May 19, 2020

“Patients come to our pharmacy through the front door or our drive-thru every day for their prescriptions, and so many variables come into play during these interactions that my mind is always in overdrive.

Are my patients safe? Did this patient just tell me that they have COVID and are breaking quarantine, and now have just exposed me and everyone in the vicinity, 5-10 minutes too late?

I have two inhalers left in stock, and four prescriptions for that specific inhaler that need to be filled. Who gets the inhaler and who must wait until I can either order more or find another pharmacy that has one to spare?

How do I explain to this patient that I do not have enough hydroxychloroquine to fill their maintenance medication and I do not know where to send them to get their prescription filled because no one else has it in stock?

How do I maintain composure after I get off the phone with the loved one of a COVID patient who has just informed me that the patient will not be needing their medications mailed because they have just passed away? How do I do this again and again every day and not have a breakdown?

This patient just lost their insurance because they lost their job, and now cannot afford to pay for their prescription. I cannot find an affordable price and need at least a day or two of reaching out to the doctor requesting a less expensive alternative, meanwhile, this patient must go without medication. How do I help this patient suffering right in front of my eyes?

How many days have I been wearing this same face mask before I am allowed to have a new one?

The stress is enormous and the pressures are higher than ever, but somehow I must keep going because I cannot give up fighting for my patients. Not today, not tomorrow. I have to keep up the good fight somehow.”

-Certified Pharmacy Technician

Pinellas FL

 

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