Workplace Stress and breaks

[Pharmanaut]

Just read Xrayser in the C&D.
Now realised that I rarely take a break for the same reasons.

You just come back to an even bigger pile of work, and an even longer queue of customers, a list of 'callbacks', more MDS to check and, well you know the story.
Even a well earned break seems faster than a 'formula 1 pitstop' because it nags at you.

So, how do you manage to fit everything into your day.
Share your hints with the rest of us.

[DavidS]

Just read Xrayser in the C&D.

Didn't answer you, but as you know, I meditate every day. Risking drowning comes with its own stresses, surely! Incidentally, I found a nice moving dolphin that you could use as an avatar, but anyway....

More from the C & D 21st March 2009:
"Boots, Lloydspharmacy and Asda said they had all invested heavily in staff support and manager training, and encouraged open communication with employees about such issues.
A Lloydspharmacy spokesperson said:"It's critical pharmacy teams have ample support to fulfil clinical and managerial responsibilities."

Do we see signs of all this heavy investment?

[Sir_Dispensalot]

Do we see signs of all this heavy investment?

Hah! Pull the other one!

Even the PCTs get in on the act - originally there was provision for pharmacist to take a break off shop floor in our 100 hour place. Then PCT said they would withdraw contract because there wasn't full pharmacist cover. Company response? Take your break in the consultation room. Expect to be constantly interrupted.

I have since given up going for a break unless it's very quiet.

At least previous company i worked for were more open - they said take a break when you can and we don't mind if you pop out for 10-15 mins to grab a buttie from the shop. Thankfully gp surgeries were closed at lunch so you got a natural lull for a couple of hours - plenty of time to check the mds and eat your lunch (the trick was not getting any branston pickle in the MDS!)

[johnep]

My first locum after my hip op is next Sunday 12-4pm in Cambridge. Fortunately, on a Sunday I can park right alongside store.

I will be taking a sandwhich. no inspector likely on a Sunday.

johnep

[The Druid]

Breaks, not had what I'd call a proper break for several weeks now (occassionally manage to grab half an hour or so to sit down if I'm lucky). However as a locum I do find that I really don't like to leave a pile of work for the next day, as I won't be there. The only time I'm really comfortable taking time out is when the pharmacy is shut for lunch (but there're not many of those left now)
This situation's not ideal, but patients don't take to waiting too graciously I've found! Fast Drugs is what they want- I sometimes feel I'd be better suited to McDonalds!

[Chirpy]

Just read Xrayser in the C&D.
Now realised that I rarely take a break for the same reasons.

You just come back to an even bigger pile of work, and an even longer queue of customers, a list of 'callbacks', more MDS to check and, well you know the story.
Even a well earned break seems faster than a 'formula 1 pitstop' because it nags at you.

I also identified with this article - I am making a real effort to take a break though - sometimes successfully

I find it is a case of timing - the temptation is to try and get everything clear before you go for a break so that you aren't stressing about work piling up - but then the break never comes. I will leave it until there is no-one waiting for anything, then try and get a break then. My staff know to interrupt me if someone comes back for a prescription/ has a query - but it is surprising how often you can get a good 6 minute break that way!! The other thing is to get them to bring the work to you in these circumstances - if you get up then the break is over!!

Of course that is assuming that you HAVE some staff with you!!

[johnep]

Yes this is what i do in a corner of the dispensary. the staff bring a script to be checked if necessary and I am rarely called to the counter. I read the paper and immediately am far away.
johnep

[ramroum]

The organisation regulating the community pharmacies in the UK must enforce a kind of law that all pharmacies must close at lunchtime (one hour at least), and a couple of pharmacies in each town or area stay open (like on call) following a rota!
Anyway,who does regulate the community pharmacy???

[Fleegle]

This is a classic problem which will never go away. Employee pharmacists have the legal right to breaks just as much as anyone else on the PAYE system. When I was an employee, I took them, as the shop closed for lunch, and I made sure that I fitted a couple of 15 minute breaks in as well. I assume anyone who wants to take this further if they're in employment and not receiving satisfaction should get the PDA behind them and go for it.

Conversely, as a self employed locum, I neither want an unpaid lunch-break, nor two 15 minute unpaid breaks. It adds 90 minutes unpaid to my working day. I face the 'dangers' through choice. May I add no-one has ever insisted I take a break.

Everyone is somewhere within these two parameters, and should react according to their own belief.

Fleegle.

[Lazy Nite]

I could never survive without a lunch break!