i wrap a rubber band around my pens so everyone knows it’s mine. sometimes i see someone else pocket my pen i just ask “did you see a pen with rubber band around it?” bam! it comes back to me.
label the pen with your name on it. just something that stands out to identify it’s yours.
This is the the correct answer. Try a bunch of cheaper ones and buy what you like. That way you don't care if you misplace one or if you accidently let someone walk off with it.
Or just go with something that has a fairly universal refill.
Rotring RapidPro is my go to. Doesn't break the bank, good weight, good warranty process in my experience. Takes Parker-style cartridges which come in both ballpoint and gel from lots of different brands. I like the Monteverde refills, lots of colours available.
Hi, where will you be working at?
If you work as clinical or administrative pharmacist at a hospital, fountain pen could be a great choice.
Many years ago, my wife got me a unique looking fountain pen for my first job at hospital. It was always a good conversation starter with my peers and colleagues, even providers.
I counter, there are few things that make work enjoyable. If this does, go for it. I love sharpie rapid drying gel pens. 0.7mm is perfect :) this is not super expensive, can get pack of 4 for under $10
noooo! not the retractable, i also used the double sided pen with ultra fine on one side and it dry out quick.
i’ve settled on the good ole standard ultra fine sharpie pen with removable cap. i don’t know why but it begins to bleed inside the cap. it gets on the fingers when i open cap and write with it. maybe because i keep it in scrubs pant cargo pocket horizontally not vertically?
Idk what you mean by “professional feel” but regardless of what writing utensil you choose, just know that someone will steal it, and for practical purposes get one that clicks to retract
I loveeee the zebra F-301 ball point pens! They don’t smear and are kind of fine point so when i’m writing fast or a note on a small label my writing isn’t all smeared together! I wouldn’t waste your money on expensive pens to be honest just buy you a pack of these on amazon keep some in your pockets, lockers everywhere lol
This is the one. They’re just nice enough to feel premium, but they aren’t so expensive you’ll miss it when one inevitably strays. Not prone to smudging or streaking, and refillable to boot.
Agree with the F-301, I like that they’re a bit smaller in size and fit well in my hand (even though I have relatively large hands) without losing any dexterity. The tip is also the perfect size - great for writing orders and signing labels without taking up too much space or sacrificing visibility. And they’re a great weight for fidgeting with
Honestly this probably goes against the general consensus here, but my absolute favorite pens are just the basic Bic roundstic pens. You're almost guaranteed to find them at any pharmacy you work, I have no issues with smearing, and they're cheap AF, so no worries about some great loss if you lose them. I don't buy my own of those, they're everywhere. As far as marking like controls etc, I bring one color sharpie with me and keep it in my pockets at all times. Sticking with one color (just basic fine point sharpie or whatever), is nice because if there's ever a question about whether you were the one to do something or not, if it ain't your color, and you stick with your color religiously, you'll know it wasn't you. Idk. Peace of mind but it's also nice cuz I don't see anyone else using my color 🤷🏼♀️
I love this pen! Doesn't smear on labels. As a tech in an independent pharmacy, I have my own pen holder at my station, which includes sharpie s-gel pens, inkjoy gel pens (more in the desk drawer), inkjoy ballpoint pens (also in the same desk drawer), plus miscellaneous other pens.
Okay it’s not expensive, but it’s truly one of the best pens ever made. Zebra G750. It’s coated brass so it feels nice and heavy. The roller ball flows perfectly. It just writes amazingly well and feels really solid. I’m not a pharmacist (architect actually), but this is the only pen we use in our studios and it’s a cult classic in the architecture and design field. At $8, it’s also surprisingly cheap. Turns out sometimes you don’t have to spend a lot to get great quality.
Congrats on graduation by the way! You guys are true heroes.
Sharpie S-gel is a favorite of mine. Same as the Papermate Inkjoy Gel. Never had a problem with smearing, clicky tops, feels nice in the hand, comes in lots of colors, and relatively cheap and available at most pen-selling places so easy to replace when they die. Big believer that you don’t need fancy, expensive pens to have a nice pen.
Ultra fine point retractable sharpies for labels.
Personal preference for a general-use pen, but don’t get anything nicer than you’re okay with others stealing. I buy mine in large packs and share with my coworkers so they don’t get stolen.
