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.

When first getting your pharmacy degree, you may think you are limited to one career path. However, there are many directions you can explore in the world of pharmacy. If you’re new in pharmacy and looking for a place to start your career, or an established pharmacist looking for a fresh career opportunity, continue reading to learn about the career options as a pharmacist and how to find your perfect career match.

Retail Pharmacy 

The most commonly known pharmacy job, retail pharmacy is a popular starting point for pharmacists in their career. 42% of all pharmacists work in retail settings such as drugstores and big-box stores, and typically focus their knowledge on oral medications. If you enjoy interacting with patients, want flexible hours and to grow your experience, a retail pharmacy position would be a great fit for you.

Hospital Pharmacy

Though similar to retail pharmacy positions, a career in hospital pharmacy focuses more on communication with clinicians and requires a wider scope of medication knowledge. You can work either as a centralized pharmacist, who is involved with checking interactions, or a decentralized pharmacist, who is more involved with dosing and works on the hospital floor itself. In a hospital pharmacy, many medications are IV-focused and your hours are typically less flexible and more demanding than in retail pharmacies.

Medication Distribution Center

A job at a medication distribution center is a more behind-the-scenes position. It requires little to no patient or healthcare team interaction and focuses on processing orders, providing medical information and organizing stock. If you enjoy working with medicine but aren’t a fan of the patient or clinician interaction, then working at a medical distribution center would be perfect for you.

Homecare and Hospice Pharmacy

A hybrid between retail and hospital pharmacy, homecare and hospice pharmacy jobs focus on over-the-phone interactions with patients as well as working with IV antibiotics. You would be responsible for reviewing patients’ labs to ensure their safety. The job also requires specialization in certain medications. 

Pharmacy Informatics

In the world of pharmacy informatics, your goal is to streamline an organization’s electronic medical record system to ensure proper dosage. You also would look at cases for safety from a technical point of view. If you are passionate about patient safety and enjoy working with technology, a pharmacy informatics position might be for you.

Ambulatory Care Pharmacy 

As an ambulatory care pharmacist, you are responsible for reviewing and fine-tuning patients’ profiles. You will work directly with patients and healthcare teams to customize their plans. It is required to have a vast knowledge of specific medications for specific types of patients,

Where To Begin Your Job Search

With all the options of career paths as a pharmacist, it can be overwhelming to find the best career match for you. HealthCare Support can help you with this process. We’re a premiere, national staffing resource for the healthcare industry helping talented, passionate healthcare professionals like you find your perfect pharmacy job. Our dedicated team of experts provides customized staffing solutions, dedicated advocacy, compassionate guidance, and highly responsive support to help you find your dream career.

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

Pursuing a career as a pharmacist is a rewarding path that lets you help others in their health journeys. As a pharmacist, you can work in many different environments, but you’ll likely work for private or chain pharmacies. The profession involves a lot of social interaction and organization; each day is different, but here are some responsibilities that typically remain consistent.

Managing Prescriptions

Pharmacists ensure that each prescription is accurate in its packaging, location, and recipient. To do this, a pharmacist usually needs to speak with other healthcare professionals and discuss any changes in a patient’s care route or information. Sometimes, a technician or intern fills a prescription, which you, as a pharmacist, must oversee and approve. Having an eye for even the smallest details is important in maintaining the safety of each patient. 

Organizing Inventory & Patient Information

To update patients on their prescription status, pharmacists keep track of medicine inventory. This helps the customer know how long before they can pick up their prescription, which could be vital to those with strict medication routines. 

In addition to being informed on patient profiles, you’d need to stay current on changes in the scientific and medical world. This includes drug approvals, product recalls, changes to medication information and warnings, and changes to federal and state pharmacy practice laws. 

Interacting With Other Medical Professionals & Patients

Pharmacists work with various people day-to-day. You’d interact with patients to answer any questions, recommend over-the-counter options, or provide information on health and lifestyle choices. As a pharmacist, you’d also interact with other medical professionals to verify dosage and type of medication, compare information, or assign medications to accounts. 

Pharmacists also talk with insurance companies to submit claims, confirm payments, or resolve coverage problems. You’ll act as the primary point of contact when it comes to prescription management. Consulting the right organizations, professionals, and information plays an enormous role in getting the medication from the source to the customer. 

Additional Administrative Tasks

To keep track of all the information, pharmacies must be organized. Most offices keep patient records in a digital database, needing daily updates from the pharmacist. The updates include any adverse drug interactions or side effects a patient experiences taking certain medications. It also helps keep track of product inventory, letting you know when to order more medications. 

Make A Difference Each And Every Day

Being a pharmacist is an active position, both mentally and physically. Each day, you have a lot of tasks to complete, but the bulk of it will be spent on patient care and helping others improve their health and wellbeing. 

If becoming a pharmacist interests you, we’re here to help. At HealthCare Support, you can find the perfect long-term career or short-term job with the help of our dedicated team and vast professional network. Contact our professionals to learn more about being a pharmacist or other professions in the medical industry, by giving us a call at 888-219-6285. 

With the need for pharmacists steadily increasing, a career in pharmacy is in high demand. However, there are many factors to consider when becoming a pharmacist, and a multitude of career paths under its umbrella. Here are some ways to get started and jump-start your career as a pharmacist.

Types of Pharmacy Careers 

• Pharmacy Assistant 

Requirements: High school diploma and on-the-job training

Duties: Keep a record of medications delivered, stock supplies and merchandise, and manage the cash register.

Median salary:  $29, 930

• Pharmacy Technician

Requirements: Certified Pharmacy Technician credential and a formal education program that leads to a certificate or associate’s degree; Background checks and drug screenings.

Duties: Collect information from customers, measure medication, package prescriptions, process insurance, manage customer service, and organize inventories.

