10 Tips to Survive Long Shift as a Pharmacy Technician: A Comprehensive Guide

August 26, 2022

After the successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, are you looking forward to working as a Certified Pharmacy Technician? Wondering how you will be able to survive long shifts? Are you looking for some tips to survive a long shift as a pharmacy technician? You are at the right place.

Aspiring pharmacy technicians are required to complete their Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and passing this exam allows the technician to have the status of Certified pharmacy technician (CPhT). After the PTCB certification, it has a variety of training programs and other related programs to be done after clearing the exam for better exposure and confidence during work.

Wondering What a Typical Day Looks Like?

A pharmacy technician assists pharmacists by following the instructions given in the prescription medications, or may also process the information given by doctors via a call or a message. They also pack medicines for prescriptions.

Generally, a shift that a full-time pharmacy technician is required to work is about 8-12 hours a day and is relied upon by people in case of emergency situations. So pharmacy technicians are expected to be available at any time during the day and long shifts are part of their career. Usually, registered pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.

Tips to Survive Long Shift as a Pharmacy Technician

Long working hours can affect your body and these tips can help you go through what we might see as a hustle day:

PLAN YOUR DAY FOR MAXIMUM PRODUCTIVITY

It is important for pharmacy technicians to have a work schedule to better concentrate on their work. Also, it is totally unacceptable for pharmacy technicians to make mistakes at any cost during work so it requires a commitment to concentration.

Provided, it is advisable to make plans for emergency working hours in such a manner that the technicians are prepared to handle the situation instead of panicking and creating pressure. So, pharmacy technicians are required to maintain a proper schedule to perform their duties by delivering the right medicine.

TAKE PERIODIC BREAKS

It is advisable to take breaks during work to reduce stress and refresh your energy to better focus. Ideally, pharmacy technicians work for 8-12 hours a day, and pulling off some periodic breaks during these long working hours is possible, but it is also understandable that pharmacy technicians have very little time to take breaks during working hours.

It is really important for healthcare professionals to take breaks regularly as it improves their memory and helps them utilize time more efficiently by connecting with friends or by involving them in other activities.

BE MENTALLY FOCUSED

Mentally, for every pharmacy technician, it is important for them to be in a clear state of mind, rather than being in a dilemma. They must be aware of their role in the work environment so that it does not affect the patients.

For example, misreading the name written in the prescription medication and delivering different medications from the prescription can lead to serious results. So, in this case, it is advisable to read the prescription more than once and to eliminate all possible mistakes.

STAY AWAY FROM JUNK

Have a healthy diet and stay away from junk foods. Junk foods can directly affect your work productivity during the night or long shifts. It is advisable to have proper nutritional foods during the entire day. Junk foods can take away your focus and can possibly cause stomach-related problems, which can make you feel disturbed during shift hours.

READ BOOKS DURING LEISURE HOURS

Reading books builds and helps improve cognitive abilities, which are very essential for pharmacy technicians. It also helps them stay focused during the entire day and acts as a stress reliever. Apart from reading books, pharmacy technicians are advised to take up hobbies during leisure hours.

DRINK LESS CAFFEINE

Caffeine is supposed to give energy but too much caffeine can make you jittery. Also, caffeine can cause dehydration, which can make you feel uncomfortable when working during emergency hours. Caffeine is not a solution to survive long working hours.

GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS AT WORK

It is important to maintain decorum in the work environment and pharmacy technicians are not disturbed and troubled during their working hours since it requires concentration, commitment, and attention and to eliminate these distractions by any form during work and be focused.

WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES AND CLOTHES

As a pharmacy technician, you will have to stand for longer durations at work. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes enables you to work for longer hours. So, it is important to have shoes with the right fit to make you feel comfortable throughout the day. Wearing the right outfit is the first right thing to do in a day, so decide upon what you’re going to wear the night before, so that, it avoids last-minute confusion.

TAKE EACH DAY AS IT COMES

Do not overthink what has to be done, just face the challenges as they are and see things as they are. Taking one step at a time by not overthinking about the things which are not controllable is time-consuming. The pharmacy technicians are required to be focused on things that are controllable. They are also required to take action with commitment and dedication while taking each day as it comes and performing their duties as they come.

TAKE A STRETCH AND DRINK MORE WATER

Pharmacy technicians working for long hours are advised to take a minute-long stretch to feel much more relaxed and calm during working hours. It is also important to drink plenty of water as it enhances the body to be focused and to stay active for the entire day to perform their duties. Take five minutes of break every two hours, just to stand up from the chair to stretch and relax to feel calm and to feel the fresh energy for performing your duties.

Wrapping Up

It is essential for a pharmacy technician to stay healthy to be able to survive long shift hours at work. If you have been looking for tips to survive a long shift as a pharmacy technician, this article should have helped you. These tips can help you stay healthy, work more efficiently, and perform tasks in a fast-paced environment.

If you are interested in taking the PTCB exam or know someone who is passionate about becoming a pharmacy technician, make sure to try our free practice test to help you prepare for the exam. You can also refer to our PTCB exam guide to learn more about the PTCB exam.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

How are the working hours for pharmacy technicians different from other healthcare workers?

Pharmacy technicians are expected to be available at any time since it is open 24 hours a day while other healthcare workers work 9-5 and have to work extra hours depending upon emergencies.

How to deal with long working hours during an emergency situation?

Pharmacy technicians must be prepared to be able to perform their duties at any time of the day. So, be calm and ensure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, being mentally focused, analyzing the situation, and acting accordingly.

What is the role of pharmacy technicians in hospitals?

A pharmacy technician assists pharmacists by following the instructions given in the prescription medications or may also process the information given by doctors by a call or a message. In the hospital, they are required to follow the instructions given by the doctor’s prescription and to serve people by performing their duties.