Druggist Onboarding Checklist

Druggist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Druggist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Pharmacy onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Druggist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Druggist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Druggist Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new druggist attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Introduction to the Pharmacy Team: The new druggist is introduced to their colleagues, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and other support staff. This task is usually performed by the pharmacy manager or a senior pharmacist.

3. Review of Pharmacy Operations: The new druggist receives a comprehensive overview of the pharmacy’s operations, including dispensing processes, inventory management, prescription filling, and customer service protocols. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a senior pharmacist.

4. Training on Pharmacy Software: The new druggist undergoes training on the pharmacy’s software systems, including prescription processing, inventory tracking, and patient record management. This task is usually performed by the pharmacy’s IT department or a designated trainer.

5. Familiarization with Drug Formularies: The new druggist familiarizes themselves with the pharmacy’s drug formularies, including the list of medications covered by insurance plans and any restrictions or guidelines associated with them. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a senior pharmacist.

6. Understanding Regulatory Compliance: The new druggist receives training on regulatory compliance requirements, such as HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations, controlled substance handling, and record-keeping. This task is usually performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated compliance officer.

7. Review of Safety Protocols: The new druggist is educated on safety protocols, including proper handling and disposal of medications, medication storage requirements, and emergency procedures. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated safety officer.

8. Introduction to Pharmacy Policies and Procedures: The new druggist is provided with a detailed overview of the pharmacy’s policies and procedures, including prescription verification, medication counseling, and medication error reporting. This task is usually performed by the pharmacy manager or a senior pharmacist.

9. Shadowing Experienced Pharmacists: The new druggist spends time shadowing experienced pharmacists to observe and learn from their daily tasks, including prescription verification, drug interactions screening, and patient counseling. This task is typically performed by senior pharmacists or preceptors assigned by the pharmacy manager.

10. Continuous Professional Development: The new druggist is encouraged to engage in continuous professional development activities, such as attending conferences, workshops, and webinars, to stay updated with the latest advancements in pharmacy practice. This task is usually self-driven, but the pharmacy manager may provide guidance and support.

11. Building Relationships with Healthcare Providers: The new druggist is encouraged to establish relationships with local healthcare providers, such as physicians and nurses, to foster collaboration and ensure effective patient care. This task is typically self-driven, but the pharmacy manager may provide guidance and facilitate introductions.

12. Understanding Insurance and Reimbursement Processes: The new druggist receives training on insurance and reimbursement processes, including understanding different insurance plans, submitting claims, and resolving billing issues. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated billing specialist.

13. Introduction to Specialty Pharmacy Services: If the pharmacy offers specialty pharmacy services, the new druggist is introduced to the specific protocols, documentation requirements, and patient support programs associated with these services. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated specialist in specialty pharmacy.

14. Review of Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement Programs: The new druggist is educated on the pharmacy’s quality assurance and quality improvement programs, including medication error reporting, medication safety initiatives, and performance improvement measures. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated quality assurance officer.

15. Introduction to Pharmacy Equipment and Technology: The new druggist is trained on the proper use and maintenance of pharmacy equipment and technology, such as automated dispensing systems, compounding equipment, and medication packaging machines. This task is usually performed by the pharmacy’s IT department or a designated trainer.

16. Understanding Ethical and Legal Responsibilities: The new druggist receives training on ethical and legal responsibilities, including patient confidentiality, informed consent, and reporting adverse drug reactions. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated compliance officer.

17. Introduction to Medication Therapy Management (MTM) Programs: If the pharmacy offers MTM programs, the new druggist is introduced to the specific protocols, documentation requirements, and patient counseling techniques associated with these programs. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated MTM coordinator.

18. Review of Emergency Preparedness Plans: The new druggist is educated on the pharmacy’s emergency preparedness plans, including disaster response protocols, communication systems, and evacuation procedures. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated safety officer.

19. Introduction to Pharmacy Marketing and Promotions: The new druggist is provided with an overview of the pharmacy’s marketing and promotional activities, including community outreach programs, health screenings, and medication adherence campaigns. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated marketing coordinator.

20. Performance Evaluation and Goal Setting: The new druggist participates in a performance evaluation session with their supervisor to assess their progress, set goals, and identify areas for improvement. This task is typically performed by the pharmacy manager or a designated HR representative

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Druggist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Druggist up to speed and working well in your Pharmacy team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.