A Day in the Life of a Pharmacist
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.