​8 Foolproof Tips For Surviving Back-To-School Season As A Pharmacist

Back-to-school season can be a hectic time for pharmacists. With an influx of new prescriptions and sick kids, it can be hard to keep up. Pharmacies also tend to be a popular destination for last-minute school supplies. Here are a few tips to help you survive the back-to-school season as a pharmacist:

1. Stay organized —

This is key for any pharmacist, but it becomes even more important during the back-to-school season. Make sure to keep track of all the new prescriptions that come in and be sure to stay on top of refills.

2. Be prepared for sick kids —

During the fall, there always seems to be an uptick in sick kids. Be prepared for this by stocking up on supplies like cold medicine and Band-Aids.

3. Be prepared for vaccinations —

Many schools require students to get vaccinated before the start of the school year. Be sure to check with your local school district to see what vaccinations are required and make sure you have them in stock.

4. Keep the store stocked —

In addition to prescriptions, people will also be coming in for last-minute school supplies. Make sure to keep the shelves stocked with things like pens and papers. If you have a more robust shopping section, think about offering items like lunchboxes, backpacks, and even clothes.

5. Have a plan for breaks —

During the day, it can be hard to step away from the pharmacy. However, it’s important to take a break every now and then. Make sure you're coordinating breaks for you and your employees that will take you away from the chaos for a little bit.

6. Offer back-to-school discounts —

Many families are on a tight budget during the back-to-school season. Offer discounts on things like school supplies or vaccinations to help ease the financial burden.

7. Create a back-to-school display —

This is a great way to promote your store and help people find everything they need in one place. Include items like school supplies, vaccinations, and any other services you offer that can help parents get their kids ready for the new school year. Having clear signage and marketing will help eliminate (or lessen) customers asking about where to find the school supplies. You can also offer a back-to-school shopping list to make it easier for parents.

8. Be patient —

This is probably the most important tip of all. With so many people coming in and out of the pharmacy, it’s important to remain calm and patient. This can be a trying time for everyone, so it’s important to stay calm and help people as best you can. If you have a difficult customer, take a deep breath and remember that they’re probably just as stressed as you are.

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By following these tips, you can make it through the back-to-school season without too much stress. Just remember to stay organized and prepared and you’ll be fine. Do you have any other tips for surviving the back-to-school season as a pharmacist? Let us know.