The summer of 2016 was a pivotal time in my life as I approached my graduation from pharmacy school. During my internship, my day commenced at the crack of dawn, around 7:45 a.m., and often concluded well after 9 p.m. This grueling schedule meant spending over 13 hours standing, as seating was non-existent, and lunch breaks were a rare luxury. The exhaustion at the end of such shifts was palpable; our feet ached, our spirits sagged, and engaging in conversation felt like an insurmountable challenge. Despite the inherently demanding nature of retail jobs, the stakes in pharmacy are significantly higher—issues stemming from fatigue could impact patient safety and health. The notion of entrusting my medications and health consultations to someone operating on fumes after an arduous 12-hour day is unsettling. This was the daily reality for many of us.
However, the landscape in pharmacy is finally beginning to shift for the better. As we approached October 2022, marking the 20th anniversary of American Pharmacists Month, I found solace in recognizing the strides made toward improving working conditions. My decade-long immersion in the pharmacy world—spanning roles as a technician, student, pharmacist, and researcher—allowed me to witness the gradual yet significant changes taking root. Advocacy from frontline staff, management, research efforts, and even movements toward unionization have fueled progress in our field.
Many corporations have begun to implement mandatory lunch breaks—an essential step in prioritizing employee welfare. In tandem, states are enacting laws that outline minimum working conditions for pharmacy staff, while professional organizations are initiating discussions to advocate for the demands of healthcare workers. This concerted effort marked a turning point in a profession that has long struggled under the weight of unrealistic expectations.
My personal experiences and observations have informed my research into pharmacy fatigue—a pressing safety issue affecting both staff and patients. Extensive studies in various sectors of healthcare, including surgical fields and nursing, have established that fatigue dramatically raises the likelihood of errors and mistakes. Despite the perception that healthcare professionals are infallible, we are vulnerable and human, often neglecting our own well-being in the process.
Throughout my ongoing research, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in conversations with numerous pharmacists and technicians, and their insights have been poignant. For many, the joys of their work stem from patient interactions—clinical consultations, immunizations, and providing self-care advice. Unfortunately, these rewarding experiences are often overshadowed by the pressure of operating in a fraught retail environment. A pharmacist once recounted the backlash they faced when their pharmacy implemented mandatory breaks; impatient patients expressed dissatisfaction by banging on service windows, illustrating the complex dynamics at play.
Moreover, it is essential to acknowledge the alarming prevalence of workplace violence in healthcare; pharmacists are disproportionately affected, facing a rate of violence five times higher than those in other professions. In a recent meta-analysis, it was revealed that over half of pharmacists reported experiencing verbal or physical aggression within just a year. Much of this ire likely stems from patients’ frustrations as they navigate the increasingly convoluted healthcare system.
Advocating for Empathy and Collaboration
The essence of pharmacy care lies in its accessibility—89% of Americans reside within five miles of a pharmacy. This accessibility, however, should not be mistaken for speed at the expense of safety. As we look to the future, it is essential for patients, lawmakers, pharmacy management, and all stakeholders to recognize the value of quality healthcare that prioritizes patient and worker safety alike.
I urge prescribers, nurses, and other clinical staff to leverage electronic communication methods, such as e-prescriptions, to facilitate accurate documentation. Additionally, it is beneficial to help patients plan for prescription refills well in advance and to avoid promising immediate availability for new medications. I must also acknowledge the frustrations that prescribers and their teams experience when waiting on hold, especially given the challenges posed by ever-shifting drug formularies and shortages.
The pathway to lasting change lies in collective advocacy. It is crucial for pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and patients to unite in their demands for continued prioritization of safety and high standards of care from corporations and legislators alike. Ultimately, fostering a culture of empathy for both patients and pharmacy staff will be vital in ensuring a future where safety and quality are non-negotiable. Together, we can form a solid foundation for delivering considerate, compassionate care—an essential prescription for a healthier tomorrow.
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