Insider’s perspective
Respondents listed the following critical factors as those being the most important to them. Please note
that a factor can rank highly based on wanting the factor or wanting to avoid the factor. As an example,
some may rank repetitive activities as a top factor as this is something that they want or look to avoid
in their practice. The factors listed below are based on the number of respondents who indicated these
would be the top five factors they would like to have in a role. Note that there are 25 total critical
factors from which to select.
Top 5 – first tier
Three of the factors have the same rating.
- Application of knowledge (clinical or scientific) (23.1%)
- Community impact (19.2%)
- Collaborating with health professionals (15.4%)
- Problem solving (15.4%)
- Leisure and family time (15.4%)
In addition to the top five factors, the second tier of critical factors are listed below. Note that
three of the factors, community impact, problem solving, and collaborating with health professionals are
listed in both areas. This can be interpreted to mean that, for some, these factors are in their top
five list while, for others, these are a close second.
Top 5 – second tier
- Problem solving (15.3%)
- Collaborating with health professionals (14.4%)
- Community impact (11.5%)
- Innovative thinking (10.6%)
- Compensation (9.62%)
One respondent from Maryland indicated that “Clinical and scientific knowledge is valued in my
institution.” Another respondent from Arizonia stated, “My favorite is to dig into clinical scenarios
and provide technical support.”
There are many rewarding and challenging experiences in being a pharmacist in federal and state
government. Thirty-five percent of the respondents indicated helping patients was the most rewarding
aspect of the role.” A respondent from Arizona stated, “The most rewarding experience is helping a
veteran improve their particular disease state and health.” Another respondent from Georgia added,
“Talking to a patient who is not satisfied with our services and changing their perspective of the
services provided.”
There was no specific area highlighted as challenging as there are many. One of the pharmacists from
Florida indicated, “A challenging aspect is reviewing data that is often incomplete.” Another from
Alabama stated, “Time. Sometimes there just does not feel like enough hours in the day to complete tasks
outside of patient care.”
Respondents were asked to select an additional factor from the full list that they consider to be the
most important. Work schedule and job security were both listed the most often at 17.3%, followed by
geographic work location flexibility and self-worth value both at 8.65%, then pressure/stress and
multiple task handling each at 7.69%.
Federal/government pharmacists had a variety of responses that they provided as highlights of their
career and where they see the future of the role. Several of the responses are listed below:
- “Seeing near death patients recover as a result of great multi-disciplinary care.”
- “Opportunities for more pharmacists to become part of the public health workforce and work in
non-traditional roles.”
- “Ask questions–see the profession as a springboard to advancing one's skills.”
- “Seek opportunities to improve your community through a systems change point of view.”
- “Learn all you can about how to lead a group of highly effective professionals.”
- “Pharmacy opens endless opportunities. you can do a lot with the degree.”
- “Always be curious.”
Critical factor ratings
Opportunities for advancement
[To what degree does your work allow for advancement?]
Respondents rated the opportunities for advancement at a mid-range score of 7.22.
One respondent from Texas stated, “The opportunity to transition to the director position is somewhat
predicated on willingness to relocate.” Another from Connecticut added, “I advanced 3 to 4 times since
starting but am reaching a ceiling currently.”
One additional pharmacist from Maryland commented, “As a military officer, we have a large number of
positions and promotions available to us.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Respondents rated this factor with a mid-range score of 7.86.
One respondent from California stated, “My work supported a yearlong leadership development program. It
was multidisciplinary, multi-regional, and very informative.” Another from Washinton commented, “There
are many trainings available year-round, including government hosted trainings (live in-person, live
webinar, and recorded) as well as networking opportunities.”
Another pharmacist from New York added, “Strongly, strongly encourage others to pursue leadership
opportunities with the commissioned corps.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little development of leadership skills and professional involvement
10 = Great opportunities for leadership development and professional
involvement
Community impact
[How much impact does your work have in terms of serving the community?]
Respondents rated community impact in the high range with an 8.11.
One respondent from South Carolina stated, “I have the opportunity to make an impact on my patient’s
health daily. The VA has community outreach and homeless veteran programs as well.” Another from
Illinois put this simply, “the veteran community is very important.”
A pharmacist from Nebraska added, “Our services are the only ones available for our military community
here in a foreign country.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little impact
10 = High level of impact
Autonomy
[To what extent does your work allow for autonomy in decision making?]
Pharmacists rated autonomy in the mid-range with a 7.84 rating.
A respondent from Washington indicated, “There is autonomy within your lane. There is also a hierarchy
within government to follow.” Another from South Carolina provided a different look at this and stated,
“I have full provider status; I work at the top of my licensure.”
