Industry Spotlight

What is it like to work in a . . . pharmacy?

A pharmacy serves as a place where people can get prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and even health-related advice. Its main purpose is to help people manage their health by providing the right medications prescribed by doctors or healthcare professionals.

Pharmacies also offer valuable information about how to take medications properly, potential side effects, and how different medications interact with each other.

While every pharmacy is different, they do have some things in common:

1. Patient focus is key – the wellbeing of customers and patients is the most important part of pharmacies.
2. Lots of collaboration – you’ll be working with lots of other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
3. Community engagement – pharmacies serve as community hubs, where patients can seek advice, attend health events, and receive personalised care.

Provide essential medications and advice

Pharmacies play a crucial role by providing essential medications and health products, helping people manage their health conditions, and offering expert advice on medications and wellness.

Key tasks

• Dispense prescribed medications accurately
• Offer guidance on proper medication use
• Manage inventory of medications and supplies
• Assist customers with health-related inquiries
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals for patient care
• Ensure patient privacy and confidentiality
• Provide vaccinations and immunisations
• Organise and maintain records

You can find pharmacies in the retail trade and healthcare industries

Pharmacies are usually found in the retail trade and healthcare industries. Different types of pharmacies can include community drugstores, hospital pharmacies, and even online pharmacies.

You can expect regular hours and on-site work

Regular hours  |  Work on-site  |  Jobs in rural and metro areas  |  Strong job growth

Pharmacies are usually open from 9 to 5. Some may be open after hours for emergencies.

On-site work is more common in pharmacies, where workers need to interact directly with patients and medications. But some administration and marketing tasks may be done remotely.

Pharmacies are needed everywhere due to the essential services they provide, so you can find them from big cities to rural towns.

The Career Clusters you’ll find in a pharmacy

People from all Clusters are needed for a pharmacy to run successfully, but Linkers are typically the most common Cluster. In many roles, you might find yourself performing tasks across multiple Clusters.

What do Makers do in a pharmacy?

Makers are responsible for building and maintaining the physical infrastructure of a pharmacy, as well as ensuring any technology is working smoothly. They also help with delivering and unpacking goods that are delivered to the pharmacy.

• Shopfitters
• Delivery Drivers
• Maintenance Technicians
• Cleaners

The role of a Linker in a pharmacy

Linkers are there to help customers in a pharmacy find what they need and answer any questions or queries they might have. They facilitate communication between pharmacists and patients, providing clear explanations about medications, dosages, and potential side effects. Other Linkers help sell new medications and medical products to pharmacies, and some might help promote the pharmacy to the public.

• Pharmaceutical Assistants
• Patient Liaisons
• Medical Salespeople
• Marketing Managers

Where you’ll find Coordinators in a pharmacy

Coordinators oversee schedules, manage resources, and streamline workflows to optimise efficiency and accuracy in pharmacies. They may coordinate with healthcare professionals, manage inventory, and implement protocols to comply with regulations.

• Store Managers
• Accounts Administrators
• Compliance Managers

What do Informers do in a pharmacy?

Informers take on the role of educators and guides, providing patients with accurate and comprehensive information about medications, health conditions, and wellness strategies. They may also provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, dietary considerations, and preventive measures to promote overall health.

• Pharmacists
• Nutritionists
• Wellness Advisors

The role of Innovators in a pharmacy

Innovators in pharmacies explore new ways to enhance the pharmacy experience and advance patient care. They might introduce automated systems for prescription filling, design mobile apps for medication reminders, or implement telehealth services to provide remote consultations.

• Application Developers
• UX Designers
• Digital Health Strategists

How do Guardians work in a pharmacy?

Guardians are responsible for overseeing medication management processes, ensuring accurate dispensing, and verifying that prescriptions align with medical guidelines. They might also stay updated on regulatory changes and best practices to maintain compliance and advocate for patient safety.

• Pharmacists
• Quality Control Inspectors
• Compliance Officers

How do we expect working in a pharmacy to change in the future?

Working in a pharmacy is expected to undergo significant changes in the future due to advancements in technology, shifts in healthcare delivery models, and evolving patient needs.

Pharmacy operations will become more digitally integrated. This includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs), e-prescribing, and telepharmacy services. Pharmacists might spend more time providing remote consultations, monitoring patients’ medication adherence through digital platforms, and leveraging data analytics for personalised patient care.

Routine tasks like medication dispensing and inventory management are likely to be automated with the use of robotics. This will free up pharmacists’ time for more patient-focused tasks, such as medication counselling and managing complex medication regimens.

Given the rapid evolution of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, pharmacists will need to engage in continuous learning to stay updated on new medications, treatments, regulations, and technologies.

But through all these changes, patient-centred care will remain a central focus, with pharmacists spending more time building relationships with patients, understanding their needs, and tailoring interventions accordingly.

_ This article originally appeared in https://studyworkgrow.com.au