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Soft Skills You Should Have in a Pharmacy

  • November 7, 2019
  • RPh on the Go

When you think of successful people in the pharmaceutical industry, your mind typically goes first to those are knowledgeable and experienced in the business. However, if you look a little closer, most of those people who are industry leaders have skills beyond those that are unique to the position. Soft skills for pharmacists can give you the edge you need to reach your full potential for success in the pharmacy. While there are many soft skills that are beneficial, here are some of the most important and useful for those behind the counter.

Teamwork

Teamwork is something that everyone can use in just about every aspect of life, but in the pharmacy, there are a lot of moving parts that need to come together, making teamwork a high priority. Knowing when to ask for help, when to step in and pick up the slack for someone else, and how to shoulder your share of the load is important to keeping everything running smoothly. This is a great skill that is very often noted by superiors and makes you desirable to work with.

Communication

Whether you are passing along important information to a colleague or counseling a patient about the potential side effects of a new medication, strong communication is a soft skill that gets put to great use in the pharmacy. You need to learn how to articulate your thoughts clearly, but you also need to perfect your listening skills to ensure that you near not only the words that are being said to you but also understand the nuances of conversation with coworkers and patients alike.

Adaptability

The pace of a pharmacy can turn on a dime. You’ll need to be able to switch gears at a moment’s notice and move from a comfortable pace to a full-on rush with no notice at all. Having great adaptability skills makes you a better pharmacist, as you’ll be able to take on whatever the day might throw your way without batting an eye. Those who can handle change and manage problems that seemingly come out of nowhere will stand out to their superiors.

Problem Solving

Pharmacies are very often a high stress environment that require you to think on your feet, finding solutions to problems that could very well mean life or death or at the very least, the health of your patients. Solid problem-solving skills and the ability to think outside the box will be able to thrive within the industry, while those who struggle to come up with quick solutions to problems will have a difficult time staying up to speed and caring for their patients properly.

Empathy

Empathy is the capacity to feel what another person is feeling and put yourself in their shoes. For a pharmacy professional this an important trait to have. Patients at times can be upset or down in the dumps due to a multitude of reasons. As a pharmacist, showing empathy is a great way for you to connect with your patients and show them that you care and understand. This helps cultivate a personal relationship with your patients and sense of trust in your pharmacy.

While these are just a few of the soft skills that come into play on a daily basis for those in pharmacy, they are among the most important. Work hard to strengthen these skills and you’ll see your career begin to advance, plus you’ll find that your days at work are a little easier and enjoyable.

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