Trabajando in la farmacia

Today was day 2 working in my pharmacy. Jenny and I work about 2 blocks away in San Pablo so we are able to take the bus and walk together, but Steven and Dr. Riesselman work in San Rafael so they take a separate bus. As you can see the pharmacy is like a mini drug store that sells everything from condoms, shampoo to candy and makeup in addition medications. The pharmacy is very different than the pharmacies in the US. There are only a handful that require prescriptions and often times the patients can come in to purchase 1-days worth to however many they want to buy. Often times the pharmacists here are asked to diagnose symptoms and recommend medications. Ex: Today I encountered a mother who brought in her son who was having earaches and a sore throat. The pharmacist recommemded an abx otic drop (didnt catch the name) but this happens all day instead of patient going to doctor. However, there are times the pharmacist refers to go to doctor or hospital. Ex: Patient blood pressure was 190/140. So even though it's very different than the US there are certain standards that still hold true to the practice of pharmacy in Costa Rica.