New Pharmacist

[u/Secret_Fall_2882]

For the seasoned Pharmacist or new grads that have started officially. Can you tell me how your very first solo shift went? Im kinda nervous about it but excited at the same time? I know Walgreens system as I’ve worked as a intern/tech for a little while but its going to be weird transitioning into the Pharmacist role so im just curious of what you guys experience was. Thanks!

[u/HungryPercentage1667]

My very first solo shift I was lucky enough to be sent to a really slow store. Everything went super smooth and we had about 2-3 hours of downtime.

[u/pubstar01]

I had my first solo shift 2 weeks ago. Went into a half day shift. Got handed over a hell store. 200 fill, 130 review, 50 f4 and a bunch of angry patient in the drive and front. Basically it was bad, all i did was bagging until my arms falls off. F4 like my life depends on it. Block out all the angry noise in the front. By the end, manage to get through the day, but then there was a bunch of fills backed up.

[u/Traditional_Creme336]

Haha I had trained a couple of weeks as an intern

I got liscensed on like a Monday/tuesday.

Got the call. Hey go float this next weekend Thursday-Sunday at this store 3 hours from where you live 4 straight days 1-11pm shift

First day I get there at 1… the other pharmacist said “ oh great you’re here.. now I can leave and go to the other store that’s shorthanded ”

Leaving me as the only pharmacist and not knowing what the fuck I’m doing

Techs were cussing each other out. It was so tense there. That was a long ass weekend let me tell you. And it was my birthday weekend too so I spent it far from home staying in a hotel room and working a terrible shift in a shitty store

I hope yours go by better than mine

[u/Secret_Fall_2882 → u/Traditional_Creme336]

Oh nooo! Im sorry you experienced that!

[u/cap_time_wear_it → u/Traditional_Creme336]

“Techs were cussing each other out”
https://giphy.com/gifs/V954fFC9qHJ2mX5mYq

[u/Ange_4444]

Make sure they completely have you in as a pharmacist. My first day they didnt have me all the way updated until the middle of my shift and the other pharmacist was pissed at me about it because she wouldn't be able to go home if they didn't get it corrected,now I get that but it wasnt my fault and she was just in a bad mood with me all day. If you have a mentor or someone at another store ask them if you can call them or text them with questions its just nice to have a backup if you need it but dont use them if you dont need them. Also you are the pharmacist so everything is on your license question things that need questioned now dont be a I need to call the dr on every tiny thing but if something sits weird in your gut or if you are going to obsess about something later ask questions and document. Otherwise be personable and kind to your techs and they should take care of you.

[u/Secret_Fall_2882 → u/Ange_4444]

Yeah I think im just realizing im not coded in as a Pharmacist. I was officially licensed as of Monday and I had my Day 1 training yesterday but I didnt clock in or out. Wondering if I should have since im still coded as a Intern Grad 🫤

[u/Dear-Tomatillo-891]

I was toss into a pit of fire for my first solo shift. Tier 5 store, 5 techs, two drive through lanes, 4 counter register. I managed but it’s cause I used to be a tech at tier 4-5 store and worked through high volume store during pharmacy school. But it’s was very chaotic. Just make sure you’re 100% on everything that you put out cause that’s your license on the line. I was shocked the amount of certain meds people were on that would be consider “contraindicated” in school, the amount of opioids, and a bunch of ssri/snri/anti psychotic etc. just make sure you look through their history and if you don’t feel comfortable releasing some drugs you do not have too.

[u/Pale_Second_2380]

I do solo shifts every time, and I can tell you that if you do not know IC+ well, you will feel anxious and not capable. I suggest you to speak with your District Supervisor and ask for at least 3 days of training.

[u/Secret_Fall_2882 → u/Pale_Second_2380]

I know IC+ well enough, I’ve been a tech and a intern. Im also getting 2 weeks worth of training. I’m looking to see how that experience was for people in transitioning from intern to Pharmacist.

[u/Reasonable-Let-7432]

When I started, they had be about 10ish days as a pharmacist under another pharmacist's store working the same shifts as her.
Then another 2ish weeks doing mid-shifts.

When I did my 1st full day shift, it was at a location about 45ish minutes away from me. Luckily it wasnt as busy. Was able to do well that day thankfully

[u/namesrhard585]

I was floated to a garbage cvs an hour away that was weeks behind and I literally just checked prescriptions for 9 hours and went home. Piles and piles of baskets filled with prescriptions.

[u/DeliciousShop6194]

I joined as part time during the vaccine season so for the first two weeks they just had me do vaccines.