My Job #1... Registered Sales Clerk
My job
Registered Sales Clerk
This year marks exactly 11 years since I obtained this qualification.
It is only recently that it has started to be mentioned in commercials and on medicine boxes.
At drugstores, it is made easy to identify by the color of the uniform.
And it is also clearly stated on the name tag.
Because I have an unusual surname, some regular customers call me by my name.
Especially those of my parents' generation.
Megumi-chan, there you are!
Hello... I reply with a smile.
This is a moment when I feel happy working here.
Some articles state that a Registered Sales Clerk is a national qualification, but it is not a national qualification.
Because it is a prefectural qualification, it is an official qualification just like a driver's license.
The exam is held almost once a year.
In 2022, the exam date for Shizuoka Prefecture was September 7th.
Each prefecture creates questions according to their regulations and holds the exam.
You can take the exam in any prefecture.
When looking at the questions, there were times when I thought, 'Huh!?' based on the wording.
I thought that perhaps it is better to take the exam in a language region you are familiar with.
There were times when I found the phrasing confusing (this is my personal opinion).
These are the exam subjects.
1. Characteristics and basic knowledge common to pharmaceutical products
2. Functions of the human body and pharmaceutical products
3. Major pharmaceutical products and their actions
4. Pharmaceutical-related laws and regulations
5. Proper use and safety measures for pharmaceutical products
Questions are asked from the above 5 subjects.
You pass if you score 84 points or more, which is 70% or more of the 120 questions.
You must also score at least 30% in each subject (there is a minimum threshold).
If you are curious about what kind of questions they are,
you can find past exams on this site.
RegisteredSalesClerk.com
This is a site I found after obtaining my qualification. It was very helpful when I changed jobs.
Once you obtain the qualification, you can keep it for life, but if you do not have the required practical experience hours, you are considered to be in training.
And, to sell medicine at a store,
you must take 12 hours of training per year (6 hours of group training and 6 hours of e-learning). You must get a perfect score on the confirmation test to pass.
(You will retake the test until you get a perfect score.)
Training is mandatory because there are new medicines, changes to the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act, and changes to risk classifications.
If you do not take the training, you cannot be involved in sales.
Also, if you meet the requirements, you can become a Management Registered Sales Clerk.
There is always one person in the store.
Also, Management Registered Sales Clerks and sub-leaders take other training and courses every month.
And they can sell approximately 90% of over-the-counter medicines.
Pharmaceutical products include medicines, cosmetics, insecticides, and even drinks that have labels.
It is quite broad.
And,self-medication
helping people choose their own medicine isthe job of a Registered Sales Clerk.
The 'Childcare Support' on the name tag in the photo at the beginning
refers to the 'Baby Care Advisor' certification from the Japan Association of Chain Drug Stores. I received this name tag because I hold multiple qualifications.
I have learned about mental health, illnesses, injuries, and statistics that can be read from the perspective of pregnant women to infants.
This is renewed every 3 years.
Renewal requires submitting tests and reports and meeting the necessary score requirements.
Consultations
When I receive a consultation, I conduct an interview.
Who needs the medicine?
What is their age?
Since when?
What are the symptoms?
Are they currently taking any other medicine?
Do they have any pre-existing conditions?
From there, I ask deeply about things I am concerned about.
There are also people who come for consultations based on the results of their health checkups.
And, I do not make recommendations.
I pick out a few medicines and explain their usage and characteristics in an easy-to-understand way.
Then, I have them choose for themselves from among the several medicines available.
This isself-medication.
Confidentiality
Some people come to the store with their medicine notebooks or health checkup results.
There is personal information and delicate medicine involved.
Therefore, there is a duty of confidentiality.
This is effective
I recommend this
I do not use these words.
Why? ...you might ask.
What if the person who purchased it actually takes it and it doesn't work?
There are differences in physical constitution and pre-existing conditions.
You said it would work, but it didn't
I bought it because it was recommended
You can be sued.
That is how important this point is.
And, we proceed with the premise of going to the hospital.
Our response
What is often said when recommending medicine is,
Something that works well
I want something that works quickly
The influence of commercials is also strong.
To alleviate painful symptoms.
To stop symptoms.
Medicine issymptomatic treatment.
And, it helps the body heal through its own regenerative power.
Kampo doesn't work
You have to keep taking it
It is said that Kampo cures from the root.
Even with Kampo, there are some that are used as single-dose medication.
I provide information about medicine from multiple perspectives.
That depends on how much I can ask during the consultation.
Medicine
If you read 'kusuri' (medicine) backwards, it becomes 'risuku' (risk).
The body reacts to it as a toxin.
The liver is the largest organ in the human body.
The liver tries to metabolize medicine as a toxin.
It is detoxification.
Alcohol is alcohol.
For those who drink every day, the liver is very active.
This means that
the metabolism time for detoxifying medicine is faster than for non-alcohol drinkers, so the duration of the medicine's effect may be shorter.
The human body is fascinating.
Nowadays, you can find a lot of information if you look it up.
I also see people searching on their phones or talking on the phone while on the sales floor.
I also actively reach out to customers.
Is there anything you need help with?
Would you like me to guide you?
And, I also look into their baskets at the register and call out to them.
There are cases where several items have overlapping ingredients, or combinations that are concerning.
Carbonated drinks and painkillers, based on the customer's appearance
Taking painkillers with carbonated drinks can sometimes make the medicine less effective.
The combination can make a difference, you know. ☺️
❍ I didn't know that!
❍ It's okay.
I'll drink this one now!
I receive replies like that.
I feel that a starting point is important.
It often leads to something afterwards.
A connection made on note
Zou-san.
I was somehow drawn to the article, and as I was reading it, I thought, 'Wait! A colleague in the same industry! ✨'
That's right.
It was a connection made on note.
The memories of his wife and his interactions with his children are heartwarming.
In this day and age, there are difficult times, but let's do our best. ♪♫
Yayoi ✳ Pharmacist
Shortly after I started using note, I read your article when I was searching for information about my mother's vaccination.
It was very easy to understand, and it helped ease my anxieties.
This article provided me with new knowledge for when I stand in the store and consult with customers.
K. Arigato-san
An article that naturally sinks deep into your heart.💕
Thank you.✨
Reading it makes me want to murmur my thoughts.
PKS/Veterinary Mental Care-san
I lost my bunny daughter and am feeling pet loss. My bunny sons are still with me, but of course, nothing can replace her. You have made 'mental care' for pet owners your goal,
and I heard you passed the 'Pet Loss Heart Care Counselor Certification Exam Level 2.' I think that is wonderful.
You are both doing work that involves facing patients and their families, and I am happy to have met you on note.
From now on
Starting note has allowed me to look back on my work.
I intend to write about my work, hoping that people can learn from the illnesses and injuries I have experienced myself, as well as from consultation cases, and that there might be things we can protect by seeking medical attention early.
I would be happy if you find it interesting.
I plan to update it at my own pace, little by little.
Next time, I plan to write about risk classification.
Thank you for reading this far.