The landscape of healthcare employment is undergoing a transformation, and pharmacy professionals have a unique opportunity to benefit. As government agencies implement hiring freezes and downsize, the demand for contract workers is typically rises. This trend presents a strategic opportunity for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians looking for stable and rewarding work.

Economic uncertainty often leads government agencies and commercial healthcare organizations to shift from permanent hires to contracted professionals. Pharmacy is no exception. With a greater need for flexible staffing solutions, institutions such as VA hospitals, federally run healthcare centers, and large commercial pharmacies are increasingly turning to pharmacy contractors to fill critical roles.
At the forefront of this evolving workforce dynamic is Ridgemont Resources, a certified government contractor and minority-owned business, actively placing pharmacy contractors in federally run institutions. As these institutions navigate tighter budgets and evolving workforce needs, the role of pharmacy contractors becomes even more essential in ensuring uninterrupted patient care.

Pharmacy professionals who transition into contract roles can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

• Flexibility – Contract positions allow pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to have greater control over their schedules, choosing assignments that best fit their personal and professional needs.
• Competitive Pay – Contracting often comes with higher hourly wages compared to permanent positions, as organizations rely on skilled professionals for essential but temporary roles.
• Diverse Work Environments – Contractors gain exposure to various settings, from VA hospitals and government-run clinics to large commercial pharmacies, expanding their skills and experience.
• Job Security in an Uncertain Market – While full-time positions may be cut during budget reductions, contractors remain in high demand as institutions seek to maintain staffing levels without committing to long-term hires.
• Networking Opportunities – Working in multiple healthcare settings allows pharmacy professionals to build connections that can lead to future full-time career opportunities.

Of course, Pharmacy contracting isn’t for everyone. Many contractors find that the benefits far outweigh potential disadvantages such as:

• Limited Benefits: Most contract roles may not provide comprehensive benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans, requiring individuals to manage these aspects independently.
• Short Term Job Security: The temporary nature of contracts can lead to uncertainty, with potential gaps between assignments affecting income stability.
• Career Development: Contractors might receive fewer opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a single organization.
  

A prevalent misconception is that contract pharmacists merely "put pills in a bottle" and lack opportunities to develop new skills. In reality, contract roles can offer exposure to diverse pharmacy practices, enabling pharmacists to expand their expertise and adapt to various healthcare environments.
"Contracting empowers pharmacists with the flexibility to manage their careers on their terms, offering diverse experiences that enrich their professional journey." — Jana Rugg, President of Ridgemont Resources.

Do contract pharmacists receive benefits?  Typically, contract positions offer higher pay rates to offset the absence of traditional benefits like health insurance and paid leave.

Can contracting lead to permanent employment? While some contract roles may transition to permanent positions, this is not guaranteed and depends on the organization's needs and the individual's performance.

Is contracting suitable for new pharmacy graduates?  Contracting can be advantageous for new graduates seeking to gain diverse experience quickly; however, they should weigh the pros and cons, including the lack of job security and benefits.

In summary, pharmacy contracting offers a unique blend of flexibility and diverse experiences, appealing to those who prioritize autonomy and varied professional opportunities. However, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks, such as limited benefits and job security, to make an informed career decision.

Ridgemont Resources is a trusted partner in the pharmacy contracting industry, specializing in placing highly qualified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in government and commercial healthcare settings. Our extensive contracting ensures that we are often made aware of new opportunities first.

Candidates love Ridgemont Resources because that they are immediately notified of new openings. As a registered candidate, they are quickly connected to hiring professionals with top-tier opportunities in secure and well-established institutions.

As a GSA contract holder, Ridgemont Resources ensures that the pharmacy professionals are quickly matched with the latest job opportunities.

If you're a licensed pharmacist or pharmacy technician looking for flexible, well-paying opportunities in a growing field, now is the time to explore pharmacy contracting. Register with Ridgemont Resources today at www.ridgemontresources.com to stay informed about upcoming contract positions that fit your qualifications and career goals.

With the continued expansion of contract work in government and commercial pharmacy settings, this is the perfect time to take control of your career. Join the growing network of pharmacy professionals who are leveraging contracting opportunities for greater flexibility, financial rewards, and career growth.

Sign up with Ridgemont Resources now and let us connect you with your next great opportunity!

TULSA, OK January. 19, 2025 // Ainsley’s Angels, a national nonprofit dedicated to promoting inclusion through endurance events, has named Jana Rugg, President of Ridgemont Resources, as its Leader of the Quarter in recognition of her unwavering commitment, inspiring leadership, and hands-on involvement in advancing the organization’s mission.

Rugg’s impact over the past quarter has been nothing short of remarkable. In October, she participated in the Tulsa Run, supported an inclusive event at Circle Cinema for The Power of Sports for Amputees, and honored the memory of an Angel Runner. In November, she spearheaded efforts for the Route 66 event, organizing teams, coordinating expo setup, and even working a water stop to support athletes throughout the massive race. She wrapped up December with even more races, all while staying active on leadership calls and social media, ensuring that Ainsley’s Angels’ mission continued to reach and inspire communities.

“Jana’s leadership is truly inspiring,” said Michelle Smith, VP Ambassador Program at Ainsley’s Angels. “She embodies the spirit of inclusion and service that drives our organization forward.”

Rugg, who leads Ridgemont Resources with the same passion and commitment, expressed gratitude for the recognition. Ainsley’s Angels selected Rugg for her exceptional leadership, community impact, and dedication to creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Ainsley’s Angels is a nationwide nonprofit dedicated to promoting inclusion through running and endurance events, ensuring that athletes of all abilities can race together. The organization pairs ‘Athlete Riders’—children and adults with special needs—with ‘Angel Runners,’ allowing them to experience the excitement of competition firsthand.
In 2017, Tulsa proudly became home to a chapter of Ainsley’s Angels, thanks to the efforts of founding ambassador Jana Rugg. Since then, the chapter has provided countless opportunities for Athlete Riders and their families to be part of the racing community.
For AJ, a 14-year-old Athlete Rider, nothing beats “going fast, crossing the finish line, and getting my bib and medal—just like my family.” Seventeen-year-old Annie eagerly awaits race days, saying, “I love cheering others on as we go past. I enjoy getting medals and hanging them in my room.” Her mother, Adele, shares that the sense of inclusion and community has been transformative for their entire family.
For more information about Ainsley’s Angels and their mission, visit ainsleysangels.org

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” But perhaps it’s more accurate to think of it as, “who knows you.” After all, truly meaningful relationships are built on connection and mutual benefit – not simply name recognition. 
Yet, how often do we intentionally invest time into growing and nurturing mutually beneficial professional networks? From my experience, this overlooked skill can be a game-changer for advancing your career, whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional. 
But what if networking feels overwhelming or doesn’t come naturally to you? Don’t worry—here are a few tips I wish I’d learned earlier. Use them to grow your network and open new opportunities.

Before we discuss how to build your network, let's focus on why it matters.
Building connections isn't just about who you know—it's about who knows you and is willing to advocate for your success. It’s an investment with long-term career dividends.
The right connections often mean the difference between landing a great opportunity and missing out entirely. Many of my clients focus on honing their clinical skills as a path to advance. Understand that building a strong professional network unlocks opportunities and that maximize the value of your investment in hard skills, such as:

• Staying informed about industry trends and opportunities that can shape your career.
• Developing soft skills that enhance workplace success.
• Establishing your personal brand and standing out in the field.
• Gaining access to career resources and growth opportunities.
• Boosting your confidence in showcasing your value.
• Receiving recommendations and referrals that can capture the attention of employers.
  

One mistake I see many people make is approaching networking with a “what can you do for me?” attitude.
My most successful clients don’t think this way. They approach new connections by considering how they can help that person reach their professional goals. As a result, networking feels painless because they are giving and, in the process, creating a mutually beneficial relationship.
Here are a few ways to create connections without ‘networking’:

• Be curious - ask how your peer solved a problem or overcame a challenge.
• Be a resource - offer to be a mentor, or be part of a training team.
• Connect people in your network who might benefit from meeting each other.
• Stay genuine—it’s amazing how far a little authenticity can go.
  

The earlier you start nurturing your network, the better. Don’t wait until you need a job to start creating connections. Start now. Your professional network won’t be built overnight—it requires continual effort.

Networking doesn’t have to feel daunting if you work to place yourself in situations where meaningful interactions happen. Build your professional network through these tried-and-true strategies:

Take small, intentional steps. Your peers today might be hiring managers tomorrow. Make yourself a resource to those around you. Still in school – offer to tutor other students. In the workplace – lead a training team, attend in-person CE sessions, start an afterwork event or organize a volunteer opportunity.

