Customers wait in line Monday at Smith’s Pharmacy in Los Alamos. Photo by Bonnie J. Gordon/ladailypost.com

By BONNIE J. GORDON
Los Alamos Daily Post
bjgordon@ladailypost.com

Long lines, a closed drive-thru window and delays in filling prescriptions have plagued the pharmacy at Smith’s Marketplace in Los Alamos for the past several weeks and triggered customer frustration.

It’s all about staffing,” Smith’s Assistant Manager Crystal Moreno said. “We just don’t have the applicants The hiring pool in Los Alamos is slim. People just don’t want to drive up the hill.”

The drive-thru window is closed until further notice and temporary hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday inside the store will remain until the pharmacy can staff up, Moreno said, adding that there is no timeline for filing the positions, Moreno said.

Employees are stressed and overworked, but Smith’s management is doing it’s best to support them, Moreno said. She urged customers to be understanding about delays and treat employees well, as they are doing their best to make sure the pharmacy operates safely and efficiently.

The pharmacy needs not only licensed pharmacists, but pharmacy technicians, Moreno said.

“We will train the new techs for one year before they take the test to become certified pharmacy techs,” she said.

This is a good way to go from no experience to a career, Moreno said. She urged those interested to apply via https://www.thekrogerco.com/careers/ or indeed.com.

Applicants who want to learn more about working at the store may call 505.661.2757 to speak with someone in management.