4 Skills Every Successful Pharmacy Professional Needs

As a pharmacy professional, you face unique challenges and opportunities. Here are some key skills that can help you thrive in this dynamic role:

1.Communication and Empathy

Effective communication and empathy are essential in pharmacy practice. You must understand complex medical concepts and explain them in ways that resonate with patients’ varying levels of health literacy. To enhance this skill, I try explaining health topics to friends or family outside the healthcare field and seek their feedback on clarity. Listening to your peers during patient counselling can also provide valuable insights. I like to observe specific phrases or approaches that resonate with patients and incorporate these into my own practice.

Empathy, while often perceived as an inherent trait, is a skill that can be developed. Conveying understanding without overextending yourself is crucial to prevent burnout. When interacting with emotionally charged patients, it’s important to acknowledge their feelings. Instead of dismissing emotions with phrases like “but,” try expressing understanding by using “and” phrasing: “I understand you may feel anxious, and I want to ensure your medications are safe before you leave today. Would you like to wait or return later?”

Additionally, effective communication with colleagues and managers can foster a collaborative work environment. When faced with multiple tasks, consider saying, “You’ve given me another urgent task. Would you prefer I check this script first or assist the next customer?” This approach clarifies priorities and demonstrates your commitment to teamwork.

2. Organisation and Prioritisation

Taking just 10 minutes to plan your day can lead to significant improvements in efficiency. Use a planner or digital calendar to track meetings and deadlines. At the start of each day, create a realistic goals list to determine what you can feasibly accomplish. Prioritisation is key. When overwhelmed with tasks, take a moment to assess which are truly urgent. Ask yourself: “Does this need to be done now? Can it be scheduled for later?” I often prioritise tasks into categories: important and urgent, urgent but less important, or important but not urgent. Tasks that fall into the “not important and not urgent” category should be delegated or removed from your to-do list.

Embrace the concept of “eating the frog” first thing in the morning. I love this saying. The tale behind this phrase is, “if your only job in the world is to eat a frog every day, do it first thing in the morning”. The longer you wait and procrastinate throughout the day, the more you have that hanging over your head and the more mental space it will take up. I “eat the frog” first thing in the morning by tackling tasks that are annoying, boring and time consuming – but I know that I HAVE to have them done by the end of the day. It’s better getting larger, more predictable tasks out of the way first, rather than leaving it last minute. Otherwise, tasks can become compounded throughout the day with other more urgent tasks, and I’ll never finish my work on time if that happens.

3. Willingness to Learn

A successful pharmacy professional must have a strong willingness to learn. The healthcare landscape is continually evolving, and staying updated on new medications, technologies, and regulations is vital. The best way to keep on top of this, is by pursuing professional development opportunities, attending workshops, or engaging in online courses relevant to your practice. Be proactive in seeking feedback and mentorship from experienced colleagues. This openness not only enriches your knowledge but also builds professional relationships that can support your career growth.

4. Adaptability and problem solving

The ability to adapt quickly to new environments and problem-solve on the run is crucial for pharmacy professionals. You may find yourself in various settings, each with its own protocols and team dynamics. Embrace change and remain flexible in your approach. Being open to different workflows and team structures will enhance your effectiveness and make transitions smoother.

Develop your analytical skills by approaching issues methodically. Assess the situation, gather relevant information, consider possible solutions, and implement the best course of action. Encouraging collaborative problem-solving within your team can also lead to innovative solutions.

By honing in on these four skills, you will not only excel as a pharmacy professional but also contribute positively to the healthcare community you serve. Let us know what you think about these skills and if we’re missing any!

Regards,
Ella Shearing

Building Professional Relationships as a Pharmacy Professional

As a pharmacy professional, you’re stepping into new environments and working alongside different teams with every assignment. Building professional relationships in these dynamic settings is crucial not only for a smooth workflow but also for enhancing patient care. Here are some practical tips to help you connect effectively with pharmacy teams and patients during your professional journey.

Be Approachable and Friendly

First impressions matter! When you start a new assignment, greet your colleagues with a smile and introduce yourself. A positive attitude goes a long way in making others feel comfortable. Make it a habit to check in with the team regularly throughout the shift, and express your willingness to help. Clear communication also extends to your interactions with patients. Ensure they understand their medications and feel heard during consultations.