Leverage all your talents. Networking opportunities can arise anywhere, and your workplace may be the most fertile ground. Tying your personal interests to networking can make the experience feel natural and enjoyable. Do you enjoy fitness? Consider starting a walking or jogging group with your colleagues. Or, if reading is your thing, a book club could be the perfect way to connect.  If you create a group, encourage members to invite their professional connections from outside your workplace.
One of my more introverted clients discovered the power of this approach. Her passion for baking led her to bring homemade pastries to work, simply to share her joy with others. Without even realizing it, she was creating connections. Over time, coworkers began stopping by to chat, and she found herself building meaningful relationships across her pharmacy. Even her district manager made it a point to visit on “pastry days,” strengthening an otherwise formal connection into something more personal and productive.
How can you use your unique interests to forge meaningful professional relationships?

Attend in-person professional events regularly. Face-to-face interactions often leave a stronger impression than online exchanges. Events like pharmacy association meetings, CE sessions, and local lunch-and-learns, bring professionals together from various specialties, creating the perfect opportunity to broaden your network. If you’re nervous about introducing yourself, remember that most attendees are there to connect, share ideas, and collaborate too.
Bring your curiosity. Asking questions is the most natural way to connect, and you might leave with valuable insights—and meaningful professional relationships. Feeling overwhelmed? Here are some quick tips to help you approach professional interactions with confidence:

• Come prepared. Research who might be attending, whom you’d like to connect with and what they’re passionate about. Approach those with mutual interests and ask questions. It makes those first interactions much more genuine for you and them.
• Be authentic. Your uniqueness is your strength—embrace it. Avoid pretending to be someone you’re not; people can tell when you’re not being genuine.
  
• Be a great listener. Connecting is more about how well you listen rather than what you say. Take the time to learn about the person you’re speaking with—what they do, what excites them about their field. People remember those who show interest in their story.

Participate in community-based activities. Volunteering or hosting health events at the community level—whether a flu vaccine drive or medication counseling day—can help you meet fellow professionals or even gain exposure to potential mentors. Remember, building a network isn’t just about finding opportunities for yourself—it’s also about adding value for others.

Leverage the power of social media. Social media platforms such as LinkedIn are excellent tools to stay visible in the pharmacy world. Beyond simply “adding connections,” engage with posts from thought leaders or participate in group discussions. Take the time to nurture your connections. Invest a little time each week to review what they’re posting and comment.
Even platforms like Facebook can be helpful for joining pharmacy-related groups where professionals share job updates, industry news, or resources.

Building a professional network as a pharmacist may feel challenging, but it’s one of the most rewarding career investments you can make. Networking allows you to learn fresh ideas, uncover new opportunities, and form meaningful connections as you help each other grow.

Remember, networking is just as much about giving as it is about gaining. Learn how to market who you are, show interest in others, and bring value to the table. Your network is a living, evolving community where you support each other throughout your careers.

If you’re not sure where to start, take small steps. Reach out to one new person this week or attend an upcoming live CE event. The first step may feel intimidating, but once you take it, you’re well on your way to creating connections and building your professional network.

Between 2022 and 2024, some of the biggest chains such as CVS and Walgreens shuttered around 2,100 stores nationwide. The latest trend is consolidation and vertical integration where insurers, healthcare systems or pharmacy chains acquire or merge with other entities along the supply chain, such as wholesalers, distributors, or pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs}. The aim is to reduce competition and boost profits. However, potential corporate gains are often offset by real risks to patients, staff, management and the communities they serve. This article dives into the repercussions of pharmacy consolidation and offers insights into how pharmacists can adapt and thrive in this evolving industry.

Consolidation and vertical integration are reshaping the profession in significant ways and defining the industry. For pharmacists, these changes present both challenges and opportunities.

Wage changes due to consolidation can be a double-edged sword. Consolidation may mean better employment stability at larger organizations with established financial resources. Yet, increased competition for roles within consolidated entities may place downward pressure on wages resulting in:

• Standardization of pay scales: Larger organizations may implement uniform pay structures, potentially reducing earning disparities but capping incomes at a certain level.
• Consolidated bargaining power: Without small business employers setting competitive salaries, pharmacists may have less leverage to negotiate.
• Reduced job markets in specific regions: If independent pharmacies close, pharmacists may face fewer local opportunities, leading to suppressed salary growth.

There’s a concerning lack of licensed pharmacists in the United States—in fact, the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration projects a shortage of nearly 5,000 pharmacists through 2036. Demand for pharmacists is poised to increase about as fast as the average occupation. That said, those specializing in high-demand roles – such as clinical pharmacy, research, or executive-level management – might still see competitive compensation as these positions remain critical to the industry’s growth and evolution.

If you’re willing to adapt and explore new opportunities, pharmacists can position themselves for success in a consolidated marketplace by:

• Upskill for Upward Mobility. Large employers often prioritize professionals with diverse skill sets. Consider pursuing certifications in areas like pharmacogenomics, chronic disease management, or telehealth services to stand out in a competitive job market.
• Explore Leadership Roles. Consolidated entities often offer career paths beyond patient care. Pharmacists with managerial and leadership aspirations can explore roles in operations, corporate strategy, or pharmacy benefit management.
• Join Integrated Healthcare Teams. Consolidation often brings pharmacists closer to interdisciplinary healthcare teams. Seizing this opportunity can allow pharmacists to work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other specialists, delivering more holistic patient care.
• Build a Niche. Though consolidated companies aim for efficiency, there’s always demand for niche expertise. Whether it’s specializing in pediatrics, oncology, or rare diseases, focusing on a niche area can make your skills invaluable within large organizations.
• Be Open to Relocation. Consolidated networks often span multiple locations. While rural communities may face challenges, those open to relocating might find opportunities in fast-growing urban or suburban markets.
  

One of the key debates surrounding consolidation revolves around its impact on the scope of pharmacists' duties. Larger organizations often have greater resources and are better equipped to adopt technological solutions, such as advanced medication management systems and telehealth platforms. These tools could allow pharmacists to shift their focus from administrative tasks toward more clinical roles.
Consolidation also creates opportunities for pharmacists to engage in patient care initiatives that may have been less feasible in smaller or independent pharmacies. For instance:

• Offering comprehensive medication reviews through centralized support systems
• Participating in chronic disease management programs
• Collaborating with healthcare teams within integrated networks

Some worry that consolidated entities may prioritize standardization and efficiency over personalized care, potentially limiting pharmacists’ autonomy in patient interactions. Whether consolidation leads to expanded or restricted scope of practice will largely depend on the corporate culture and priorities of the larger organizations.

Pharmacy consolidation is undoubtedly reshaping the profession, bringing both opportunities and challenges. For pharmacists, adapting to this change involves understanding how to leverage new career paths, using data and technology to enhance patient care, and demonstrating resilience in a shifting industry.

To thrive, pharmacists must stay informed, continually expand their skills, and maintain a focus on what matters most – delivering high-quality care to patients. By doing so, they can help ensure that consolidation serves not just corporate interests but also the well-being of communities and the advancement of the pharmacy profession.

At Ridgemont Resources, we empower pharmacists to reach their full potential by providing top-tier career opportunities and expert guidance. Our solutions are driven by data and analytics, helping our clients achieve their commercial goals while promoting excellence in healthcare. Explore our available positions today and take the first step towards enhancing your pharmacy career.

Excelling in your role requires more than just technical know-how. With rising patient expectations, competitive pressures, and the rapid pace of change, it's crucial to cultivate a core skill set that enhances your professional performance and helps you stand out so that you can control your career growth. Here, we highlight five essential skills that every pharmacy professional should focus on to drive their career forward every day.

Interpersonal skills are vital in the pharmacy setting. You'll frequently interact with patients and a broad range of healthcare professionals. Effective communication that exudes empathy and respect is key. Whether collaborating on care plans or discussing medication details with patients, your ability to build relationships, convey confidence, and approach interactions with a positive demeanor can significantly impact your success. Strong interpersonal skills enable you to foster teamwork and facilitate better healthcare outcomes today and tomorrow.

Few positions are free from the challenges of juggling various responsibilities, but pharmacists take those demands to the next level. From developing medication plans to providing detailed consultations, being organized and adept at managing multiple tasks simultaneously is a must. Multitasking in this context isn't just about doing many things at once—it's about switching between them smoothly and efficiently without compromising on productivity – or alienating those around you in the process. Success in this fast-paced environment depends on your ability to adapt to change and manage your time effectively while communicating effectively with your team.

