From School to the Workforce, Burnout Plagues Every Level of Pharmacy

Burnout and stress are feelings that many experience throughout periods of their lives, whether it be at work, school, or home. When strain on one’s own routine is increased, these feelings can increase in conjunction. This is particularly prevalent in the pharmacy field, especially since the major impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the effects are being felt. Pharmacists are feeling burnt out of their work more than ever, community pharmacists are facing obstacles when filling positions, and large retail chains are also facing shortages of job candidates. Workforce shortages have led to scheduling conflicts in many pharmacies, with pharmacists facing difficult working conditions and long, arduous hours treating dozens of patients with important needs.

Science, students and education in a medical laboratory writing notes during scientist lecture or lesson with mentor or teacher. Medical men and women for training and learning in chemistry class
Pharmacy students face immense burdens while progressing through their education and entering the workforce.

Of course, many of these effects can be linked to the pandemic. But evidence also points to an underlying problem—the burnout, stress, financial problems, and academic difficulty associated with pharmacy school. Not only do pharmacy students face these problems in school, but many are forgoing pharmacy school at all. As school attendance declines, the workforce declines in number, exacerbating the existing workforce problems in the field.

By examining the issues that many pharmacy students have faced in recent years, it is possible to gain a better grasp of the underlying reasons behind the current shortage of pharmacists while addressing potential solutions.

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