Critical Factors Ratings
Opportunities for Advancement
[To what degree does your work allow for advancement?]
Chain staff pharmacists are mid-range in their response to opportunities for advancement with a 5.05 rating. Based on the individual site that a staff pharmacist is employed, there may only be one level up to the pharmacy manager. However, there are other opportunities that can be available in a corporate environment—manager, director, regional director, etc. One item to consider is the size of the pharmacy chain. Pharmacists in smaller chains may have less opportunities to move into corporate roles based on the needs of the company.
One respondent from New York summed this up well when they stated, “Many opportunities available for not just working at the store level. Management is also very well available with plenty of positions.” Another from Illinois added, “Advancement possible, but with much less involvement in pharmacy practice.”
A respondent from Missouri provided a broad-based view when they indicated, “There are plenty of opportunities for a pharmacy manager position, and occasional positions for clinical services manager. Also, for anyone really wanting to expand their career, the market level, regional level, etc. is a way to "climb the corporate ladder" and advance their career! It would be a lot of work, but the opportunities are there.”
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0 = Little advancement opportunities
10 = Great opportunities for advancement
Leadership Development / Professional Involvement
[To what extent does your work allow for the development of leadership skills and
professional involvement in the pharmacy profession?]
Staff chain pharmacists were mid-range at 5.51 when looking at this factor. The respondents varied in their thoughts based on location and the support provided by the organization. It should be noted that several respondents do not feel that based on increased responsibilities, leadership has taken a back seat in training and advancement.
One respondent from Wisconsin indicated that the “Company is supportive of involvement in professional organizations.” Another from Hawaii added, “My supervisor really allowed me to be involved in pharmacy association work locally and nationally.”
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0 = Little development of leadership skills and professional involvement
10 = Great opportunities for leadership development and professional
involvement
Community Impact
[How much impact is your work in terms of serving the community?]
Respondents rated this the highest critical factor for the group at 7.43. This is an indication that they feel that their work has a higher level of impact.
One respondent from Ohio looked at this from a different perspective and stated, “I get recognized at, say, the grocery store or the mall and people stop me to ask my opinion or answer questions.” A different respondent also from Ohio supported this by adding, “I work in a rural town, so I am known to the majority of my patients.”
A respondent from Arizona indicated, “As a community pharmacist, that is where my impact is felt the most.” Finally, another respondent from Texas stated, “Our location is within a community. Thus, we are regarded as a neighborhood pharmacy. There appears to be a high degree of trust and confidence shared between our staff members and the community.”
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0 = Little impact
10 = High level of impact
Autonomy
[To what extent does your work allow for autonomy in decision making?]
Respondents were mid-range with a rating of 5.13 regarding autonomy.
One respondent from Wisconsin did provide a reason for being mid-range as they stated, “Certain decisions while working give some autonomy, but the overall structure is based of corporate rules/guidelines.” Another respondent from Ohio indicated, “There is absolutely a level of professional decision making here. Sometimes it feels like you are playing detective, and you get to choose the best agent for a patient.”
A pharmacist from Missouri felt that they do have autonomy even within the corporate guidelines when they indicated, “Our leaders understand the demands of the job, and will allow us significant autonomy in "running our business" as opposed to micro-managing. We do have to make sure we are following policies, procedures, and directives that are in place from corporate, and meeting metrics, but they encourage us to find new ways of doing things.”
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0 = Very little low autonomy
10 = High level of autonomy
Focus
[To what extent does your work allow you to be focused on the future versus a focus only on
immediate tasks?]
Most of the respondents who provided written comments (63%) indicated that their focus is on the day-to-day activities that need to be completed, yielding a rating of 4.15. However, there are some who do feel they can look to the future.
A respondent from Hawaii stated, “They want us to focus on the here and now but try to make time to think of the future to anticipate the changes. It keeps me motivated, inspired, and passionate about our profession and its future. Otherwise, it’s just a job and it gets boring to just count, pour, lick, and stick.”
In addition, a respondent from Ohio indicated, “In a retail setting I am not usually thinking about far in the future too much because there are a lot of tasks at hand but honestly that is a good thing to me. You can absolutely pursue more through retail, but it is nice that you do not necessarily have to. There is a level of looking out for the short-term future such as with inventory and patient interactions, but it is not to an overwhelming degree.”
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0 = Immediate tasks only
10 = Tasks focused on the future
Prestige
[To what extent does your work provide professional prestige?]