Accuracy is critical in the pharmaceutical field. Pharmacists must possess a keen eye for detail when entering information, checking prescriptions, and assessing patient progress. Scrutinizing every aspect of the medication process ensures safety and efficacy. Key to career growth is fostering trust with patients and colleagues alike by maintaining that attention to detail even while performing the most innocuous tasks. By doing so you'll enhance your reputation as a reliable and trustworthy professional.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are indispensable for clinical pharmacists. These skills allow you to evaluate patient conditions accurately and develop effective treatment plans. When issues arise with a patient’s treatment, your analytical mindset will help you build confidence among your peers because they know that you can identify and suggest smart, evidence-based alternative solutions. By approaching challenges with a logical perspective, you can make informed decisions that enhance patient care and drive your career success.

Building a robust professional network is crucial for career advancement. Networking opens doors to new career opportunities and keeps you informed about industry developments. Engage actively with peers and mentors, attend industry events, and focus on what you can contribute to others. Meaningful networking involves listening, sharing insights, and leaving a positive impression. By being authentic and attentive, you can cultivate relationships that propel your career forward.

At Ridgemont Resources, we empower pharmacists to reach their full potential by providing top-tier career opportunities and expert guidance. Our solutions are driven by data and analytics, helping our clients achieve their commercial goals while promoting excellence in healthcare. Explore our available positions today and take the first step towards enhancing your pharmacy career.

Pharmacy operations are at a pivotal moment where technological advancements, regulatory changes, evolving patient needs, and shifting workforce expectations converge. For hiring managers, staying abreast of pharmacy recruitment trends is essential for operational efficiency and navigating the growing complexities of patient care.

Let's explore the crucial trends impacting pharmacy staffing and how they are reshaping the pharmacy workforce. You'll also learn how to adapt your recruitment and retention strategies to stay ahead of the competition.

• Shift Towards Clinical Pharmacy Roles and Specialist Skill Sets:   Pharmacists today are expanding beyond traditional medication dispensing roles. They're increasingly involved in clinical pharmacology, medication therapy management (MTM), and chronic disease management. This shift requires deeper clinical pharmacy knowledge and a broader set of skills as pharmacists contribute to diagnostic processes, patient education, and personalized care plans.
• Increased Reliance on Pharmacy Technicians:  To address staffing shortages and redistribute workloads, managers are leveraging pharmacy technicians for a wider range of tasks, including medication reconciliation, immunizations, and inventory management. Regulatory changes support these expanded responsibilities, but they also necessitate additional training and certification.
• The Rise of Remote Jobs:  Advancements in technology have paved the way for remote pharmacy work. Telepharmacy roles are becoming more prevalent, allowing pharmacists to conduct remote medication reviews and patient counseling. This trend expands the talent pool beyond geographical constraints and introduces new dynamics in pharmacy operations and patient care delivery.
• Growing Focus on Patient-Centric Soft Skills:  With the pharmacy's role becoming more patient-centric, the importance of soft skills like communication, collaboration, empathy, critical thinking, and problem-solving has intensified. Pharmacy operations managers are prioritizing these competencies in their hiring and training processes to build trust with patients and manage complex patient needs.
• Evolving Job Expectations of the Pharmacy Workforce:  Increased employee workloads have led to burnout, contributing to a shortage in the pharmacy workforce. Workers are demanding better compensation, work-life balance, continuing education, and recognition. Addressing these demands is crucial for retaining top talent.
  

The changing landscape presents unique challenges in pharmacy recruitment and retention. So what are the key strategies to adapt?

• Competitive Salaries and Benefits:  Offer competitive salaries and benefits that align with the responsibilities of the roles you're hiring for. This will attract candidates looking for supportive and progressive work environments.
• Workplace Culture:  Foster a workplace culture that values flexibility, growth, mental health, and better patient care. A positive culture will help retain top talent and improve overall job satisfaction.
• Training and Developmen:  tInvest in ongoing professional development to cover clinical competencies, technology proficiency, regulatory requirements, and soft skills. Consider initiatives aimed at combating burnout, such as wellness programs, mental health days, stress management techniques, and open forums for staff to voice concerns.
• Operational Adjustments:  Reevaluate your operations and workflows to better accommodate staff and patient needs. Use technology to automate routine tasks, implement shift rotations or flexible scheduling, and ensure pharmacists and technicians can focus on more critical responsibilities.
  

Consulting with specialist pharmacy recruiters can help solve the challenges these trends present. Specialist recruiters offer industry expertise, a vetted talent pool, and powerful negotiation skills to attract top talent faster. They can help streamline the recruitment process, reduce your time to hire, and ensure candidates align with your pharmacy's culture and values.

Specialist pharmacy recruiters are industry expertise with the insights, network and experience to help you attract top talent. And they help you work smarter by navigating the complexities of an evolving workforce with ease and confidence. You’ll have access to a vetted talent pool. From techs to directors and everything in between, pharmacy staffing agencies have a large talent pool. These candidates are fully vetted and often include experienced professionals seeking flexible arrangements or specialized career paths. Regardless of the role, specialist recruiters bring you top candidates that meet technical requirements, align with your pharmacy’s culture and values as well as fill positions with top talent faster.

Pharmacy operations managers who stay informed of trends and adapt to changing workforce expectations will be well-positioned to meet healthcare industry demands. Start by reviewing your current practices, embracing new trends, and considering the value of specialist pharmacy recruiters. By taking a proactive approach, your pharmacy will remain at the forefront of patient care and industry standards.

Want an impressive career trajectory? Ask powerfully purposeful questions. It’s interesting that while Pharmacist job seekers all have specific concerns about each position, they often struggle to ask the truly important questions that help them evaluate if a position aligns with their career goals, personal values, and professional aspirations.
Starting your career in the right environment can often determine your career trajectory. Know that you’ve found a great fit by interviewing your interviewer. Ask insightful questions. Truly listen. Then consider what they are saying – and what they’re not.

1. How does the pharmacy team collaborate and communicate with each other and other departments? Communication is critical to team and personal success. Is it a collaborative or siloed work environment? You should look for signs of effective communication and support among team members. Have the courage to ask for specific examples of how collaboration and communication helped solve a specific problem within the department.
2. Can you provide examples of how the company has implemented employee feedback to improve the work environment?  This question helps determine if the company values employee input and takes action to enhance the workplace. It indicates a culture of continuous improvement and responsiveness to staff needs.
3. How does the company recognize and reward its employees' achievements and contributions?  Understanding the recognition and reward systems can give insight into how much the company values its employees. It’s important to know if hard work and achievements are acknowledged and celebrated.
4. How does the company handle conflicts or disagreements within the team? This question provides insight into the company's approach to conflict resolution and whether they have a supportive and fair process for addressing issues that may arise among staff.
5. What recent changes has the company made in response to the evolving pharmacy industry or healthcare landscape? This question can reveal how proactive and adaptable the company is in staying current with industry trends and challenges, indicating their commitment to innovation and improvement.
6. What do you enjoy most about working here, and what would you change if you could? Asking this question can provide a personal perspective from the interviewer about the pros and cons of working at the company, offering a candid look at the company culture from an insider’s view.
7. What are the key responsibilities and expectations for this pharmacist position? While this may seem like a softball question, what you’re really looking to uncover are any hidden organizational challenges related to structure, workflow and team dynamics. Look for inconsistencies between your interviews. Well structured organizations will have a consistent response from each person that you are interviewing with.
8. What qualifications and skills are most important for this role? Assess how your background aligns with the position by understanding which qualifications, certifications, and skills are required and which are preferred for this position. Follow-up by asking how you compare to other team members. This will provide insights into where you may fit in the team hierarchy and how you may need to approach career growth.
9. What opportunities are available for mentoring within the company? Showing your desire to be a part of internal growth makes a strong impression. Always ask about mentoring opportunities where you can mentor others and find a mentor for yourself. The answer will reveal deep insights into the company culture.
10. What are some examples of career advancement within the company? The response to this question often reveals a lot about the company’s culture and values. Listen for structured development, growth, and support systems. Be cautious if the interviewer is vague or avoids the question. Lack of clarity or examples may suggest limited opportunities and indicate a lack of investment in their employees' long-term success.
11. What are the biggest challenges faced by pharmacists in this role and at this company? Seek to understand potential challenges you might face and how the organization is supporting the people working to overcome these challenges. It’s vital that you determine what issues are and if you’ll be expected to resolve them individually or as a team. Again, listen to what they say, what they don’t say and how they say it. Dig deep by asking follow-up questions that examine details within their answer.
    

These questions will help you make an informed decision about whether the company will offer you fertile ground to grow and achieve your personal and professional goals.

You bet! Take Sarah for example. She came to us after feeling stuck for several years. Advancement and growth simply weren’t part of the company culture. It was a good place to work, and she enjoyed her coworkers, Sarah knew she needed more.

