Many people rely on their pharmacist for basic information on their medication, symptoms, and deciding whether or not they actually need to see a doctor. Now that most businesses have shut their doors due to the coronavirus shut down throughout the United States, pharmacies are one of the few places that remain open. Not only are people likely going to the pharmacy more just to have a place to go, but they’re also turning to their pharmacists like never before. They’re looking for truth, accurate information, guidance – there is so much misinformation out there that many people are relying on their pharmacist to guide them during this pandemic.
Are Pharmacists in High Demand Right Now?
At AlliedTravelCareers.com we’ve seen an increase in job listings for both travel pharmacists and travel pharmacy techs since the onset of COVID-19 in the United States. In fact, our data shows that pharmacy jobs increased by 120% during the time of COVID-19 when compared to regular trends. Pharmacy tech jobs saw an increase of about 54%.
Coronavirus and Pharmacies: Tips for Staying Safe
If you are a travel pharmacist, it is important to keep in mind that every state you visit for an assignment right now may have different rules and regulations. This can apply in the pharmacy too. It’s important, of course, to follow protocol in that state and in that work environment. Overall, though, you can best keep yourself safe if you know the basic guidelines provided to pharmacists from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some tips from the CDC you can practice wherever you go:
7 Safety Tips
- Check your temperature and don’t go to work if you feel sick. One of the first signs of COVID-19 is a fever. This is why you should check your temperature before going to the pharmacy.
- Make sure customers are keeping a safe distance from each other. You want your customers to have the ability and awareness to try to maintain a distance of 6 feet at all times. This is critical for coronavirus and pharmacies.
- Try to keep a barrier or safe distance between yourself and the customer. You can do this by placing a table in front of the pharmacy window, forcing customers to stand further back. You can also put up some sort of plastic shield so that you’re not face to face.
- Be a voice of calm reason for people. Remember to think about how your answer can trigger anxiety. At the same time, try not to answer so casually that people don’t sense any concern. Your tone is very important in these stressful times.
- Consider creating a fact sheet to avoid answering the same questions over and over again. If you notice people are asking the same things, consider printing a piece of paper with questions and answers on it. This way they can take it with them. Or, you can do this digitally and make something available that they can access online.
- Find a way to educate patients on how to get their prescriptions from home. Make sure they know that they don’t have to come into the pharmacy to pick up their scripts. Some people are habitual and won’t want to break routine. However, others will want to stay home as much as they possibly can during this time.
- If you’re traveling to work in a pharmacy that is also serving as a testing site, you can learn more about testing for coronavirus and pharmacies here on the government website.
How to Travel as a Pharmacist During COVID-19
Are you ready to work as a travel pharmacist during COVID-19? If so, don’t delay. Job demands are high right now, so feel free to apply today and let us pair you with the assignment that best matches your skillset. If you have a certain place in mind, feel free to browse our current COVID-19 pharmacy jobs now.
We know that you can’t stay home, but please stay safe! Thank you for your hard work.
