Walk me through how you enter a new prescription and what you check before it goes to the pharmacist.

What the interviewer is looking for

• This question tests prescription processing & data entry. Describes accurate entry of patient, drug, strength, directions and prescriber, and catching unclear or incomplete prescriptions.
• Strong answers: Verifies patient identity and allergies, prescriber details, drug, strength, directions, quantity and refills, and flags anything unclear for clarification.
• Likely follow-up: What kinds of prescriptions do you flag to the pharmacist straight away?

Another way it may be asked: A new paper or electronic prescription comes in. What do you look at and type in before the pharmacist verifies it?

A structure to follow: Answer, explain, example, limits

1. Step 1

   Answer

   Give your direct answer in the first sentence so the interviewer knows where you are going.

2. Step 2

   Explain

   Say how it works or why you would do it that way, in plain words before jargon.

3. Step 3

   Example

   Anchor it in something you have actually done or seen, with the detail that shows hands-on experience.

4. Step 4

   Limits

   Say when your approach would not be the right one. It shows judgement.

This is guidance on shape, not a script. Use your own real experience and facts; never invent details to fill a gap. See the STAR guide and answer frameworks.

Common slips

• Reciting a definition without showing you have applied it.
• Using terms you cannot explain if asked a level deeper.
• Claiming experience beyond what you can discuss in detail.

How to practise it

Say the answer in 90 seconds, then answer the follow-up as if it were a new question.

Related questions

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• A prescription says one teaspoon twice a day for ten days. How many milliliters would you dispense?
• A customer is angry that their prescription isn't ready. What do you say and do?
• A claim is rejected because it needs prior authorization. What do you do next, and how do you explain it to the patient?
• How do you handle expiring stock, drug shortages, and keeping fast moving items from running out?

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