We talked about her goals, and she envisioned her career trajectory. It was clear that growth, learning, and expanding responsibility would be key elements for Sarah to feel challenged and find a path she could truly embrace. After discussing her options, Sarah decided to pursue transitioning into a hospital pharmacy setting. Interviews were set with several hospital systems, and we coached Sarah on how to ‘interview her interviewer’ to uncover the company culture, working styles, and management personality of the pharmacy team so that she could determine which hospital system might be the best fit for her and provide the professional growth and collaborative environment that she needed.

Sarah was nervous at first. It was a new approach. Turning the tables by asking firm, insightful questions can be tough. After her first interview Sarah called to share what happened, “I can’t believe it. It felt like I was losing the interview. The hiring manager wasn’t really engaged. Then I started asking questions and the hiring manager really opened up!” Sarah went on, “I think we hit it off. I learned that pharmacists regularly participate in interdisciplinary meetings with doc’s and nurses. And, they have a mentorship program for new hires! She even told me about some issues they’ve had and how they’re working through them.”

Sarah gained more confidence and sailed through interviews we set up with a few other health systems. In the end, she felt reassured by the responses she received in her first interview, pursued the opportunity and got the job.

We followed up with Sarah one year after she accepted her hospital pharmacy position and her experience reflected the importance of asking the right questions during her job interview.

Sarah found her experience one year into her new role: Company Culture and Values:  Sarah found that the hospital’s commitment to patient-centered care and teamwork was not just talk during the interview but a genuine part of the day-to-day operations. The values she had been drawn to were evident in how her colleagues interacted with each other and with patients. The culture promoted open communication and inclusivity, making Sarah feel like a valued member of the team from day one.

Professional Development: The hospital lived up to its promise of supporting professional development. Sarah attended several workshops and conferences, enhancing her skills and expanding her professional network. She also pursued a specialized certification in clinical pharmacy, which the hospital not only supported but also partially funded. The access to learning opportunities exceeded her expectations and kept her engaged and motivated in her role. Sarah is in consideration of being promoted to a Clinical Pharmacy Specialist role, where she’ll focus specifically on serving oncology patients. Working towards her promotion, Sarah has taken on some leadership responsibilities, helping her mentor oversee a team of pharmacists and pharmacy technicians by training new staff members and facilitating team meetings.

Work-Life Balance: The hospital’s focus on maintaining work-life balance was a significant factor in Sarah's job satisfaction. Flexible scheduling allowed her to manage her work hours effectively, reducing stress and preventing burnout. The organization’s efforts to ensure manageable workloads were particularly beneficial during the flu season when demands increased. Sarah appreciated the hospital's understanding of personal commitments, which contributed to her overall well-being.

Collaboration and Communication:  Sarah experienced firsthand the hospital's collaborative environment, which had been a selling point during her interview. Interdisciplinary meetings facilitated effective communication between pharmacists, doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. This collaboration not only improved patient outcomes but also fostered a sense of community among staff. The mentorship program has been very rewarding. Not only is Sarah working with a mentor, she’s found that mentoring younger pharmacists incredibly rewarding too.

Sarah observed the hospital’s commitment to acting on employee feedback. The administration conducted regular surveys and held town hall meetings to discuss suggestions and concerns. This resulted in tangible improvements, such as upgrading the pharmacy’s technology systems and enhancing employee break areas. Sarah felt that her voice mattered and appreciated the organization's dedication to continuous improvement.

Personal Reflections:  Sarah’s thoughtful approach to assessing the company culture paid off, resulting in a successful transition to a new role where she felt supported, challenged, and valued. Her positive experience is a powerful example of how aligning personal values with organizational culture can lead to long-term job satisfaction and career fulfillment.

Interviewing your interviewer is a powerfully purposeful approach to evaluating company culture that lays the groundwork for a successful and fulfilling career.  Sarah's journey exemplifies the importance of aligning personal values with organizational culture, demonstrating how this alignment can lead to sustained job satisfaction, professional growth, and positive contributions to patient care and the pharmacy profession.
It's never too late to direct your career towards an upward trajectory. We hope that you’ll use this article to inspire your journey and navigate your pharmacist career path with intention and purpose.

Are you a ‘Toxic Handler’ – the manager finds themselves bearing the pain and complex emotions of your staff? A recent study showed that leaders help their coworkers with personal issues and worries nearly as frequently as they help with work-related matters. However, shouldering this emotional load is not equally distributed but falls disproportionately on select leaders that tend to notice when staff are distressed and understand how that often diminishes their performance and collaboration.

Leading in today's work environment is emotionally demanding, especially when supporting your team's well-being. If you share this struggle, check out this article from our friends at the Harvard Business Review that discusses 5 proven strategies you can use to help you and your team excel without burning out: Leading Effectively When Your Team Offloads Their Stress onto You

Picture this: A bustling hospital pharmacy, its staff orchestrating a delicate ballet of prescriptions and patient care. Behind this seamless operation lies a carefully curated team that embodies not only clinical competence but also the spirit of compassionate service. But how do you assemble such a team? Knowing that finding the right professional is both a challenge and a critically strategic move, how do you navigate the labyrinth of credentials, personalities, and organizational culture?

Enter the specialist pharmacy recruiter. These unsung heroes operate at the intersection of talent acquisition and industry insight to help you overcome the challenge and critical strategic step of finding the right professionals to fill pharmacy positions. Whether you’re seeking a seasoned pharmacist, a skilled technician, or a visionary executive to lead your team, the journey begins with recruitment. And that’s precisely where specialist pharmacy recruiters’ step onto the stage.

Their mission? To match the right candidate with the right role, seamlessly bridging the gap between impressive credentials and compassionate care. Let’s explore why their role is pivotal in shaping the pharmacy landscape.

The Art and Science of Matching
Experienced hiring managers know that recruitment isn’t merely about posting job listings and sifting through resumes. It’s a symphony of skills, qualifications, and cultural alignment. Specialist pharmacy recruiters wield a finely tuned baton, coordinating all the players with finesse. Here’s how:
Navigating the Pharmacy Ecosystem: These recruiters understand the pharmacy ecosystem like seasoned cartographers. They know the difference between a compounding pharmacist and a clinical pharmacist, between a retail pharmacy technician and a hospital-based one. Their knowledge ensures precision in candidate selection.

Finding Unsung Heroes: Not all stars shine on job boards. Some remain hidden, content in their current roles. Specialist recruiters venture beyond the obvious, tapping into their networks, attending conferences, and whispering to the winds of professional associations. They unearth those hidden gems—the passionate pharmacist who dreams of clinical research or the technician with an uncanny knack for automation.
Beyond Credentials: Sure, credentials matter—the PharmD, the certifications, the years of experience. But what about the intangibles? The pharmacist who calms anxious patients with a smile, the technician who troubleshoots a malfunctioning IV pump at 3 a.m.? Specialist recruiters delve into the soul of pharmacy, seeking those who embody its ethos.

Industry Expertise and Understanding
Pharmacy recruiters specialize in understanding the nuances of the pharmacy sector. They know the ins and outs of the industry, including the specific roles, responsibilities, and qualifications required for different positions. Whether you’re looking for a pharmacy technician, a pharmacist, or an executive, these recruiters have a deep understanding of what makes a successful candidate in this field.

Efficient Matching Process
Pharmacy recruiters are adept at efficiently matching the right candidate with the right position. They have a network of qualified professionals and can quickly identify individuals who meet your organization’s needs. This saves you time and effort in sifting through numerous applications and conducting extensive interviews. Their expertise ensures that you’re presented with candidates who are a good fit for your specific requirements.

Access to a Wider Talent Pool
Specialist recruiters have access to a broader talent pool than what you might find through traditional job postings. They actively seek out passive candidates (those not actively looking for jobs) and tap into their networks. This means you’ll have access to candidates who might not be actively applying but could be an excellent fit for your organization.

Focused Screening and Vetting
Pharmacy recruiters conduct thorough screenings and vetting processes. They verify credentials, certifications, qualifications, and attitude. This ensures that the professionals you hire have the necessary skills and are a cultural fit for your organization. Their multilevel screening process gives you confidence in the quality of the candidates they present.

Tailored Recruitment Campaigns
When you need to fill specialized roles (such as management or executive positions), pharmacy recruiters can create targeted recruitment campaigns. For example, if you’re looking for a Director of Pharmacy for a small hospital, they can focus their efforts on reaching out to relevant candidates in that specific niche. This personalized approach increases the chances of finding the right match.

