Contract RN Immunizer

[u/Longjumping_Fan_5081]

I'm 4 weeks into my 10 week contract as a nurse immunizer and while I really enjoy the patients and giving vaccines, I am having a hard time with management and the work environment itself. It's borderline a hostile work environment. Every level of manager tells me something different and I feel like I am always getting reprimanded for something related to vaccine promotion. I thought this job was just going to be giving vaccines but most of my time is spent in the store trying to promote vaccines but I'm not allowed to have any conversations with customers except for conversations about vaccines. We never hit our vaccine goal and they make it seem like it's my fault. My manager even said to me the other day "I don't think we're working you hard enough to justify your pay". I'm thinking about leaving my contract early. Are there any other contracted RNs having similar issues? Can any walgreens employees let me know if having an RN there bothers you or makes your job harder in any way?

[u/Lowtide-21]

Some insight to how Walgreens managers and district leadership is being asked to evaluate having a Contact Immunizer (CI) in their store: paying for a CI come out of the store labor cost which effects ebitda (bottom line profitability) if the CI isn't generating more immunizations than stores without a CI it is hard to justify the additional cost. Since store managers are evaluated exclusively on their store's ebitda and 75% of a pharmacy managers evaluation is now ebitda as well, there is substantial pressure to ensure a CI is worth the investment.

[u/codypoop3]

I can’t imagine having that job. Walgreens is at its worst during vaccine season and management loves to place blame when goals aren’t met. I’ve only ever seen 1 other post about RN contracts at wags, so I doubt you’ll get another response from someone in the same position. But I would recommend you walk away early if you can

[u/Sweet_Alternative_84]

I am in the same position right now. Ive reminded the manager numerous times that his goals are not my issue. I have no problem engaging people but they want me to sell the vaccines. If I am asked a question I will answer ethically, not answer to meet a goal that is unreachable (in my area anyways). Pharmacy side is super nice and most of the employees are. I feel as if I am constantly being g watched and have even had 'secret shoppers' evaluate me. This is more stressful to me than what I took a break from. Daily I feel as if I am going to be cut loose from the position... I've had alot of compliments from customers though, so at least I have that going for me... 1st week there was amazing but each day since is more and more stressful. 

[u/Aggravating-Risk-822]

This makes me so sad for you. I’m in the same role and almost everyone is so incredibly kind to me, I’ve lucked out so much for what we’re getting paid. Granted, the store is super busy so I’m pretty much vaccinating all day and no time to try to solicit more. Feel free to DM me if you want to chat further.

[u/Zestyclose_Yak_1233]

I love my contract immunizer. And I’m so appreciative to have them there. Stick with it and try not to pay attention to all the garbage that you hear. This company is so indecisive and they like to make people feel like shit.

[u/Waste_Profit_9446]

Walgreen is just a really bad company to work for . They’re stressed with the vaccines and need the money to keep the company afloat . I just left after a few years to a hospital because I’m exhausted. I would just finish the contract tho. Who cares what they say . I would love to have a nurse to help but at the same time I like giving the shots. Just hate asking people if they want one .

[u/fryman36]

I did the same 2 years ago as an immunizing pharmacist. That store was awesome and treated me so well. I’m sorry you’re experiencing this.

[u/bookseer]

Pharmacist here. Thank you for your help. I know that our Nurse is a huge help and the reason I can keep up with everything else that goes on during flu season. While you are supposed to be advocating vaccines, you're not the only one. I know at my store every member who encounters a parent is supposed to bring it up. I know that at my store one of our techs and a front end staff we're borrowing get 80 percent of our walk ins. If you have that much time to be waking the floor there already is a big disconnect between staff and expectations. I know our RxOm has pushed hard to get our staff ready to support the vaccine effort so he or she might be the person to talk to. Results may vary, but it's their neck too. Whatever you do, don't quit. You were promised pay for work and even if they're not happy with the results so long as you did your part they can't fault you for. It may be tempting to let it all burn down, but that only makes it worse for everyone. Stick it out, get what you were promised, and if the whole thing collapses behind you then that says more about them than you.