These are the thoughts of a very cranky woman who has had a very hard day at work. (I work 8 hours a week as a pharmacy technician for a large retail chain. I do appreciate that I've been able to work 4-8 hours a week for the last 20 years). Since it is flu season and everyone switched insurance on Jan. 1 and people that work in pharmacies get sick too, today was a little rough sucked! So if you're headed to a pharmacy in the next few days, here a few simple tips to make it easier on everyone.
If your last name has 17 consonants and only 1 vowel, I might need help spelling it.
Likewise, if your name is pronounced "Tiffany," but spelled "Tiphanie," a heads up would be helpful.
Yes, if you have new insurance, I will need some kind of hint as to what it is. I can probably figure it out for you, given 45 minutes and the name of the insurance company, but I do need at least one small clue. There seems to be an urban myth that there is a big database in the sky that keeps track of all your personal information so you no longer have to. There's not.
Just because the inhalers come in boxes does not mean that I can just grab one off the shelf and toss it to you. You still have to wait.
We are not Burger King--you cannot have it your way--you can have it your doctor's way and your insurance company's way.
Just because Federal and State laws may stand in the way of your getting what you want/need we still have to obey them. If we don't, we risk our livelihoods.
Because I realize I sound like a real bitch, let me just say that at my pharmacy you never have to wait more than 15 minutes, and we bend over backwards to help sick people. It's just that the same people that annoy you with their 20 items in the 12 item line at the grocery store, and steal your parking place at the mall, and undertip waiters also get prescriptions filled. At my pharmacy. Today.
I will go to sleep now and awake tomorrow with my sunny dispositon restored!
Sounds to me like "Andy" is ready for one of the summer-time drinks I have been thinking about!!! Can you wear an I-Pod at work? Great way to tune people out!!! Hang in there!!!
Posted by: debbie | January 09, 2008 at 04:01 AM
I think people often forget that they are not the only ones on earth. I do it myself sometimes. Particularly when you feel a bit grotty, you forget that all those in front of you also feel a bit sick and that the poor souls behind the counter are people too who are trying their very best to be helpful and quick.
Very amusingly written. I hope you have a better day today or maybe it is tomorrow. Time differences throw me!!
Posted by: Reluctant Blogger | January 09, 2008 at 06:40 AM
Well, at least you made it funny. People are so often completely unable to imagine themselves in anyone else's shoes. I watched a frazzled Starbucks barista juggle several orders with everyone shouting things like: "no no I asked for the non fat, no whip, with REAL syrup" and "wait mine was the half decaf with extra whip and TWO honeys." ...it was right before Christmas and I am sure she had the same family holiday obligations as everyone else.....I ordered mine black and straight, when she handed it to me I looked right at her and said "You have a good day, Okay?" Her eyes welled up with tears and she said “ohhh, thank you, so much.” You know, people, have a little compassion for others....even if you are sick.
Posted by: Mary Alice | January 09, 2008 at 06:57 AM
I have already asked my boss just why you can google the phrase "idiot central meeting place" and our business address comes up - or if there is some sign in town that says "if you don't have a clue you can get one at _______" ---- because every stupid/idiot/don't have a clue person in Athens GA has been here this week.
I feel your pain.
Hope your sunny disposition soon returns.
Posted by: teresa | January 09, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Oh, I feel your pain. I was also a pharmacy tech for a big chain store. People were MEAN to me. One day after a man yelled at me about his wife's toe fungus, I told him that unfortunately he was next in line after a baby with strep throat and a woman with bone cancer. That shut him up. I quit after a lady threw a bottle of suntan lotion at me.
Hope today is better.
Posted by: Little Miss Sunshine State | January 09, 2008 at 09:59 AM
SFP days (S= Stupid, P= People, you can figure out F= for yourself) are a part of my daily existence. I'm mulling over a funny way to explain my latest SFP day now...maybe it will appear on my blog soon. I bow to your genius in finding a gracious and funny way to describe yours.
Posted by: Wenderina | January 09, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Keeping a sense of humor about it will help, and you do! This was funny.
Posted by: Sharon | January 10, 2008 at 08:23 PM
Ha! That's good!
Posted by: suburbancorrespondent | July 29, 2008 at 12:56 PM
This was great!
Posted by: JCK | July 29, 2008 at 06:34 PM
I want to work 10 hours a week. I really do. I wish I could find this job.
KEEP BELIEVING
Posted by: Angie @ Keep Believing | July 29, 2008 at 08:35 PM
Oh and by the way, sometimes those of us that may come across as rude in the pharmacy line are the ones that have been on the phone with the insurance company being told one thing to be told something else when we arrive. Or the ones that have called ahead and been told one thing to be told something else when we arrive. Or the ones that have recently been at the doctors office assured they were taking care of it all and all we had to do was show up to find no record of us whatsoever. Sometimes... just sayin'...
KEEP BELIEVING
Posted by: Angie @ Keep Believing | July 29, 2008 at 08:37 PM