Navigating Salary Negotiations
Recruiters can assist in salary negotiations. They understand market rates, industry standards, and can help strike a fair deal for both parties. Having an intermediary who can handle these discussions can be invaluable, especially for executive positions where compensation packages can be complex.

Retention Strategies
Good pharmacy recruiters don’t just stop at placement; they also help with retention. They understand the factors that contribute to employee satisfaction and can provide insights on creating a positive work environment. Retaining skilled professionals is crucial for the long-term success of your pharmacy team.

Wrapping Up
Partnering with a specialist pharmacy recruiter streamlines your hiring process, ensures access to top talent, and increases the likelihood of finding the right fit for your organization. Whether you’re filling technician, pharmacist, management, or executive positions, their expertise can make a significant difference in building a strong pharmacy team just as a conductor optimizes a symphony. They harmonize talent, culture, and purpose, creating an ensemble that hits just the right notes. So, the next time you see a pharmacy team working seamlessly, remember the unseen hands of the hiring team that put the right people in the right places.

What are your greatest hiring challenges? Get in touch with our pharmacy recruiters today.

Transitioning into pharmacy management is a significant career leap. I’ve been fortunate to help many of my client’s level up their career and noticed that the quickest climbers always have a long list of questions and concerns. Starting off on the right foot requires the ability to graciously learn from mistakes (yours and others) as you navigate your new role. Here are 6 tips to make that happen:

1. Show Appreciation:  Showing gratitude by acknowledging individual and team efforts pays huge dividends. Employees who feel valued and recognized are more likely to perform well and foster a motivated work environment.
2. Delegate Responsibilities: Effective managers reduce stress and improve team productivity by trusting employees with additional responsibilities. You’ll find that your team feels more fulfilled in their job and the workload is better managed.
3. Communicate Regularly: No matter how busy your team is, regular staff meetings are crucial for communication and alignment. Use this time to discuss goals, brainstorm ideas, and recognize your team's achievements. Keeping everyone on the same page improves efficiency and morale.
4. Maintain Composure: Mistakes happen. Great managers avoid focusing on who is at fault. They stay calm and solution-oriented because they understand that addressing problems constructively and learning from them ensures long-term team success.  
5. Stay Ahead of the Curve: Great managers stay informed about industry developments and help their team do the same. Build a reputation for excellence by researching current trends, attending conferences, embracing technology and continually seeking ways to enhance patient care.

Embracing this new position with the right mindset and strategies is essential for long-term success. By showing appreciation, delegating responsibilities, maintaining regular communication, staying composed under pressure, and keeping up with industry advancements, you can effectively lead your team and foster a positive work environment. Remember, the journey to becoming a great manager is a continuous process of learning and adapting.

Congratulations on your promotion! Best of luck as you embark on this exciting new chapter.

Retaining top pharmacy talent is a significant workforce challenge. More than simply keeping people happy, strategic retention efforts build better outcomes for patients, staff, the organization itself and the communities they serve.
Organizations that prioritize employee retention reap compounding rewards through a more stable workforce and report up to 30% higher productivity and 21% greater profitability.

Often thought of as proof of loyalty, retention is more accurately described as an organization’s ability to foster employee loyalty.
While specialist pharmacy recruiters play an essential role in identifying and attracting top talent, retention is the responsibility of pharmacy employers. Specialist recruiters are experts in sourcing and vetting highly qualified candidates in the pharmacy sector.
Finding candidates with the necessary qualifications is only one aspect of a specialty recruiters’ role. Assessing a candidate’s compatibility with an employer’s culture and values is often overlooked. This careful matching process ensures that candidates presented to an employer are not just skilled but also a good fit for the organization and likely to become a long-term employee.

Comprehensive employee retention programs build more stable and productive workforce resulting in more efficient, effective and profitable operations. Here are some key advantages:

• Reduced Turnover Costs:  The cost of replacing an employee can range from 50% to 200% of their annual salary. By focusing on retention, organizations can significantly reduce these costs. This includes:
  
• Improved Employee Morale and Engagement:  A stable workforce tends to be more engaged and motivated. When employees see that their colleagues are staying with the organization, it fosters a sense of stability and trust. High retention rates contribute to enhanced team cohesion, increased job satisfaction and higher engagement.
  
• Increased Organizational Knowledge and Expertise: Long-term employees accumulate valuable knowledge and expertise. Retaining these employees helps maintain institutional knowledge and enhance problem-solving efficiency.
  
• Better Organizational Performance:  Retention directly impacts an organization's overall performance. A stable and experienced workforce boosts productivity through more consistent quality and performance efficiency.
  
• Enhanced Employer Brand and Recruiting:  Organizations known for high employee retention often enjoy a stronger employer brand. Top talent is attracted through positive reputation and word-of-mouth referrals that reduce recruiting headwinds.
  
• Improved Financial Performance:  Combined, these benefits contribute to lower operational costs, increased revenue and higher profit margins.

Pharmacy employee retention programs benefit patients and the community in several significant ways, contributing to improved healthcare outcomes, enhanced service quality, and overall community well-being. Here are the key benefits:

• More Consistent Care:  Patients who see the same pharmacist regularly are more likely to trust their advice and feel comfortable discussing their health concerns. Patients are 19% more likely to adhere to their medication regimens when they have a consistent relationship with their pharmacist
• Enhanced Patient Education and Counseling:  Pharmacists who know their patients well can offer tailored advice that considers the patient's unique health needs and lifestyle. Patients who have a regular pharmacist are 31% more likely to seek advice on medications and health issues resulting in an increase of a patients' understanding of their medications by up to 25%
  
• Higher Quality of Service:  Pharmacies with low turnover rates have a 20% higher average customer satisfaction score compared to those with higher turnover rates. Experienced pharmacists often manage their workload more efficiently, ensuring that patients receive timely care and more accurate dispensing. In fact, pharmacists with longer tenure are associated with a 50% reduction in dispensing errors.
• Stronger Community Health Outcomes:  Consistent pharmacist-patient interactions can lead to a 13% improvement in chronic disease management metrics in the community. Pharmacies with established staff are better equipped to lead and participate in public health initiatives, such as vaccination drives, health screenings, and disease prevention programs which foster a more health-conscious population.
• Economic Stability and Growth:  Pharmacies with low turnover rates are more likely to invest in community health programs and partnerships, furthering their positive impact on local health and economy.
  

While recruiters excel at finding talented candidates, retaining these professionals is a different challenge that falls to the employers. Improving pharmacy staff retention is essential for maintaining a stable, productive, and high-quality workforce. Here are some tips to help achieve this that hospital and local pharmacies have used to retain and attract top talent:

• Community Involvement: Encourage and support pharmacists' involvement in community health initiatives and professional organizations.
• Team Activities: Organize social events and activities to build camaraderie and a sense of belonging among staff.
• Employee Recognition Programs: Implement recognition programs that highlight individual and team achievements within the community and the organization.

By implementing these strategies, pharmacy employers can create a supportive and engaging work environment that promotes retention, job satisfaction, and overall employee well-being.

Investing in pharmacy employee retention is not only a smart business decision but also a vital contribution to public health and community vitality. Benefits that extend well beyond the immediate workplace.
Retention programs build a loyal, skilled, and motivated workforce that contribute significantly to long-term success through improved operational efficiency while simultaneously enhancing patient care, improving health outcomes, and helping community health initiatives all flourish under the stability provided by effective retention strategies.

Hiring the best pharmacy candidates before your competitors can scoop them up is a big challenge. Leverage these 7 tips pharmacy hiring managers can use to streamline time-to-hire:
Hiring the best pharmacy candidates before your competitors can scoop them up is a big challenge for hiring managers. Move your best candidates through the hiring process faster with less stress for both yourself and candidates by leveraging these 7 tips:

1. Personalize your discussions. Invest time learning a bit about the candidates’ aspirations. Establishing how your opportunity aligns with the candidate creates a personal connection that often slows their pursuit of competitive opportunities.
2. Define hiring timelines & communicate often. Nothing is more frustrating and off-putting to candidates than lack of communication. Ease their apprehension by outlining a clear schedule for interviews, screening, feedback, decisions, offers and start dates.
3. Clearly articulate the details. We're all familiar with fear of the unknown. Comprehensive information about the job, benefits, start date, hours, co-workers, and any other expectations will keep your position firmly in job seekers’ sights.
   
4. Create urgency. Let them know they're a desired candidate and the importance of hiring in by the established start date.
   
5. Give them bragging points. Highlighting what's unique about your culture, benefits and professional development opportunities to get a leg up on the competition. 
6. Embrace them with enthusiasm. Compel candidates to want the opportunity you're presenting by warmly engaging them. Follow-up emails thanking them for their time or asking a clarifying question are a great way to bring the point home.
7. Partner with a specialist pharmacy recruiter. Save time and maximize your resources by bringing in a recruiting firm exclusively dedicated to serving the pharmacy industry. You'll get access to a vast talent pool, be able to focus your time on only the most qualified candidates and won't have to waste time training a generalist on industry standards.