An additional respondent from Florida added, “Direct patient care with advanced scope of practice.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Focus was rated 6.86, which is a mid-range response.
One respondent from New York stated, “There is a healthy balance of both of these.” Another pharmacist
from Georgia added, “Most days a certain load is expected, so daily tasks focus on immediate needs.”
A respondent from Maryland differentiates this by roles, “Leadership (is) afforded this allowance, not
so much for staff.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Immediate tasks only
10 = Tasks focused on the future
Prestige
[To what extent does your work provide professional prestige?]
Respondents rated prestige at 7.51, a mid-range response.
A pharmacist from Nebraska stated, “I feel valued in our multidisciplinary environment.” Another from
Pennsylvania added, “Pharmacists are considered an invaluable part of the health care team and are
respected for their contributions.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Pharmacists rated the ability to create value and impact positive outcomes in the upper range with a
rating of 8.19.
A respondent from Colorado indicated, “My team creates positive outcomes for our patients on a daily
basis.” Another respondent from the District of Columbia added, “Lots of autonomy and chances to lead on
improvements which can lead to sense of accomplishment and ownership of those improvements.”
One additional pharmacist from Pennsylvania stated, “Positive measurable outcomes are consistent at our
facility and in my practice, which gives me great personal fulfillment.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little extent
10 = High extent
Patient relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with
patients?]
Respondents scores were in the mid-range for patient relationships with a 4.67.
A pharmacist from Colorado stated, “Being in management, long-term relationships with patients are
difficult.” A respondent from Arizona added, “We have a unique patient population that we often know by
name.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = No ongoing/ long-term relationships
10 = All are long-term relationships
Coworker/client relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with coworkers or
clients?]
Respondents rated this factor as the second highest for the group at 8.29.
A respondent from California commented that they “have long-term relationships with various
multidisciplinary committee members; however, turnover does affect the extent to which this occurs.”
Another from Virginia stated, “As a supervisor, I work more with staff than patients.”
A respondent from Colorado added, “I have always had long-term relationships with coworkers, some going
back over 40 years.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Respondents rated this factor in the mid-range with a score of 4.08.
A respondent from Tennessee stated, “Depends on whether you consider an investigation to be research.
Sometimes, it certainly is but not necessarily scientific research.” Another from the District of
Columbia indicated that they, “Spend a lot of time in writing documents, including clinical guidance,
policy documents and development/improvement programming.”
Another pharmacist from Arizonia added, “Lots of writing for formulary items, reviews, performance
improvement projects. Little research is done in health information systems.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Generating new ideas
[To what degree does your work involve generating new ideas?]
Respondents rated generating new ideas a score of 7.02.
A respondent from Pennsylvania commented that they, “have a robust staff that meets frequently, and new
ideas are encouraged.” Another from Nebraska indicated they use, “Innovative ways to delivering
pharmaceutical care are highly supported by my superior.”
A pharmacist from Washington added, “Solving problems requires innovation.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Respondents rated supervision/management as the lowest rated critical factor with a score of 3.54.
A respondent from Florida stated, “This work is highly independent.” This supports that lower rating of
the factor. Another respondent provided a different perspective and added, “Everyone will find that they
need to organize their work for the day or organize their thoughts for particularly challenging
assignments.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Patient interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with patients?]
Respondents rated patient interaction at a mid-range score of 4.17.
A respondent from Connecticut stated: “More time is spent supervising and managing than interacting with
patients.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Public interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with the public?]
Participants rated public interaction slightly lower than patient interaction with a rating of 3.58.
One respondent from Ohio defined this interaction in a unique way when they stated: “Public and patients
are the same at the VA.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Respondents rated collaboration in the high range with a score of 8.09.
One pharmacist from Oregon indicated, “I love the ability to collaborate and brainstorm ideas for how to
improve care received by patients.” Another from Tennessee stated, “Part of the job is education, and I
spend most of my time when I'm not filling out a form, doing that.”
A different pharmacist from Tennessee commented that they provide, “Education of pharmacists, nursing
staff, physicians/medical residents, social workers, (and) psychologists.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Respondents indicated a mid-range score of 6.21 for family/leisure time.
A pharmacist from the District of Columbia stated, “Earn 30 days of leave every year, very flexible
leave structure.” Another from Arizona agrees and added, “Work/life balance is taken very seriously at
my facility.”
One respondent from Colorado has a different view as they, “Donate many extra hours of time that could
otherwise be spent on leisure and family time.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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?]
Pharmacists rated the impact they have on well-being in the upper mid-range with a score of 7.92.
A pharmacist from Maryland indicated, “We impact their access to the affordable care act and insurance
coverage through Healthcare.gov.” Another from South Carolina stated, “You need to be a good problem
solver to have impact for your patients.”
