Catherwood LibraryILR School

Over the past decade, chain pharmacies have asked for more and more from their staff. Additionally, as work expectations have risen at chain pharmacies staffing has decreased. NBC News spoke to 31 retail pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in 15 states. Their findings were alarming. The retail pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in 15 states described a working environment characterized by 12-hour shifts so busy they don't have time to go to the bathroom or eat and crying in their cars every day after work or lying awake at night worrying about mistakes they might have made while rushing. The alarming responses describe an industry of health care professionals at the breaking point.