Behavioral or situational interview questions can be tough. Surprisingly, it’s my most intelligent and qualified pharmacist, management and director-level clients that feel they struggle the most.
Candidates fade in these critical moments - not because they lack qualifications or experience – but because they failed to connect with their audience. It’s common for them to tell me they felt they were droning on and lost the interviewer’s attention or the point they were trying to make.

Behavioral or situational interview questions are your opportunity to create a lasting impression. They showcase your skills and provide the opportunity for you to shine, casting a shadow on other candidates.

Be unforgettable in your next pharmacy, management or director interview by preparing 3-4 stories that leverage 6 core storytelling elements: be articulate, be on point, be relatable, be concise, be engaging and be prepared for follow-up questions.

Turn your experiences into crisp, clear and relatable stories that build instant rapport. These might tell of how you worked with demanding personalities, helped patients better self-manage medications, solved a big problem, or improved processes. Knowing exactly how you will approach common situational questions will help you stay calm and focused. Here’s how:

BE ARTICULATE
Articulating your answer under pressure can be tough. Proven structures such as the STAR or CARL method will help ensure effective communication. CARL stands for Context, Action, Result, and Learning.  The STAR answer format stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.
Both methods are similar. The CARL method emphasizes behaviors and learning. The STAR method is focuses on the task and result. Which method is best for you depends on the context of the interview. If you are speaking to a generalist without expertise in the job you’re interviewing for, the CARL method is more likely to create connection and engage their interest. However, if you interview is focused more on your technical capabilities, the STAR method may be best. Either way, be prepared to present your story with both methods. That way you’re never caught off-guard.

BE ON POINT
Your first objective is to capture their attention. The best way to accomplish that is by ensuring that your story answers the question the interviewer is asking. Accomplish this with the simple technique of repeating the question in the first sentence of your story. For example:
Q: What would you do if a senior physician disagrees with your medication recommendation?
A: The situation that comes to mind first involved Dr. Smith at Vance Regional. We’re great friends now but, we had a tricky situation just after I started when she didn’t agree with...

BE RELATABLE
Relatability is about making your interviewer comfortable. There are two key factors you must consider for your answer to be consistently relatable.

1. Speak in your audience’s language. Tailor your response to the person(s) you are speaking to. Use words, phrasing and jargon that is comfortable to them. Avoid things that may be foreign or outside their comfort zone.
2. Make sure that your story includes the emotions people are feeling within the experience you are describing. Consider something like, "I felt (shared feeling) when (event) happened, because (supporting details)."

BE CONCISE
Articulate a complete response quickly. Behavioral or situational questions should be answered in 2-minutes (Tell me about a challenging experience with patient immunization). Introductory questions should be answered in 30-90 seconds (What made you decide to become a pharmacist?).
Concise answers help ensure that you hold the interviewer’s attention and focus your story on a single, powerful key takeaway. It also demonstrates your ability to simplify complex information and prioritize details.  

BE ENGAGING
Great storytelling engages the audience. Accomplish this by asking for feedback. By doing so you’ll change the dynamic and be perceived as a stronger candidate.
Look for the interviewer to visibly relax. Why? Because you’re creating a two-way conversation that instantly establishes rapport and puts yourself on a more equal footing with the interviewer. You’ve given them permission to voice concerns, gained the opportunity to address any concerns, demonstrated your coachability and created a learning opportunity for you and your interviewer.

BE PREPARED
Thoughtful and specific answers to probing follow-up questions helps the interviewer verify your answer, better understand why you chose a certain course of action, what alternatives you considered, and what assumptions you may have made. Expect to be asked how you felt and how you communicated before, during and after the situation you are discussing.
Take a moment to reflect before responding. Think about what the interviewer really wants to know. Follow-ups aid in evaluating behaviors and attitudes that may impact your performance or fit within the team.

CONCLUSION
Once you learn the keys to effective storytelling, you’ll cut through competitive clutter and impress interviewers with an understanding of what makes you special. Anyone can by learn to be an engaging storyteller. And, it’s a skill you’ll use far beyond the interview room.
Need more help? Reach out to @Jana Rugg. I’d love to help you smash your next interview and take your career further than you may think possible.

Are you the person that struggles to make professional connections? Maybe you feel that you missed out on opportunities that would have been ideal for your career growth?  While you may not believe it, networking is a skill that you can develop and leverage to maximize your career potential.

Professional growth isn’t about what or who you know - it’s who knows you and what they say about you that is truly important.

Making introductions happen can be a tall order or the introverts among us. You have to step outside of your comfort zone to find the magic. By developing and nurturing professional relationships you can create a supportive community that encourage you, guides you, helps you and reveals opportunities that you never knew existed.

Networking is more than building a list of contacts. It allows you to create long-term relationships that help both of you grow professionally. Think about it, the smartest or hardest working people are not necessarily the ones who advance, right? Why, because people tend to refer and hire the people that they are most comfortable with. Skills matter. Relationships matter more.

First let's eliminate the myth that extroverts are better networkers compared to introverts. It's simple not true. Extroverts may capture more contacts faster, but even the most shy and introverted people can learn to develop connections effectively. Networking is a skill that anyone can develop.

Believe it or not, introverts may be more effective at building connections. According to author Jamie Flinchbaugh, "Networking isn't about collecting names, it is about connection. Introverts don't bother with meaningless connections, only meaningful ones." A recent study from Lehigh University backed that assertion up when it found that regardless of age, gender, career stage, or level of extroversion or introversion, networking skills can be developed to accelerate your career. Here’s how:

Anyone can become a successful networker. Lean into these tips to level-up your networking skills, build relationships and grow your pharmacy career to its full potential.

Are you burned out? What are the signs? And what’s the best way to prevent it? To find out, ask yourself:

In my experience, the best way to prevent pharmacy burnout is to be proactive. Speak up. It’s very likely some of your coworkers also have similar feelings, and talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can help. Talk to your manager, too. If they don’t know how you feel, nothing will ever change.

Perhaps the best way to prevent burnout is to choose the type of practice and employer wisely.  The last thing you want to do is feel stuck in a pharmacy setting that doesn’t feel rewarding or challenging, or working for an employer who doesn’t treat you well.  Sometime a change is what you need to reinvigorate your career.  Reach out to me at [email protected].  I’d love to hear about what you are going through and hopefully help you find opportunities that could be a better fit. 

📌 Want to level up your career performance? Follow @Jana Rugg for top tips to help pharmacy owners, managers & directors, staff& clinical pharmacists, Pharmacy techs and intake specialists' level up!

People appreciate the positive vibes great leaders bring to the workplace. Listening to my clients share their experiences has given me greater appreciation for how the 'little things' make a huge impact. Here are a few of the 'Green Flags' that great leaders of all levels share:

What characteristics have you found most endearing  in leaders you’ve worked with? Share your comments below. Be sure to tag those that have made a positive difference for you and make their day️!

📌 Want to level up your career performance? Follow @Jana Rugg for top tips to help pharmacy owners, managers & directors, staff& clinical pharmacists, Pharmacy techs and intake specialists' level up!

Over my 20 years as a Pharmacist recruiter I noticed that my happiest clients all put 6 key habits to work finding the perfect position. You can too. Check out these 6 key habits my happiest clients have used to find the perfect position.
 
1. Expand your network and work it.Personal referrals are hands-down the most effective way to find a fantastic job. Hiring managers are always more comfortable when a candidate is referred by someone in their network. Engage your colleagues, coworkers, friends and family. Ask them about their experiences. Update your Linked In profile and make new connections. It's a small world, you will be surprised at the connections you will find with little effort.
PRO TIP: Keep networking through your interview process. Ask around to see if anyone knows people who work at a particular company that you could talk to. You can gain amazing insights.
 
2. Seek out references and keep communication openIt may come as a surprise, but people will agree to be a reference and not provide a favorable recommendation on your behalf. Always make sure to verify the reference is willing to provide a favorable letter of recommendation.
 
