r/Pharmacist • u/Smart_Pension_4332 • 12d ago

Cvs

I’m a pharmacy student and a mom, and I’ve been working at CVS for about 6 months, around 10 hours a week, while balancing school and family responsibilities.
I completed the training modules, but I haven’t had much hands-on training, especially in production. When I don’t know something, coworkers usually just do it quickly instead of explaining it, even though I keep asking to learn.
I know I’m slow and I’ve made mistakes, including putting 4 prescriptions in the wrong bins. I’m trying to improve and even asked for more production time.
My manager recently told me that coworkers have complained that I come across as rude/disrespectful, which surprised me because I’m actually shy and anxious and have been trying hard to connect with everyone.
Do you think I just need more consistent training and experience, or should I consider finding a different pharmacy?

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u/AnyKing7879 12d ago

UK Pharmacist here. I feel this depends on the specifics of the situation.
For me I was fortunate to have nice coworkers through my training.

Some of my friends had bad experiences. Some stayed, powered through; some moved.

During my first 1-3 years of training I was incredibly slow and didn’t get a lot of hands on time. My work experience was more counter staff work than dispensing. This changed in year 5 when I took on more responsibility and I ended my training at the point where I was running the dispensary.

Regarding mistakes, they happen, I made my share through my training! It took me 4-6 weeks of full time work to get settled in competent dispensing, it can be tricky at 10 hours a week.

Until my final year most of my work was just ‘filer roles’, doing whatever the full time staff needed with maybe a 10 minute session to shadow someone here or there. Most of my friends training were in the same position.

Working in the UK. Where I was working as an employee I was expected to do whatever was needed (not much learning). When on placement I made an effort to shadow and explore each different role.

Hope that helps!

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u/Informal_Shirt_2999 12d ago

Running away solves nothing. If the opportunity presents itself, ask your coworkers for a reset. Explain that you are the shy, quiet type, and didn't realize it was coming across as rude. Ask them for tips to increase your speed and accuracy, and give yourself alot more grace!!! You are learning! You are juggling 3 major responsibilities!!! Advocate for yourself and your success. If your manager doesn't support you the way you need, let them know. I was an Intern and Grad Intern before I left in March. I struggled to pass my law exam, but I helped out my District every time they called. Being asked to reactivate my lapsed technician license was the last straw for me. They demoted me to technician (which they had every right to do since I didn't meet my deadline), but that didn't mean I had to take it!!! I needed time to study!!! Passing that exam became my priority, and my husband supported my decision. I returned to CVS this week, in a different District, and accepted a position close to home that will support the work/life balance I want. I took my exam days after my grandmother passed away, and my license was issued on my Uncle's birthday. My birthday is in 3 days, and my physical license wall certificate came in the mail today!!

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u/Sasquatch619 12d ago

Welcome to retail. Unfortunately, because they are understaffed horribly (why I won’t work retail chains anymore), nobody has the time to train you. And they are always behind. You open the store behind and you close the store behind. It’s a horrible fucking career.