 Day in the Life
Most pharmacists work in a community setting, such as a retail
drugstore, or in a health care facility, such as a hospital, nursing
home, mental health institution, or neighborhood health clinic. They
often work with Pharmacy
Technicians.Pharmacists in community and retail pharmacies counsel patients and
answer questions about prescription drugs, including questions regarding
possible side effects or interactions among various drugs. They provide
information about over-the-counter drugs and make recommendations after
talking with the patient. They also may give advice about the patient's
diet, exercise, or stress management or about durable medical equipment
and home health care supplies. In addition, they also may complete
third-party insurance forms and other paperwork. Those who own or manage
community pharmacies may sell non-health-related merchandise, hire and
supervise personnel, and oversee the general operation of the pharmacy.
Some community pharmacists provide specialized services to help patients
manage conditions such as diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, or high
blood pressure. Some community pharmacists also are trained to
administer vaccinations.
 Pharmacists
in health care facilities dispense medications and advise the medical
staff on the selection and effects of drugs. They may make sterile
solutions to be administered intravenously. They also assess, plan, and
monitor drug programs or regimens. Pharmacists counsel hospitalized
patients on the use of drugs and on their use at home when the patients
are discharged. Pharmacists also may evaluate drug-use patterns and
outcomes for patients in hospitals or managed care organizations.
 Pharmacists who work
in home health care monitor drug therapy and prepare infusions --
solutions that are injected into patients -- and other medications for
use in the home.
Most full-time
salaried pharmacists work approximately 40 hours a week, and about 10
percent work more than 50 hours. Many community and hospital pharmacies
are open for extended hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may be
required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Consultant pharmacists
may travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor patients'
drug therapy. About 16 percent of pharmacists work part time. Many
pharmacists spend most of their workday on their feet.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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