Sept. 23: Day of the Pharmacy Assistant
Today we put our pharmacy assistants in the spotlight ☀️ A day on which we reflect on the work of the people you often see first in the pharmacy: the pharmacy assistants. They deserve appreciation and fortunately they are getting more and more of it. From politicians, healthcare providers, industry associations and from patients like you. And rightly so 🙏
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What does a pharmacy assistant do?
Many people think a pharmacy assistant mainly checks and dispenses boxes of medicine. But the work goes much further than that. You can turn to the assistant for:
- Explanation about your medications - how to take them, what to expect, and what to avoid.
- Checking for medication safety - does your new medication work with what you're already taking? Are there any risks or side effects you should be aware of?
- Advice for minor complaints - such as coughs, colds, skin problems or allergies. Often the assistant can help you right away with over-the-counter remedies.
- Contact with your doctor - if something is wrong or if there are questions, the pharmacy assistant will contact your doctor. This way there is good oversight for maximum medication safety.
Work in pharmacy: more than you think
The profession of pharmacy assistant is multifaceted. You have daily contact with patients, you work on medication safety and you contribute to health in society. That makes the work important and socially relevant.
Naturally, it is not always easy. At the front desk, you also meet people who are sick or not feeling well. Sometimes conversations are awkward or emotional. This is precisely when the pharmacy assistant makes a difference: by listening well, communicating clearly and helping the patient move on.
A profession with a future
Pharmacist assistants are in high demand in the Netherlands. There is plenty of work in community pharmacies - often independent, local pharmacies. It is a profession with a future, in which you can grow and in which you contribute directly to people's health every day.
Many assistants choose this profession out of a strong motive: wanting to help others, offer clarity and ensure that everyone can use medicines safely. It is more than a job; it is a profession with meaning.
Why the Day of the Pharmacy Assistant?
The appreciation for pharmacy assistants is growing. And rightly so. Thanks to their knowledge, attention and care, you are never alone when it comes to your medications. They are indispensable in our pharmacy and deserve to be put in the spotlight.