In addition, it is important that your references have a reasonable relationship with you and the lines of communication remain open. From my experience, your future employer will do one or more of the following: call your references to get a verbal referral, email a questionnaire for the references to fill out, or request a formal letter of reference. As you go through your search process, it will be important that you respect the time of your references by keeping them aware of what may be requested of them.
PRO TIP: Keep your references in the loop by updating them periodically about who might reach out to them. Be sure to avoid sending too many emails their way.
3. Write down your five and ten-year goalsKnowing what you want is the key to finding happiness. While you may think you understand what your goals are, you may be surprised at what this exercise reveals. Goals will guide your job search. I recommend adding both professional and personal goals so that you know what work-life balance really means to you.
PRO TIP: After writing your goals, discuss them with a trusted mentor. You'll gain insight into what you really want - and don't want - in a position.
4. Be patient and stay organizedEveryone is busy and you may not hear back for weeks or months. Hiring decisions take time and there are a lot of factors beyond your control or the control of the pharmacy administrators looking for new employees.
I recommend for you to create a document or folder for every job you've applied to that contains all the other pertinent information and a list of exactly what you've submitted so that you will not have to keep looking it up.
PRO TIP:  Check your junk mail daily and contact human resources if you think something is amiss.
 
5. Take advantage of specialty job boardsThere are specialty job boards like RidgemontResources.com focused solely on PharmD so that you don't waste your time sifting through jobs you'll never want. Next, go to the institutional websites of the companies you want to work for and try searching their “jobs” section - sometimes you will find jobs not yet posted elsewhere.
PRO TIP: Be on top of new openings and apply fast! Often job postings have a cap on the number of applications.
 
6. Be proactive and go after what you want.Usually job applications will first go to human resources, get screened and potentially stuck. Write a short, polite well-constructed email directly to the hiring manager or director. Avoid selling yourself. Express your intentions and thank them for the opportunity.
PRO TIP: Less is more. Be brief and express gratitude for the opportunity.
 
For many the first job out of school may not seem like a “dream job” but every job has unique potential. My happiest clients all seem to know the same thing, "the grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but you know what, the grass is also greener where you water it.”
 
I hope these points helped you out, good luck!

Being a strong employee isn’t just about your work – it’s about how you, as a person, make others feel. Here are the 10 characteristics I’ve found that the highest performing pharmacists have in common. As you prepare for your interviews, think about how you can stand apart from your competition by illustrating your most appealing character traits.
High performers:

1. Treat everyone equally.
2. Look beyond the numbers and focus on human outcomes.
3. Listen before they speak.
4. Lead others in all situations.
5. Avoid blame and gossip.
6. Focus on solutions, first.
7. Encourage their colleagues' progression.
8. Fight against micromanagement.
9. Are open and adaptable to fresh ideas.

Constantly seek learning opportunities.

Workforce shortages present serious challenges for pharmacies. Pharmacists are frustrated by expanding roles, responsibilities and how understaffing may put patients at risk. Record high sign-on bonuses and salaries are not solving the problem. And, retail pharmacy chains seem ambivalent to the issues. When will chain pharmacies begin treating staff as people and how will they leverage technology to better serve patients and staff?  Read on to learn why this is happening and when the staffing conundrum might be resolved.

Why is This Happening?
The pharmacy business model is changing.

Pharmacy retail chains are staking their future on expanding the health care services they offer. Thousands of community pharmacies are disappearing as retail chains acquire each other, close stores, reduce store hours and lay off staff.  Pharmacists and technicians are required to perform expanding duties with less support and longer hours. And prescription fill volumes are only increasing as are the services performed by retail pharmacies. Fewer pharmacies are fulfilling growing demand and pharmacy staff are getting squeezed from all directions.
It’s unsustainable. It’s dangerously irresponsible. Pharmacists and technicians are fed up.

Talent Drain
It’s getting harder to draw the next generation of pharmacists amid an industry in turmoil.
As front-line providers, pharmacists bear the harsh burden of change. Bled Tanow, a former Walgeens pharmacist agreed saying, pharmacists “carry the weight of the pharmacy on their shoulders.”
The once-revered community pharmacist role has been diluted over the years.  The perception and desirability of the profession has declined, and the talent pipeline is dwindling accordingly. Graduation rates and applications to pharmacy schools are in steady decline. There's been a steady drop in applications to pharmacy schools, falling 64% from nearly 100,000 in 2012 to about 36,000 in 2022, according to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Breaking Point
Understaffing fuels pharmacy staff burn-out and put patients at risk. Pharmacists, administrators and advocacy groups are ringing the alarm bells.
Around the country pharmacy staff have staged walkouts to raise awareness of harsh working conditions that make it difficult to safely fill prescriptions and the danger this poses for patients. A New York Times article highlighted the pressure on pharmacy staff to do more with much less. “It was so mentally taxing,” said Dr. Poole, a Tuscaloosa retail chain pharmacist. “Every day, I was like: I hope I don’t kill anyone.”

Workload Demands
Chain pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens appear to ignore concerns, consistently slashing staffing levels while saddling front-line workers with an expanding list of additional duties. A 2022 APhA survey showed that nearly 75% of respondents felt they did not have enough time to safely perform clinical duties and patient care.
When faced with inquiries from the media or regulatory bodies, chain pharmacies often attribute their challenges to the impact of COVID-19 and assert that the data they are scrutinized for is outdated. However, this explanation falls short in addressing the persistent issue of understaffing. Despite the closure of hundreds of community pharmacies over the past decade, there remains a pool of qualified pharmacists and technicians seeking employment opportunities. The discrepancy between the available workforce and the ongoing understaffing raises pertinent questions about the dynamics within chain pharmacies.
Retail stores often operate with just one pharmacist behind the counter for a 12-hour shift. A USA TODAY investigation revealed that 10 years ago a pharmacy might have had two pharmacists and six pharmacy technicians filling an average of 500 prescriptions a day.  Today that same store may have half the staff and a higher prescription volume – plus an endless flow of vaccine appointments, rapid tests and patient consultation calls.
It’s a recipe for disaster. “Pharmacists are so overwhelmed and worried that they’re going to make a mistake. It’s so easy to make a mistake under those conditions,” said Shane Jerominski, a pharmacy labor advocate who spent a decade working at chain pharmacies including Walgreens and now manages an independent pharmacy.
Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are often on the front lines, dealing with an ever-increasing workload. The expansion of services offered by pharmacies, such as vaccinations and patient monitoring, has not been matched with adequate pharmacy staffing, leading to burnout and publicized staff walkouts.
“The primary reason is our concern for public safety,” said Corey Schneider, one of the CVS pharmacists who participated in the Kansas City walkout. “It’s also about basic decency. Pharmacists shouldn’t have to cry at work or go home worried that they made a mistake.”
One CVS pharmacist reported that as CVS first began to cut staff, they budgeted additional staff hours. But that soon ended and the increased volume became part of the normal daily workload. She often found herself filling one prescription every minute and a half over the course of a 13-hour shift.

Real-Life Consequences
Perils linked to understaffing are undeniable. Persistent understaffing and mandated quotas in pharmacies jeopardize patients and staff. Hazardous working conditions lead to burnout and exacerbate the risk of serious errors. The dangers are real. The consequences can be grave.
A 2022 survey conducted by the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) showed that 91.4 per cent of pharmacy staff experienced burnout because of understaffing, high workloads, high expectations, low wages, and productivity quotas. In the long run, understaffing can negatively impact the health and well-being of pharmacy staff.
The results of staff shortages can range from mild patient inconveniences to harmful medication incidents. In many cases, pharmacy errors due to unsustainable workloads have had significant consequences. A Virginia Beach a customer ended up in the ER after receiving an antibiotic despite a known history of not tolerating the drug. “The pharmacists cannot properly concentrate because they have so much to do,” said Kristopher Ratliff, a member of Virginia’s Board of Pharmacy. In Florida, an 85-year-old died after a Publix pharmacy dispensed a chemotherapy drug instead of the antidepressant she was prescribed.
Health dangers aren’t limited to patients. Ashleigh Anderson suffered a heart attack while working a shift at a CVS store in Seymour, Indiana, in September 2021. Anderson was the only pharmacist on duty the day she died. Direct statistics are murky at best but a recent study reveals that pharmacists are at higher risk of suicide - at an approximate rate of 20 per 100,000 pharmacists compared to 12 per 100,000 in the general population.

What’s the Pharmacy Staffing Solution?
Chain pharmacies initially responded with financial incentives. It hasn’t worked. While financial incentives like sign-on bonuses are attractive, they fail to address deeper retail pharmacy issues such as job satisfaction, work-life balance, and long-term career prospects. Bonuses can create a culture of transience, where individuals hop from job to job in pursuit of the next bonus, rather than committing to a particular employer or community. And, they fail to provide long-term solution.

Critial Thinking
To address these challenges, pharmacy chains must rethink their approach to staffing. Young people have to see pharmacy as a viable career path. This includes creating a more sustainable work environment, offering better support and career development opportunities, and re-establishing the role of the pharmacist as a respected and integral part of the healthcare system.
A holistic approach that addresses the root causes of dissatisfaction and burnout is essential for attracting and retaining the dedicated professionals needed to keep our communities healthy.

