Hi! I took my drug test and consented to my background check about 2 weeks ago. I was told my the manager I cant start as a pharm tech until my background check comes in which can take between 2 weeks and 6 weeks which is a huge window. I plan on calling them soon, but I just want to know how long on average it took other people to begin working? I really need to start working soon.
I spoke with a pharmacist friend, and he advises you speak to the manager of the pharmacy you're trying to work for; ask if he/she can put a rush on the back ground check.
Contact your state's Pharmacy Board to find if you passed THEIR background check -- Ohio? Indiana? Kentucky? etc.
If you passed their background check (even if Kroger picked up the tab), and Kroger does not get back with you (return your phone calls/emails within a week), take the approach you're a free agent (NFL terminology) and seek another team to play for (a different employer) by applying for another pharmacy tech job even if Kroger paid for your background check.
The only way to get Kroger to move their butt on being prompt in getting you on board is *market* pressure. You cannot holdout forever because Kroger has lots of non-college business graduates in their management ranks (no formal training or education in follow-up,e tc.). If Kroger will not/cannot make a commitment to excellence in their leadership in getting you onboard, cut your losses and go somewhere else.
Forever. Just plan on forever. We had 3 techs in the pipeline to come aboard and the background check for one of them took 2 and a half months. Needless to say she found another job, as did one of the other fellows that was waiting for them to come back with an offer on experience based pay. I'll be shocked if the last one makes it into the pharmacy. It would seem that once you reach a certain pay grade the concept of urgency eludes you, especially if you're not part of the Dept. that needs to see some expediency.
Best of luck to you, but I wouldn't wait much longer if I were you.
