Pharmacy technicians play key roles in both healthcare and customer service—two sectors that don’t slow down during the holidays. If you are just starting out as a pharmacy technician, or find this time of year particularly tough, here are some tips that might help make these holidays more “merry and bright.”
Surviving the Holiday Shopping Rush
If you work in a retail pharmacy, you may have already experienced shopping mayhem on Black Friday. There are still the last minute buyers to contend with, and if your pharmacy is closed on holidays, there may be an extra flurry of customers filling their prescriptions beforehand.
A busier than average day can be overwhelming, so it’s important to take care of yourself by getting proper rest, eating well and remembering to breathe. This will help you stay positive which will also have a positive effect on your customers. Your smile and warmth may even put someone, who was previously stressed or down, in the holiday spirit!
Working on Christmas Day
Some pharmacies (both retail and hospital) stay open 365 days a year. If you celebrate Christmas, it can be a downer to work on December 25th.
To help you deal with the “Working on Christmas Day Blues”:
- Organize a get-together with family or friends for a completely different day. You can even put your own unique spin on the event choosing a theme that reflects your personality and holiday style.
- If your workplace permits this, ask a loved one to stop by for a short visit or for your lunch break.
- Talk to your co-workers who will also be working and plan an activity for the day, such as a potluck or Secret Santa. You can also plan a way to treat all your customers/patients that you interact with, such as giving out candy canes, small gifts…even serenading them with carols.
- Prepare yourself ahead of time that some of the people you will be interacting with may be emotional. If you set out to be empathetic and understanding, it will make the day easier and maybe even better for those struggling.
As you work during the holidays, know that although it may be difficult, you are playing a vital role in terms of helping pharmacists and the pharmacy run smoothly, and also in your patients/customers’ lives.