A respondent from Alabama provided a more detailed look and added, “The schedule itself goes
hand-in-hand with stress/pressure and self-worth (in my opinion). Schedules that limit time off and time
around holidays absolutely increases stress and can contribute to burn out and decrease in self-worth in
regard to personal life versus work. Having a schedule where you actually have time away from work is so
important.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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 were mid-range at 5.74 regarding the use of tried-and-true solutions versus leveraging
untested alternatives.
A respondent from Tennessee expressed some concern, “This role doesn't let you color outside the lines.”
A pharmacist from Maryland provided a dilemma on this factor, “Innovation or suffocation.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Tried and true
10 = Untested alternatives
Expertise
[How general or specialized is the expertise required in your work?]
Pharmacists rated the expertise critical factor with a score of 7.19, leaning toward the area of
specialization.
A respondent from the District of Columbia stated, “Clinical HIV, supply chain coordination, and global
partners are need to address the HIV epidemic.” A different respondent from the District of Columbia
added their list, “Medical countermeasure, emergency preparedness and development of clinical practice
guidelines for diseases where there is no approved treatment.”
A pharmacist from Maryland provided a unique perspective when they indicated, “Its specialized but
preference for a law degree is helpful and law experience is valuable.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Generalized
10 = Specialized
Repetition
[To what degree is your work composed of activities and tasks that are highly repetitive
versus highly variable?]
Repetition was rated at a mid-range score of 6.00.
A respondent from Arizona indicated, “It is always different with patient workload, assignments, patient
needs, staffing, precepting. One can never be bored.” Another from Pennsylvania supported this by
stating, “Good mix at my workplace.”
A pharmacist from Tennessee added, “Inspections are highly repetitive, but the investigations are highly
variable.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Highly repetitive
10 = Highly variable
Applying scientific knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying scientific knowledge in your
work?]
Respondents were mid-range in applying scientific knowledge with a rating of 6.90.
A respondent from Maryland put this simply, “scientific application.” Another from Massachusetts added,
“Ability to learn and apply new advancements in the field.” A different respondent from Maryland stated
you need, “Technical knowledge that includes regulatory and scientific education.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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 indicated that they apply clinical knowledge to a higher degree than scientific knowledge
with a rating of 7.25.
A respondent from Georgia stated, “Nice to use what was learned in school.” Another from Alabama added,
“Important to me to utilize the information you learn and continue to learn after spending so many years
of school to become a well-rounded provider.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = No application
10 = High level of application all the time
Parental leave
[To what extent does your work setting offer parental leave opportunities?]
Parental leave was rated a 6.77 by this group.
A respondent from Arizona stated, “We have formal maternity leave and paternity leave, but only sick
time otherwise.” Another from South Carolina added, “VA has excellent leave for both moms and dads–top
notch.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Limited opportunities
10 = Unlimited opportunities
Compensation
[To what degree do you feel compensated for your responsibilities in your work?]
Compensation was rated in the mid-range at 7.47.
A respondent from Tennessee stated, “I believe I am well compensated for the work that I do even though
I realize it requires a unique skill set to do this job.” Another from Colorado added, “Compensation
would be adequate except for the extra time donated to perform all the required duties.”
A pharmacist from Arizona commented, “Government pay, good cost of living increases, extra pay for board
certification.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not well compensated
10 = Well compensated
Benefit package
[How comprehensive is the employee benefit package offered in your work setting?]
The benefit package was the highest rated critical factor for this group with a score of 8.48.
A pharmacist from Tennessee indicated, “I have a retirement plus a 401K account, bonus for longevity,
good health insurance and other paid benefits.” Another from Florida added, “Very flexible hours.
Generous paid time off. Time and money allowances for continuing education. There is no cost for
employee only medical benefits, life insurance, or long term disability.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not comprehensive
10 = Very Comprehensive
Advice for student pharmacists
Respondents provided advice across several areas and what the future brings. One specific trend came
through, continued growth and expansion at 15.4%. Additional information from several pharmacists is
listed below:
- “Continued growth in the focus on patient care and movement away from simple provision of
pharmaceuticals.”
- “Increased pharmacist-led programs.”
- “Taking on more responsibilities in care of patients.”
- “Do it. It is very rewarding.”
- “Be willing to make a difference and keep current and support professional associations for provider
status.”
- “Don't be afraid to take the difficult roles/jobs.”
- “Self-evaluation for clinical vs administrative role.”
- “Money is not everything. Do not pick a job just because of the pay. Pick an area of practice you
enjoy and are passionate about.”
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
(571) 404-0471 | www.afpenet.org
American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(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