How to Deal With Work-Related Stress As a Pharmacist

Introduction

Pharmacists always have to be accurate and efficient daily while providing customer service. So how can we manage this work-related stress? This blog post features the top five mental demands of being a pharmacist and how to deal with the stress that comes as part of the career. 

The Mental Demands of Being a Pharmacist

Being a pharmacist takes work. Many mental demands come with the job. As pharmacists, we have to be highly detail-oriented, organised, and good at multitasking. We also have to be able to communicate effectively with patients and other healthcare professionals. Here are the top five mental demands of being a pharmacist:

1. Attention to Detail

Pharmacists have to pay attention to many details when dispensing medications, and we have to ensure that the proper remedy reaches the right patient in the correct dosage. We also need to be able to catch errors and discrepancies in prescriptions and other medical documents.

2. Organisational Skills

Pharmacists must be able to organise and manage their time effectively. We must keep track of tasks and deadlines and juggle multiple projects simultaneously. We also have to keep track of many different medications and their stock levels. 

3. Ability to Multitask

As pharmacists, we often have to dispense medications, answer phone calls and help patients simultaneously. We need to be able to juggle all of these tasks simultaneously and still provide quality care to our patients.

4. Effective Communication Skills

As pharmacists, we need to be able to communicate with patients and other healthcare professionals effectively. We should be able to explain how to take medication and answer any patient’s questions.

5. Ability to Manage Stress

Being a pharmacist can be stressful. There is a lot of pressure to ensure that we dispense medications correctly. Pharmacists need to be able to manage their stress to provide quality care.

How can Pharmacists Cope with the Mental Pressure of their Job?

As pharmacists, we ensure that patients receive their required medications. But with the constant pressure of time constraints and the potential for errors, it’s no wonder that we are at a higher risk for burnout [1].

So, how do pharmacists cope with the mental pressure of their job?

• For starters, it’s essential to have a sound support system in place. It could include family, friends, colleagues, or even a therapist. Talking to someone who understands the unique challenges of our job can be a huge relief.

• It’s also essential to care for ourselves mentally and physically—schedule time for yourself every day, even just a few minutes. And remember to exercise and eat healthily, which can help reduce stress levels.

• Finally, it is essential to remember that we’re not alone. Many pharmacists feel the same way, so we’re not alone in this battle. We should not hesitate to reach out for help; resources are available to help us cope with the mental pressures of our job.

The Importance of a Support Network for Pharmacists

1. The job of a pharmacist is incredibly demanding, and thus, they can suffer from work-related stress [2]. Support network plays a vital role in overcoming work-related stress, and having a support network means we have people we can turn to for support and encouragement in times of need.

2. According to a survey of U.S. pharmacists, around 61.2% face high work-related stress and burnout in practice. These numbers are alarming as they are among the highest rates compared to other healthcare professions. So there is a direct link between the productivity of pharmacists and work pressure. Motivation and help from co-workers always help to overcome this burnout.

3. In positions where work-related stress is comparatively higher, it can be beneficial to talk to someone about the pressures of our job. Talking to someone who understands our situation can be incredibly helpful, whether it’s a colleague, friend, or therapist.

4. It can help us offload some of the pressure we’re feeling and help us find ways to better deal with the stresses of our job as a pharmacist [3].

5. Furthermore, having a support network can improve our overall well-being, reduce anxiety and stress, and help us ward off feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Tips for Pharmacists who are Feeling Under Pressure

Pharmacists have one of the most important jobs in the medical field. They are responsible for filling prescriptions and ensuring patients receive their required medications. Therefore, the mental pressure of this job can be overwhelming.

Pharmacists must deal with the stress of their job to stay healthy and provide quality care for their patients. Here are some tips on how to cope with the mental pressure of being a pharmacist:

• Take breaks whenever needed.

• Communicate with the team about the situation.

• Find a support group or talk to a trusted friend or family member about the stresses of the job.

• Get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet.

• Practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

• Seek professional help if you are struggling to cope with the stresses of the job.

Conclusion

Working as a pharmacist can be challenging, mentally and emotionally. Pharmacists often work long hours, weekends, and holidays, which can be mentally and physically exhausting. We must deal with customers daily.It is necessary to find a proper work-life balance. Staying calm under pressure is equally essential. It’s always better to seek professional help. Mental health therapists can help us find healthy ways to cope with work stress.

References

1. November 18, 2021, By Dawn Connelly (2022) Work-related stress: The hidden pandemic in Pharmacy, The Pharmaceutical Journal. Available at: https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/feature/work-related-stress-the-hidden-pandemic-in-pharmacy (Accessed: February 22, 2023).
2. Boyle, T.A. et al. (2016) Pharmacist work stress and learning from quality related events, Research in social & administrative pharmacy: RSAP. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021531/ (Accessed: February 22, 2023).
3. Managing stress in a workplace of risks—the pharmacy perspective (no date). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228120774_MANAGING_STRESS_IN_A_WORKPLACE_OF_RISKS-THE_PHARMACY_PERSPECTIVE (Accessed: February 22, 2023).