Prestige is held by the individual. In the case of chain staff pharmacists, they rated this factor mid-range at 4.62.
One aspect that was an interesting perspective came from a pharmacist in Iowa when they indicated that, “Some doctors are open to suggestions or correcting drug interactions. Others, don't want the input and refuse to listen.” Another from Oregon looked at this from the patient side and stated, “Some of the public appreciates our professional prestige the rest look at us as gatekeepers or expect us to be actors and always be smiling and happy.”
One respondent from Michigan differed in their response when they stated,” Our community appreciates the pharmacists and are very kind and appreciate our time and advice when asked.”
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0 = Provides low prestige
10 = Provides high prestige
Creating Value / Positive Outcomes
[To what extent does your work allow for personal fulfillment through the creation of value
and positive outcomes?]
Respondents rated this factor in the mid-range at 5.11.
One respondent from Texas expressed concern for this area when they stated, “Personal fulfillment would require valuable time spent with the patients and the team. In my setting, it’s hard to find time for that at work.” Another respondent from New York had a different perspective when they indicated, “The positive outcomes and personal fulfillment come from patients who value the pharmacist going the extra mile to help them pay for something, or answer questions about drug interactions, or OTC concerns, or just get them their meds quickly and accurately.”
Aa respondent from Michigan looked at a variety of impacts and added, “The workload is rough, the blueprint of our pharmacy is small, coworkers get under your skin sometimes but love my customers and the interaction with them.”
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0 = Little extent
10 = High extent
Patient Relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with
patients?]
Respondents indicated that they are at the mid-range for patient relationships with a rating of 6.05.
One respondent from Virginia put this simply, “My patients and the gratitude they show is the most fulfilling part of being a pharmacist.” A respondent from Missouri added, “We've certainly built many exceptional long-term (numerous years) relationships with both patients and colleagues.”
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0 = No ongoing/ long-term relationships
10 = All are long-term relationships
Co-worker / Client Relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with co-workers or
clients?]
Respondents ranked relationships with coworkers/client relationships slightly higher than that of patients with a 6.48 rating.
A respondent from Ohio has a different perspective as they, “Travel in our market and enjoy my coworkers, but that being said, I don’t make lasting relationships with patients since I work at all different stores.” Another from Illinois added, “Sometimes a turnover of personnel diminishes relationships.”
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0 = No ongoing/ long-term relationships
10 = All are long-term relationships
Writing / Conducting Research
[How often do you engage in writing and/or conducting research?]
This factor was rated the lowest by the chain staff pharmacists at 1.02, meaning that they spend little to no time writing or conducting research.
A respondent from Arizona provided a perspective of time available when they stated, “Not in the community pharmacy setting. I do this through my other affiliations.” Another from Virginia added, “This is not an area that I am involved in my current work environment.”
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0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Generating New Ideas
[To what degree does your work involve generating new ideas?]
This is the second lowest rated factor for this group. At 3.09, respondents do not feel that the work involves a high level of innovative thinking.
One respondent from Illinois stated, “We can submit ideas to corporate, but no idea if they are even looked at.” Another from Ohio added that they look at, “Ways to expedite processes. Thinking of a solution on the spot.”
A pharmacist from Wisconsin also felt that “Innovative thinking can be applied with how to optimize workflow and be efficient in delivering results within the scope of corporate rules/guidelines. Working in a corporate setting would involve more innovative thinking and generating new ideas.”
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0 = Little innovative thinking
10 = High degree of innovative thinking
Supervision / Management
[To what extent do you spend your time organizing, managing, or supervising others and/or
business operations?]
As the respondents to this factor are staff pharmacists, they do have some supervision and management skills that they apply some of the time with a mid-range rating of 5.87.
One respondent from Illinois put this succinctly when they stated, “Constant supervision of technicians.” Another from Virginia added, “As a pharmacist, we are constantly supervising and managing technicians.”
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0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Patient Interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with patients?]
With a 6.73 rating, respondents indicated that they do spend time interacting with patients.
One respondent from Michigan provided a sound response when they stated, “Get to know your patients—that is where the reward comes in. Try to learn their names—people love to be addressed by their first name when they show up. Acknowledge the patient, don't ignore them. You get back what you give—treat with respect and they will return the favor.” Another respondent from Maine suggested, “Need to come out from behind the counter and meet patients.”
