Generation Z is growing up and beginning careers in pharmacy and other health-related fields.
The pharmacy industry is welcoming the youngest generation by incorporating many of their traits into training. In this approach, experienced pharmacists give direction to the newcomers by acting as instructors, models, coaches and facilitators.
A combination of these roles will help solve problems and incorporate the best ideas of Gen Z, generally considered people born between 1997 and 2013.
They’re considerably younger than Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation X (born 1965-1980), and Millennials (born 1980-1996). And they have grown up in a world marked by the internet, Sept. 11, a great recession and Covid.
Teaching newcomers
The strategy for incorporating Gen Z into pharmacy is in line with other professions and their training of young recruits. The practice is called precepting a new generation of learners.
- Because this generation is very accustomed to technology, instructional videos rather than books may be a better method of learning. Newcomers should also understand the limits of digital technology and the value of human interaction.
- GenZ likes hands-on learning and self-directed learning. Earlier generations may have had to memorize huge amounts of information, but Gen Z already knows how technology can quickly give them much data. They welcome time on the job with pharmacists and a chance to learn first-hand.
Today’s pharmacists can serve as mentors, showing by example and giving immediate feedback on mistakes and achievements of the newcomers.
At Rego Park Pharmacy we help you feel better as we pray for the best.
