I am currently working in the fuel center and I want to transfer to the store to the pharmacy. Can anyone tell me some positive and negative of the pharmacy?
Pros:
Ours get a longer break, because they work longer shifts.
You don't have to be up too awfully early because they usually open around 9AM, later on Sundays (At least where I am).
You get to gossip more than you do out in the main store
You don't have to worry about getting called to assist in the front of the store during rushes.
Cons:
Customers expect you to know where things are in the pharmacy aisles even though you don't workout side the counter.
They'll ask you about different over the counter pain killers and other such items.
They'll try to check out with their 50+ item cart even though you have a sign saying you can only check-out one or two small items if the customer is picking up a prescription.
At least at my store, the pharmacy is off on it's own. The managers don't give anyone from the pharmacy a hard time. Much less of Kroger's typical BS that the rest of the store needs to deal with.
As with anyone who deals directly with customers, you have to deal with the people who think the store exists solely for them. There are a lot more things that can happen outside of your control (due to insurance and government regulation) than the front end, and a lot more chances for people to get pissed off.
Hi, I worked in a Kroger pharmacy for two years. The positives first:
You're isolated from the rest of the store and usually left alone by the store manager, supervisors, etc. Loved the fact that we're not treated like kids--no water, food, and bathroom breaks only with permission, etc. I've also worked as a cashier before and the difference in this area is stark and refreshing.
Regular customers that you become friendly with.
More deference as most customers know about coupons, etc. if you're working as a grocery cashier, and they'll argue with you. Not everyone has pharmaceutical knowledge so they'll defer to your opinion.
Since there's only a few of us, we get to know each other pretty well and talk while working.
I went to school and they worked with my schedule. I worked after school and weekends.
Negatives:
The pay. Techs do most of the physical labor but the pay doesn't reflect this, and I made more as a cashier at Meijer than I did as a tech at Kroger. Note: Pay varies based on experience, years worked, and whether you're certified. I believe our state now requires all techs to be licensed.
It's more of a job than a career, in my opinion. It's enjoyable for a few years, but there's very little potential to move up and earn more.
Overall, I learned a lot and met some good people during my time as a tech. I'm now in professional school and saved what I made to spend on books, etc. Good luck!