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0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Public Interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with the public?]
Public interaction is very similar to patient interaction for this group as they rated this at 6.24.
One respondent from Massachusetts looked at how pharmacists in general are rated and stated, “Most trusted profession, can really help to close some of those gaps for patients.” Another from Virginia added, “As a community pharmacist interacting with patients and the public, [we] are an integral part of daily functions.”
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0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Collaboration
[How often do you work or collaborate with other health professionals or educate other
professionals in your work?]
Most respondents indicated that they have little time for collaboration with other professionals as they rated the factor a 4.09.
One respondent from Illinois stated, “I work by myself all day, so no colleagues immediately to collaborate with. Only collaborate with MD's if there are issues regarding prescriptions.” Another respondent from Minnesota added, “Calling physician’s office for clarification.”
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0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Family / Leisure Time
[How much free time do you have for leisure and family activities in your work?]
Participants rated this factor at 4.51, a mid-range response.
One respondent from Virginia was thankful for the time they do have off when they stated, “I do not work 40 hours a week and I am blessed to have a pharmacy manager that allows me to take the time to support my children’s activities.” Another respondent from Massachusetts added, “Need to make time for this. It is good for your family and good for your soul.”
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0 = Little free time
10 = Plenty of time for family and leisure activities
Impact on Well-being
[To what degree do you impact the well-being of individuals?]
Well-being is the second highest rated critical factor for this group at 6.94.
A respondent from Illinois felt positive that, “(Community pharmacy) helps me catch patients who fall through the health care system.” Another from Texas added, “Most of the time, thoughts and actions are positive and encouraging—naturally.”
A respondent from Michigan summed this up well when they stated, “People appreciate the help I give and feel heard—often hear that I helped them more than their doctor appointment.”
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0 = Low degree
10 = High degree
Problem Solving
[To what degree do you solve problems with tried-and-true alternatives versus untested
alternatives in your work?]
Respondents indicated that they lean toward using tried-and-true solutions with a mid-range rating of 4.87.
A respondent from Missouri provided a unique perspective when they stated, “Problem solving skills are extremely important (that would be a 10+) but we use both methods—whichever will solve the problem!” Another respondent from Illinois added, “For patient care, almost always tested options.”
A respondent from Maine had a slightly different take on this critical factor when they indicated, “When I have a problem at work, I try to involve the whole team and ask for input on how to solve it then we can make a change and move forward.”
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0 = Tried and true
10 = Untested alternatives
Expertise
[How general or specialized is the expertise required in your work?]
Pharmacists were mid-range in their response to expertise with a rating of 4.43. This makes sense as most lean toward being generalists. However, some are specialists if their store has a clinic or other therapeutic center.
A respondent from Virginia provided the following, “In my setting, all of my peers have a PharmD or bachelor’s degree. I am the only one with a residency and national certification. These are not required of a community pharmacist, but I believe this training and specialization has allowed me to better serve my patients.” Another pharmacist from Missouri added, “I wouldn't say our expertise is general or specialized, but high degree of expertise is important for keeping the whole operation running smoothly.”
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0 = Generalized
10 = Specialized
Repetition
[To what degree is your work composed of activities and tasks that are highly repetitive
versus highly variable?]
Repetition is a critical factor that some may rate higher if they are looking to avoid this. The group overall rated this factor 3.88, a low-range response.
A respondent from Massachusetts stated, “We do the same things everyday, which can soon become a checklist rather than trying to be more proactive than reactive.” Another respondent from Wisconsin looked at this as process versus patient interactions/activities and added, “The process is repetitive, but day to day activities/tasks can vary.”
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0 = Highly repetitive
10 = Highly variable
Applying Scientific Knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying scientific knowledge in your
work?]
Respondents were low mid-range in their rating of this factor with 4.70.
One respondent from Texas summed it up this way, “Health care inquiries are supported by current scientific and clinical knowledge and facts.”
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0 = No application
10 = High level of application all the time
Applying Clinical Knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying clinical knowledge in your
work?]
Respondents rated this factor slightly higher with a rating of 6.11.
A respondent from Missouri indicated the importance of this factor when they stated, “Though our setting is community, I think it's important to still apply high degrees of clinical knowledge, e.g. be thinking about appropriate antibiotics for the infection being treated, understanding complexities of psychiatric treatments, etc.”
