Is retail pharmacy a hassle, in terms of hours and the people you have to deal with?
Asked by purple blue
I actually heard my mom's friend, a retail pharmacist, say that she's been attacked several times by drug dealers and mental health patients, had dissatisfied customers wait outside in lines to hurt her, etc. But then she worked in a disreputable area... Oh, and is the work too taxing? What are actually the postives and negatives of retail pharmacy?

Best Answer:
I've never been attacked. Of course I'm 6'4" and 270 pounds and decidely cranky. Your mom's friend must really work in a crappy place. I'd leave. I love the customers at my place. There's a few that need special handling, but no crazies!
lil old me. Pharmacist for 18 years
Answered by jloertscher

In terms of hours, I will only use a 24 hour pharmacy. In terms of the people, well, I've never found one pharmacy to be better than another. I just go to the one that screws up my prescriptions the fewest times. Yes, there is usually a line of dissatisfied customers, even late at night. It take 20 minutes or so to serve each customer, because nothing is ever done correctly and the person serving has to take everything back to the pharmacist (of which there is only one!) and each order has to be redone. It is maddening waiting in this line.
Answered by Lisa A

It looks stressful to me, with demanding customers, and I know the pay is just above minimum wage...$7.39 and $10.96 on average. Plus you have to work nights, weekends, holidays, and work in retail environments with lots of customers: grocery stores, department stores, big box stores. Good luck!
Answered by waswisgirl1

It can be a very stressful job. People are always in a hurry and don't understand why it take so long to get a prescription fill. They don't get that it's more than putting pills in a bottle, we are dealing with insurance and checking for any possible errors/drug interactions. I hardly go a day where someone hasn't yelled at me or put me down. And then there is the problem of getting a fake prescription. Not fun at all. A positive side is that you do get the occassional thank you and you feel appreciated. And the pay is good. There is a long list of both sides. You might want to talk to someone if this is something you want to do
Answered by VickiC