A pharmacist with 5 years of experience shares their insights about working in a pharmacy, both in state and commercial settings. They discuss the different types of specialists, the importance of turnover and average check, and the point system that affects their payment. They also talk about the potential for corruption, such as pushing certain medications or forging prescriptions.
The pharmacist shares their observations about different types of customers, including those with antidepressant prescriptions, drug addicts, and men with rectal dysfunction. They also discuss the challenges of working in a pharmacy, including long hours, difficult customers, and the physical demands of standing for long periods.
Additionally, the pharmacist touches on the topic of homeopathy and the potential ineffectiveness of some medications. They also mention the practice of secret shoppers and the fines that can result from a poor performance.
In terms of working conditions, the pharmacist notes that wages can vary, but are generally around $600-700 per month. They also mention the lack of social benefits and the challenges of taking vacations. Despite these challenges, the pharmacist says they love their job and appreciate the good team they work with.
The pharmacist's primary motivation for sharing their experiences is to educate people about the role of pharmacists and to help outsiders understand the challenges and nuances of the profession.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The speaker has been working in a pharmacy for about 5 years.
2. They have worked in both state and commercial pharmacies.
3. Pharmacies employ different categories of specialists, including those with specialized secondary education (pharmacists) and higher medical education (also pharmacists).
4. Turnover and average check are important in state and commercial pharmacies, respectively.
5. Some commercial pharmacies have a point system that adds points to the premium part of the payment for certain positions.
6. State pharmacies must support the sale of Belarusian medicines, which affects the premium part of the payment.
7. Prescriptions may come with the international nonproprietary name or a specific trade name, which can indicate a verbal agreement between a representative of the company and a doctor.
8. Counterfeits are a concern, and the speaker questions what raw materials are used to make medicines and whether they work the same as the original medicine.
9. Original medicines are often the most expensive.
10. Antidepressants are usually prescription drugs and can have different side effects, including weight gain and suicidal thoughts.
11. The speaker has seen cases where people try to deceive pharmacies by altering prescriptions or using photocopied prescriptions.
12. Law enforcement officers may visit pharmacies to investigate prescription forgery or other crimes.
13. Medications for rectal dysfunction are often embarrassing for patients, and some may try to hide their true intentions.
14. The speaker has seen cases where people did not receive vital medications due to stock issues, and this can lead to negative consequences.
15. Some pharmacies have secret shoppers to monitor employee behavior and may fine employees for poor performance.
16. Pharmacists may work long hours, often exceeding 8 hours, and may not have time for lunch or breaks.
17. Varicose veins can be a problem for pharmacists who work on their feet.
18. Some pharmacies do not provide chairs for employees to sit, while others may allow it during slow periods.
19. Wages for pharmacists can range from $600 to $700 per month, but there may not be any additional social benefits.
20. Vacations for pharmacists can be a problem, and they may be divided into parts or fall on colleagues.
21. The speaker loves their job but finds the attitude of some customers to be offensive, as they view pharmacists as mere salespeople rather than professionals.