Respect the Established Processes

Every pharmacy has its own systems and workflows. Take the time to learn these processes and respect them. Acknowledge the expertise of the permanent staff and seek their guidance if you’re unsure about something. Demonstrating that you value their established practices can foster goodwill and cooperation.

Be Flexible and Adaptable

Pharmacy work often involves unexpected challenges. Being flexible and willing to adapt can help you integrate into the team more smoothly. If changes arise, approach them with a positive mindset and a readiness to pitch in wherever needed. This attitude will not only impress your colleagues but also contribute to a supportive team environment.

Provide Constructive Feedback

As a pharmacy professional, you may notice areas for improvement in the pharmacy’s operations or patient care practices. When offering feedback, do so in a constructive manner. Frame your suggestions positively and focus on solutions rather than problems. This approach shows that you’re invested in the team’s success and are not just there to complete your shift.

Support Your Colleagues

Help create a collaborative environment by offering support to your colleagues. Whether it’s assisting with a busy prescription line or sharing your expertise on a specific medication, showing that you’re a team player will go a long way in building trust.

Stay Connected After Your Assignment

Just because an assignment ends doesn’t mean your professional relationships have to. Connect with your colleagues on professional networks like LinkedIn. This can open doors for future opportunities and create a valuable support network you can rely on throughout your career.

Building professional relationships as a pharmacy professional may seem challenging, but with a proactive approach and genuine interest in your colleagues and patients, you can create meaningful connections in every assignment. These relationships not only enhance your work experience but also contribute to better patient care and a more collaborative pharmacy environment. So, embrace the journey, connect with those around you, and watch your professional network grow!

Regards,
Vedrana Djurkovic

How is technology really changing our work-life balance?

Technology has made significant advancements in recent years, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). These changes are transforming healthcare and reshaping our work-life balance. 

In the 1930s, economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that within a century, most people would work no more than 15 hours a week. He believed that by 2030, the standard of living would be four to eight times better, making work largely optional. “At that point,” he wrote, “everybody will need to do some work if he is to be contented… a 15-hour week may put off the problem for a great while. For three hours a day is quite enough to satisfy the old Adam in most of us.” While Keynes was right about the increase in living standards—now almost six times higher than during the Great Depression—Australians still face the reality that a 15-hour workweek is far from feasible to meet financial and emotional needs. 

With the integration of technology into healthcare, the roles of healthcare providers and pharmacists have not diminished; rather, they have become more critical. Although weekly work hours may not have shifted significantly in the last century, the nature of our work has evolved. Pharmacists are now expected to navigate various software systems for dispensing and monitoring medications. While we are enhancing efficiency, expediting diagnoses, and improving medication safety, many of us still find ourselves working the same 40-hour (or often longer) weeks. Given the rising cost of living and inflation, a 15-hour workweek is simply unsustainable. Keynes may have underestimated the number of hours we work, but he was correct in recognising that our standard of living has improved. 

The rise of technology, especially in a post-COVID world, has allowed for greater flexibility. Many have realised that not all tasks require a physical office presence. Some companies and workplaces have adapted and now you can watch the kids and check emails, travel to visit family while contributing to Zoom calls, and work flexible hours so work doesn’t have to rule your life. 

This flexibility is a reality for many in corporate Australia, though healthcare has lagged behind. Fortunately, platforms like Locumate are bridging this gap for employers and business owners, making life more flexible and manageable. Locumate Access+ streamlines scheduling and staffing within a single platform, automating staff rostering and filling gaps without the need for manual outreach. This can be done from home, allowing business owners and managers to balance work and personal life more effectively. 

Moreover, certain healthcare roles now offer work-from-home arrangements for specific tasks, enhancing accessibility and efficiency. Tools like MyHealthRecord provide consolidated medication histories, improving information accessibility. While new technologies have expanded our knowledge base—requiring pharmacists to learn beyond traditional drug knowledge—it’s unrealistic to claim that technology is replacing our jobs or enabling a 15-hour workweek. Instead, it enhances the quality of our work, ensuring patient safety and allowing for more one-on-one time with customers. Technology offers greater flexibility, automating certain tasks and facilitating work-from-home options, ultimately enriching our professional lives.

Regards,
Ella Shearing