up.

9. How Can Foods Interact With Medications?

Most food and drug interactions involve either grapefruit or vitamin K-rich foods. Grapefruit can slow the metabolism of a medication while vitamin K may affect blood-thinners. Check with your pharmacist to see if your medications have any food interactions.

10. What Vaccinations Are Important For Seniors?

It is recommended that most seniors receive both a flu shot and a pneumococcal vaccine. Additionally, anyone over 50 should consider the shingles vaccine.

Become a Knowledgeable Pharmacist

To safely manage and distribute medications, pharmacists need to know all of the above, and more. As highly trained and educated professionals, pharmacists are essential to moving the healthcare industry forward, especially now as more medications become available.

If you are interested in pursuing a valuable and fulfilling a career in pharmacy, HealthCare Support can help. A premiere, national staffing resource for the healthcare industry, HealthCare Support will get you started on your career by placing you in a pharmacy role, and place, you love.

To learn more, give us a call at 888-219-6285.

Pharmacists and pharmacy techs are healthcare professionals who work in clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals. Both positions work to provide medications to patients safely and efficiently. Despite these similarities, they have very different roles and job requirements. If you’re interested in pursuing either role, read on to learn about the major differences between pharmacists and pharmacy techs.  

Pharmacist and Pharmacy Tech Education

One major difference between pharmacists and pharmacy techs is the education needed for each career path. Pharmacists are required to first earn an undergraduate degree, which may take two to four years, then a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which generally takes another four years of schooling. If you want to be a pharmacist, you may need to complete additional work too, such as a residency program, depending on the field you’re interested in.

Pharmacy techs on the other hand need a high school diploma and can benefit from training programs. Enrolling in a trade school or community college program, for example, will make you a stronger applicant in the job search. Depending on the state, pharmacy techs may also be required to pass a certification exam, which can take 42 weeks to prepare for. 

The Role of Pharmacists and Pharmacy Techs

Another significant difference between pharmacists and pharmacy techs are the roles they fulfill. Both pharmacists and pharmacy techs perform vital functions but their exact day-to-day responsibilities differ considerably. 

Pharmacists inform patients about their prescriptions, instruct them how and when to take their medications, and administer vaccines. Additionally, as a pharmacist, you will monitor a patient’s medications for potentially harmful interactions and side effects. You are expected to have a strong understanding of pharmaceuticals and to interact with patients often. More recently, pharmacists are even expected to carry more patient care responsibilities, such as prescribing medications and conducting wellness screenings.

As the responsibilities of pharmacists expand, pharmacy techs will likely perform more duties as well, particularly in patient care. In addition to handling tasks like organizing inventory, labeling and packaging prescriptions, and taking payments, as a pharmacy tech, you may need to review patient charts or screen medical records.

Start Your Pharmacy Career

If you are interested in pursuing your career as a pharmacist or pharmacy tech, then contact HealthCare Support. A premiere, national staffing resource for the healthcare industry, HealthCare Support helps healthcare professionals find a career they love. Our dedicated team of experts and recruiters provide customized staffing solutions, dedicated advocacy,, and highly responsive support to place you exactly where you want to be.

To learn more about our open jobs and services, please give us a call at 888-219-6285.