Pharmacists are People Too
Pharmacy staff gets yelled at. A lot. Pharmacies are usually the last stop for weary, frustrated and overwhelmed patients. Often staff literally feel patients’ pain.
Most patients don’t really understand what goes in to filling a prescription. It’s more than taking pills from a big bottle and putting them into a smaller bottle. Pharmacists are charged with assessing what medications a customer is taking, ensuring that there will be no adverse interactions and advise them about side effects and best practices.
Retail chains must establish an environment where pharmacists and technicians:

• Are set-up for positive patient interactions.
• Work in fully staffed and supported environments.
• Have safe and quota-free workloads.
• Feel confident they are providing quality patient care with every script filled.
• Feel heard and are encouraged to discuss and solve workplace issues with management.

 
Technology Solutions
With pharmacy-school applicants shrinking and the current workforce pool drying up, retail chains see a future filled with automation and remote processing. The sad reality is that the workforce shortage is likely to worsen. Technology can help retail pharmacies weather the talent shortage today while improving safety, efficiency and patient interactions moving forward.
Retail pharmacies can improve pharmacy working conditions and customer experiences through a variety of systems designed to:

• Reduce fulfillment time.
• Eliminate dispensing errors.
• Improve inventory visibility.
• Eliminate human monitoring.
• Streamline clerical tasks.

Virtual verification technologies can help reduce prescription fulfillment delays. Prescriptions can be verified by a remote pharmacist working miles away. The highly secure technology solution complies with state laws and is a game changer for retail stores, helping prevent delays and reduce the workload for on-site staff.
An estimated 68% of medication errors occur during administration. Digital drug dispensing systems (DDS) are capable of nearly eliminating errors while simultaneously accelerating prescription processing. And these systems reduce pharmacists’ stress while freeing them up to spend more time on tasks that require human interaction such as patient consultations.
Automating medication inventory management directly impacts patient safety, satisfaction, and outcomes. And reduces pharmacy staff workload by virtually eliminating manual, error-prone methods, such as “eyeballing the bottle,” to capture inventory levels.  Automated systems accurately and efficiently support chain-wide inventory counts, forecasting, and replenishment.

Conclusion
Healthcare industry stakeholders must address the critical issue of pharmacy understaffing before more lives are put at risk. The time to act is now.
It is imperative that we heed the warnings of pharmacists, administrators, and advocacy groups to prevent burnout and protect patients. Only through concerted efforts and systemic changes can we ensure the safe dispensing of medications and the well-being of pharmacy staff.

About Ridgemont ResourcesRidgemont Resources is the leading national search and recruitment firm dedicated exclusively to the pharmacy profession. Since 1998, we have been committed to finding and securing the best candidates in the United States for our clients in the Hospital, Specialty Pharmacy, Long Term Care Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, and Clinical Research industries.

TULSA, OK February 22, 2024 // Ridgemont Resources, the leading specialty pharmacy recruiting firm in the United States, has been approved by the Small Business Association (SBA) for HUBZone certification. The Historically Under-utilized Business Zones (HUBZone) certification program provides small businesses preferential consideration for federal procurement opportunities and contracts. The program also encourages agencies to spend a given percentage of their budgets with businesses located in rural or urban communities, providing opportunities for regional economic growth.

Ridgemont Resources will be identified as a certified HUBZone small business in SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS) database. The certification also recognizes Ridgemont Resources as a vital small business, government contractor (GSA Contract #: 36F79723D0085), and partner to the specialty pharmacy industry.

Government agencies interested in procuring pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, intake specialists, pharmacy managers or pharmacy director recruiting services from Ridgemont Resources through the GSA Schedule contract can find more information on the Dynamic Small Business Search Tool or by contacting the company directly at @RidgemontResources.com

About the HubZone ProgramThe government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. It also gives preferential consideration to those businesses in full and open competition.
Joining the HUBZone program makes your business eligible to compete for the program’s set-aside contracts. HUBZone-certified businesses also get a 10% price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.
HUBZone-certified businesses can still compete for contract awards under other socio-economic programs they qualify for.
To qualify for the HUBZone program, your business must (1) Be a small business according to SBA size standards (2) be at least 51% owned and controlled by U.S. citizens, a Community Development Corporation, an agricultural cooperative, an Alaska Native corporation, a Native Hawaiian organization, or an Indian tribe (3) have its principal office located in a HUBZone* (4) have at least 35% of its employees living in a HUBZone*
Additional qualification criteria is available in Title 13 Part 126 Subpart B of the Code of Federal Regulations. 

About Ridgemont ResourcesRidgemont Resources is a GSA approved, HUB Zone certified, and woman-owned small business recognized as the leading national search and recruitment firm dedicated exclusively to the pharmacy profession. Since 1998, we have been committed to finding and securing the best candidates in the United States for our clients in the Hospital, Specialty Pharmacy, Long Term Care Pharmacy, PBM/Mail Order Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, and Clinical Research industries.

Media InquiriesJana Rugg
President
Ridgemont Resources, Inc.
[email protected]
RidgemontResources.com
 
 
SOURCE: Ridgemont Resources

Mastering these 15 core interview questions will give you the edge over other potential candidates. Confident responses when navigating your job interview can be as challenging as getting through pharmacy school. Interviews can be high stress, anxiety-driving situations. Whether you’re fresh out of residency or a seasoned veteran, preparation always pays off.  Interviewers will probe your knowledge, patient-care acumen, and decision-making skills. Likely you already know the right answers. But will you be able deliver clear, concise answers under pressure?

Here are 15 essential questions that you’re likely to face during your next clinical pharmacist job interview and some expert tips on how to respond.

Ridgemont Resources is a proud supporter of Ainsley's Angels of America, a national non-profit group that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to be included in endurance events.

In addition to ensuring everyone can experience endurance events, Ainsley's Angels of America aims to build awareness about America's special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life, by promoting awareness, providing education, and participating as active members in local communities.

As the Ainsley's Angels of American Ambasador for the Tulsa area, Jana Rugg and her Angel Teams run in local races every month, pushing their Athlete Riders to the finish line!  

You can be a part of this amazing organization too. Click here to 'Roll with the Angels'!

TULSA, OK January 18, 2024 // Ridgemont Resources is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification by the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA). This esteemed certification recognizes the exceptional capabilities of the company, further enhancing its competitive position as the leading national search and recruitment firm dedicated exclusively to the pharmacy profession.

The WOSB certification is a significant milestone in Ridgemont Resources ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The company is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and empowering women in the workforce.

Specialty job boards like Ridgemont resources, focused exclusively on pharmacy recruiting, allow pharmacy job seekers to search hundreds of current openings without wasting time sifting through a mountain of irrelevant positions on generic job sites like Career Builder, Indeed, Monster or Ziprecruiter.

Job seekers face an age-old dilemma. You want to find the right job in the right location. But you can’t afford to waste time. You need efficient tools to uncover a manageable pool of relevant openings. Its about quality over quantity. Niche job boards designed for pharmacy professionals gives you just that.

Job boards remain one of the top sources for recruiting new hires. As an individual looking for a new job, a job board mitigates a lot of stress.

• Niche job boards are easy to use and tend to be more candidate-focused.
  
• Candidates are often able to sign up for job alerts for specific roles postings or for new roles within a particular company.
  
• Job boards make industry research easier. A person working the pharmacy can search job boards to learn more about openings to discover trends and qualifications they need to know about to advance their career.
  
• Niche job boards help make connections. Often recruiters provide their direct contact information right up front.
  

About Ridgemont Resources Specialty Job Board
Connecting Pharmacy employers with pharmacists, technicians, intake specialists, pharmacy managers and directors is all we do. And, Ridgemont Resources is GSA certified so you'll be aware of a full-range of opportunities. Check out current openings on our job board or call us - we'd love to learn more about how Ridgemont Resources can help you find the perfect specialty pharmacy position for you.

About Ridgemont Resources
Ridgemont Resources is the leading national search and recruitment firm dedicated exclusively to the pharmacy profession. Since 1998, we have been committed to finding and securing the best candidates in the United States for our clients in the Hospital, Specialty Pharmacy, Long Term Care Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science, and Clinical Research industries.

TULSA, OK March. 15, 2023 // Ridgemont Resources, the leading specialty pharmacy recruiting firm in the United States, is pleased to announce that it has been officially approved for General Services Administration (GSA) Contract #: 36F79723D0085. The five-year contract further solidifies Ridgemont Resources as a trusted and reliable partner authorized to place pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and speech language pathologists as contractors within government facilities.