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The year is coming to a close. The holiday season is the busiest time of year. It's also the most stressful time of year, whether we’re talking about holiday shopping or catching a flight.
Not only do you have to set up Thanksgiving dinner for the family, but you also have a wave of patients trying to get their prescriptions before they fly out the next morning.
This is the season of deductibles being met, early refills being requested, and doctors’ offices being closed for the whole week.
Whether you’re off for Thanksgiving or working, it’s important to brace for the chaos ahead, albeit with a dash of holiday cheer.
Here's how you can celebrate Thanksgiving behind the pharmacy counter.
As with anything with holidays, it’s essential to have a plan of action. Most pharmacies (possibly yours) adjust their hours for the holidays, so let your patient base know ahead of time.
Put up signs around your pharmacy about the upcoming change (extra points if you add some graphics or illustrations). Also post on our pharmacy’s social media pages about the changed hours.
Letting your patients know ahead of time prevents unneeded headaches for them and your pharmacy.
Speaking of social media, check out this blog to learn more about how you can leverage your pharmacy’s social media presence.
We believe that the best plan is an actionable one. Patient communication is one piece of the puzzle — now let’s look at the pharmacy itself.
The holiday rush is one like no other, so make sure your staff has scheduled their vacations well ahead of time. This lets you schedule the holiday weeks with a clear idea of who you have at your disposal.
The holiday rush naturally gives an “all hands on deck” vibe to proceedings, so have a pharmacy software that can guide you through choppy waters. An effective pharmacy software should adapt to different kinds of workflow, maintaining efficiency no matter how busy it gets.
PioneerRx is that kind of pharmacy system. With enhanced workflow, world-class support, and a slew of mobile apps, it lets you manage your pharmacy, your way. Consider scheduling a demo if you want to make holiday madness a thing of the past.
Your pharmacy is a pillar of the community, the go-to place for much of its healthcare needs. With a strong patient base and positive word of mouth, it becomes the healthcare destination of choice — so build even stronger connections within the community.
Reach out to fellow healthcare professionals like doctors or dentists about your pharmacy’s adjusted hours. You likely have doctors offices who send their patients to your pharmacy, so make sure they don’t send them to a closed building.
Also, consider holding community events or clinics with your fellow healthcare professionals. These kinds of events are tried and tested ways to engage with and grow your patient base (just make sure to bring some warm clothes).
It's in the name. Thanksgiving is the time to practice gratitude and give thanks to those in your life. Your pharmacy staff are the ones who make your small business go round, ensuring that your operations go smoothly, no matter how busy it gets.
As mentioned above, the Thanksgiving and holiday seasons are the most stressful time of year. The next few weeks might not be so easy, especially when it comes to pharmacy work — so make it known that you value them.
Let’s start with everyone’s favorite: food. A plate full of Thanksgiving favorites would be a slam dunk. If you don’t have a chef’s hat, fret not. There’s bound to be a pumpkin or pecan pie within walking distance — no one has to know you didn’t make it from scratch. Make sure there’s enough for everyone and you’ll be known as a culinary maestro among your staff.
(Also, make sure you accommodate any allergens within your staff. No one wants to use that EpiPen right now.)
Beyond some culinary goodness, take the time to tell your pharmacy staff that you appreciate them for all their hard work. They say it’s the people who make the job, and that’s especially true with pharmacy work.
Let your staff know that you see their hard work and your pharmacy wouldn’t be where it is without them. A few kind words can do wonders for workplace morale, especially during the most stressful time of year.
You can develop unique relationships with your patients and create a loyal customer base in ways that go beyond putting pills in a vial.
It can be as simple as remembering a patient’s name (extra points if they haven’t been at your pharmacy for a while) or lightly asking about their current health journey.
A simple happy Thanksgiving greeting can go a long way. You never know what a person is going through, so a simple kind word can make their day.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos, but it’s also a perfect time to reflect on what makes your pharmacy truly special: your patients, your staff, and your role in the community.
By planning ahead, ensuring the right resources are in place, and taking time to celebrate both your team and your patients, you can turn the holiday rush into an opportunity to strengthen bonds and spread goodwill. Whether you’re behind the counter or sharing a pie with your team, this Thanksgiving is your chance to show gratitude, share joy, and end the year on a high note.
