[What_the?]

Warning: Long post up ahead.

Pharmacists are the easiest to shaft because so many are employed by the big chains. You could easily start an uprising against the motives of the big chains, but jeopardize your own job as the leader... Plus it'd be hard to get overwhelming support when it's difficult for others to join you because they can't go against what the big companies want while also working for them... Tough spot to be in.

If you try to shaft physicians, they can say screw you, we're looking after our own best interests or we don't have to see patients.

If you try to shaft nurses, they can say screw you, we're looking after our own best interests or we're going on strike.

If you try to shaft pharmacists, they can say screw you... then the corporations say you're fired...

It's a funny position that we're in unfortunately. With the regulated technicians, it is what it is, and it's too late to complain and bitch about it when they already exist. Yes, there are less jobs, and yes it is stupid that they're increasing enrolment to the pharmacy program at this time, but someone has to pay for the new building (i.e. more students = more tuition). Everything is happening, there is no way for us to stop it really. However, all it means, is that Pharmacy jobs are now competitive, just like NORMAL jobs. No more wining and dining by companies during recruitment, you actually have to look for work like normal people. You no longer get hired just by having a pulse and a pharmacy degree, you actually have to be good now. So as long as you're a good pharmacist, there's no need to worry. If you aren't, then now is a good time to learn to be good.

As for selection of pharmacy, I believe that finding a good pharmacist is a total crapshoot. It is totally wrong to generalize saying that small independent pharmacies are going to provide better care than a chain one. It is purely luck of the draw, depending on the pharmacist. A good pharmacist is a good one no matter where they work. In fact, I think it may be better to find a good pharmacist at a chain, as opposed to a good pharmacist that owns his own independent shop for example. I work for a chain myself, and would consider myself reasonably good at what I do. Come Christmas time I usually get enough gifts, chocolates, bottles of wine, and thank you cards from my patients to fill up my whole locker and then some. When it comes down to it, my motivation for being good is purely for the patient. I make the same amount of money regardless of what I do, so I have no incentive to sell you more over the counter goods, cough and cold products, etc. If you don't need something I'll tell you straight up, don't waste your money. If we were in a situation where the pharmacy may lose money, it's not my money, so I could really care less if the chain takes a hit. Just a cost of doing business.

But think on the flip side, if every dollar you spend in a small independent were incentive for the Pharmacist owner because every dollar goes into their pocket? If a hit to the store is a hit to their paycheque, it might make them think twice.

Either way, if you find a pharmacist that is willing to take the time to go through your concerns, no matter what setting, you've got yourself a keeper. Keep in mind, that spending time is one thing, but also a good idea to make sure they actually know what they're talking about. Try asking some questions, see if they'll spend time answering them, and then ask "why?", or "how does that work?", and see if they can explain it. Or if they can't see if they're able/willing to look it up.

Last but not least, it's one thing to see if a pharmacist will spend time with you, but also it's nice to be respectful of their time as well. If they're totally slammed and a huge lineup is forming behind you, if it's not an urgent question, offer to leave your number so they can get back to you when it's slower.