Another respondent from Maine indicated that, “I can sometimes draw on the experiences I have had to calculate and dose or correct a provider.”
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0 = No application
10 = High level of application all the time
Parental Leave
[To what extent does your work setting offer parental leave opportunities?]
Respondents were mid-range in their rating of parental leave with a 5.13. What must be considered is that many do not leverage this benefit if they do not have children or their children are older.
A respondent from Iowa indicated that they get, “Two weeks of parental leave and 6 weeks of short-term disability.”
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0 = Limited opportunities
10 = Unlimited opportunities
Compensation
[To what degree do you feel compensated for your responsibilities in your work?]
Compensation differs based on the parent company, location, and experience. In general, respondents are mid-range in their response with a rating of 5.61. One general theme is there has been little provided as far as raises since the pandemic and salaries are not keeping up with inflation.
One respondent from Illinois reflected on their years of employment when the stated, “Was considered well compensated at start of career, but pay has stagnated for last decade with no signs of increases.” Another pharmacist from Missouri added, “Our hourly rate is under at least one other community chain that I'm aware of, but it's still great pay (OT opportunities, bonus plan all help too).”
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0 = Not well compensated
10 = Well compensated
Benefit Package
[How comprehensive is the employee benefit package offered in your work setting?]
The respondents to the survey were again mid-range with a rating of 5.59.
A respondent from Oregon stated, “Benefit package is ok—people need to take advantage of the free benefits: mental health counseling, virtual physical therapy, pelvic wellness, and be sure to get annual wellness exam.” Another respondent from Missouri added, “401k, health insurance, bonus plan, plus many other perks as part of this company.”
One different respondent from Missouri expressed concern when they indicated that, “Profit sharing, retirement, and performance evaluations with commensurate raises lag severely.”
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0 = Not comprehensive
10 = Very Comprehensive
Advice for student pharmacists
Practitioners’ advice to student pharmacists varied as the role of staff pharmacist in a chain environment has changed over the years. The future looks very bright to some and very dark for others.
Below is a partial list of advice.
- “Bridge gaps in primary care in a community-based setting.”
- “Every patient is an opportunity to apply your clinical knowledge.”
- “All jobs as pharmacists are great if they allow you to educate patients on medications.”
- “Gain some experience in the field prior to working to get an idea/feel for the practice and ask if you see yourself doing this for many years in the future.”
- “We need a way to signal the clinical aspect of community pharmacy from the typical retail experience.”
- “Learn how to actually listen to people. Do not ask a question if you aren't willing to hear the answer. Remain empathetic and practice your people skills. Lower your ego and look at people at eye level.”
- “Be passionate.”
Professional Organizations
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
675 North Washington Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-2600 |www.amcp.org
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603-3446
(312) 664-3575 |www.acpe-accredit.org
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
1400 Crystal Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 739-2330 |www.aacp.org
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)
Avedisian Hall, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881
(703) 556-0650 |www.aaps.org
American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP)
8055 O Street, Suite S113, Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 476-1677|www.aapp.org
American College of Apothecaries (ACA)
2830 Summer Oaks Drive, Bartlett, TN 38134
(901) 383-8119 |www.acainfo.org
American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
13000 West 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66215-4530
(913) 492-3311 |www.accp.com
American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE)
11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 360A-105, Fairfax, VA 22030
2530 Professional Road, Suite 202, Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-285-4431 Fax: 804-612-6555
(571) 404-0471 | www.afpenet.org
American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
2530 Professional Road, Suite 202, Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-285-4431 Fax: 804-612-6555
(202) 628-4410 | www.pharmacist.com
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
1240 North Pitt Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-1300 | www.ascp.com
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814
(866) 279-0681 | www.ashp.org
Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS)
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 946-5026 | www.bpsweb.org
Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA)
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(877) 467-2791 | www.hoparx.org
National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)
2530 Professional Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 285-4431 | www.naspa.us
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
1600 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 391-4406 | www.nabp.pharmacy
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
1776 Wilson Blvd, Suite 200, Arlington, VA, 22209
703-549-3001 | www.nacds.org
National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP)
300 New Jersey Ave, NW, #900, Washington, DC 20001
(703) 842.0122 | www.naspnet.org
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
100 Daingerfield Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8200 | www.ncpa.org
National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA)
10810 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 102-965, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(480) 405-9291 | www.nationalpharmaceuticalassociation.org
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
670 Maine Avenue, SW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 835-3400 | www.phrma.org