Median salary: $36,740 

• Pharmacist

Requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree 

Duties: Check prescriptions to ensure accuracy, give flu and vaccination shots, ensure prescriptions won’t negatively interact with a customer’s other medications, test blood sugar or cholesterol, operate health and wellness screenings, and oversee the duties of pharmacy technicians and assistants.

Median salary: $128,570

Steps to Become a Pharmacist 

• Select a degree path

Many pharmacy schools have dual-degree programs in which you can obtain your bachelor’s degree as well as a PharmD over six to seven years.

• Complete the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

The PCAT is a required test for most pharmacy programs, in which the passing score varies from school to school.

• Attend pharmacy school

You will take science-related courses as well as Healthcare Management and Pharmacological Measurements. Also, a formal internship at a pharmacy is required to complete during your schooling.

• Take two licensure exams

Once you have completed your PharmD program, the next step is to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and either the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific jurisprudence exam.

• Apply for your pharmacy license

Once education and licensure exams are complete, it’s time to apply for licensure. Depending on your state, specific requirements may vary. 

How to Find a Pharmacy Job You Love

As a licensed pharmacist, you will have the ability to work at a variety of locations to find the best fit for you. Examples include retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, government and military facilities, research labs, clinics/patient care settings, and private practices as a consultant. It can be overwhelming to find a job in the world of pharmacy when there are so many options and such a high demand for incoming pharmacists. HealthCare Support can help you get started in finding your dream career as a pharmacist.

A premiere, national staffing resource for the healthcare industry, HealthCare Support helps talented, passionate healthcare professionals like you find a job you love. We offer custom solutions, compassionate guidance, and highly responsive support so you can grow in your pharmacy career.

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

Travel nurses are medical professionals who are employed by nursing staffing agencies rather than hospitals. From local hospitals to national placements, travel nurses can choose where to work, usually in 13-week-long assignments. Some of the benefits of working as a travel nurse include: high compensation, high demand, and the opportunity to see different parts of the country. If this sounds like a career path you’d love, keep reading to find out how to pursue it.

Travel Nurse Requirements

• Education

If you are interested in learning how to become a travel nurse, education is the first step. Usually, working as a travel nurse will require a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. While it is possible to find work with an Associate Degree in Nursing, keep in mind that it may limit your earning potential and job opportunities. 

• Licensure

A registered nurse license is required for whichever state you choose to practice within. If you happen to have an RN license from a state that is part of the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact, then you can practice in any other eNLC states without requiring additional licensing. If you are interested in working in a non-eNLC state, you will need to get a RN for that state prior to your contract.

• Certifications

Though the specific certifications required may vary based on the job and hospital you choose, all nurses will need a basic life support certification. You will also likely need a certification in pediatric advanced life support or advanced cardiovascular life support. Further certifications can contribute to a higher income or help secure a contract.

• Experience

Learning how to become a travel nurse requires experience. In general, you will need a minimum of two years of bedside experience to qualify for travel nursing. Keep in mind, the more experience you have the more competitive you will be as a candidate.

Healthcare Recruiters Can Help You Land Your First Assignment

After you’ve learned how to become a travel nurse, your next step is to look for work. Once you are qualified to work as a travel nurse, it is important to find a healthcare recruiter to help find you a job. There are a lot of considerations to be made when finding and negotiating a contract. A recruiter will help guide you through this process by finding specific job opportunities and negotiating your contract to make sure all your needs are met on factors like vacation, sick leave, and shift scheduling. 

Start Your Career With HealthCare Support 

If you want to land your first assignment as a travel nurse, HealthCare Support can help. Our professional network is vast, and our dedicated team provides customized staffing solutions, dedicated advocacy, compassionate guidance, and highly responsive support to help place you in an ideal situation for your career.

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

It isn’t ideal for anyone to catch a serious illness, and it can be especially inconvenient if you’re sick while on assignment as a travel nurse. Being bedridden from illness means missing shifts and trying to recover on your own in an unfamiliar city. If you find yourself feeling under the weather while on assignment, here are tips on what you should do. 

Have an Emergency Plan In Place

You’re likely on your own when you head off to your next assignment. That means, if you get sick, you need to know how to take care of yourself. You can start by creating a plan in case of emergencies. At the start of your assignment, take time to outline the following:

• Emergency contacts

  You need to know who to call when you aren’t feeling well and can’t work. In addition to having your loved ones’ numbers, keep the numbers of your on-site supervisor, doctor, and recruiter handy. 

• Nearest care centers

  Know the locations of your local pharmacy, urgent care, and hospitals so you know exactly where to go if you need professional help. 

• Medications

  If you need to book an appointment to see a doctor, come prepared with a list of medications you’re currently taking and their dosages. 

Take Paid Sick Leave

If you aren’t feeling your best, you can’t bring your best to your unit and your patients, so take time to rest. Depending on your contract and where you’re located, you could take paid sick leave. For example, some states let you accumulate sick pay based on how many hours you’ve worked, whereas other employers may require you to use sick pay 30 or 90 days after you start working.

Ask Your Recruiter for Tips

Missing a shift could impact your paycheck, if, for example, you’re paid for the hours you work. Additionally, if you call out too many times throughout your assignment, you could even get your contract terminated. Regardless, getting sick happens, so be sure you know and follow your call-off process. If you’re unsure about your options or what steps to take to ensure you’re responsibly taking time off, ask your recruiter for help. 

Lean on HealthCare Support for Help

The recruiters at HealthCare Support want the best for you — personally and professionally. Get the care you deserve from an expert team dedicated to providing you with custom solutions and responsive support. With a national professional network, we’re ready to help healthcare professionals like you all across the country. 

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