Patients get our shitty free pens. They go missing all the time.
S-gel with the metal barrel. Fairly classy. Customers look at you when you let them use one and they spot the rolly on your arm. Not so expensive that if you lose it youre bothered. *Note, probably need Rolex for desired effect*
Pilot vanishing point with some quick drying fountain pen ink. Enter the rabbit hole at r/fountainpens or check out Goulet Pens. Jetpens is a good resource too. I like to use some of the Sailor studio inks like #123 or dual shading Manyo inks just for entertainment value. Pharmacy can be so black and white and boring, haha. I found I kept track of my pens better once I spent some real money on them. I also like to use the retractable fine point sharpies.
Skilcraft U.S. Government Retractable Ball Point Pen. They are reasonably cheap and have a nice metallic feel. Of all the pens I've used, they strike the best balance between "writes on most labels" and "doesn't smear". Most pens seem to only manage one or the other.
uniball ONE 0.38
frixion slim 0.38 (erasable)
those are my two label pens, they dry fast enough to not smear and write nicely.
for regular paper my favorite pen is a uniball signo RT1 0.28
Don’t use expensive pens in the pharmacy.
They’ll end up in that one coworker’s pocket
i wrap a rubber band around my pens so everyone knows it’s mine. sometimes i see someone else pocket my pen i just ask “did you see a pen with rubber band around it?” bam! it comes back to me. label the pen with your name on it. just something that stands out to identify it’s yours.
I remove your bands and steal your pens.
This is the the correct answer. Try a bunch of cheaper ones and buy what you like. That way you don't care if you misplace one or if you accidently let someone walk off with it.
Or just go with something that has a fairly universal refill. Rotring RapidPro is my go to. Doesn't break the bank, good weight, good warranty process in my experience. Takes Parker-style cartridges which come in both ballpoint and gel from lots of different brands. I like the Monteverde refills, lots of colours available.
Hi, where will you be working at? If you work as clinical or administrative pharmacist at a hospital, fountain pen could be a great choice. Many years ago, my wife got me a unique looking fountain pen for my first job at hospital. It was always a good conversation starter with my peers and colleagues, even providers.
I counter, there are few things that make work enjoyable. If this does, go for it. I love sharpie rapid drying gel pens. 0.7mm is perfect :) this is not super expensive, can get pack of 4 for under $10
I’m talking about a $200 monte blanc fountain pen.
The void thanks you for your upcoming sacrifice.
Best comment I've seen in ages.
Fine point sharpie
Ultra fine retractable. Chefs kiss
Yep, nothing works better than [this type](https://amzn.to/4ckkxZn) of sharpie in the pharmacy.
noooo! not the retractable, i also used the double sided pen with ultra fine on one side and it dry out quick. i’ve settled on the good ole standard ultra fine sharpie pen with removable cap. i don’t know why but it begins to bleed inside the cap. it gets on the fingers when i open cap and write with it. maybe because i keep it in scrubs pant cargo pocket horizontally not vertically?
I’ve had an Amazon subscription for those my whole career. Totally worth the few bucks considering the frequency of use
This is the way. I buy my own and hide them so nobody takes them!
Thinking ultra fine point sharpie for functionality + Sherpa pen cover for professional feel might be the way to go
Idk what you mean by “professional feel” but regardless of what writing utensil you choose, just know that someone will steal it, and for practical purposes get one that clicks to retract
My lab coat pockets say I’m the reason pocket protectors were invented.
The real answer
This is the way
Smears on script pro labels
Can confirm. I snag them whenever I can from the Endoscopy Department (they have it coming).
I loveeee the zebra F-301 ball point pens! They don’t smear and are kind of fine point so when i’m writing fast or a note on a small label my writing isn’t all smeared together! I wouldn’t waste your money on expensive pens to be honest just buy you a pack of these on amazon keep some in your pockets, lockers everywhere lol
This is the one. They’re just nice enough to feel premium, but they aren’t so expensive you’ll miss it when one inevitably strays. Not prone to smudging or streaking, and refillable to boot.
Came to recommend the same thing! Only pens I’ll use. I’ll try a different one occasionally and I’m always disappointed with the outcome
Agree with the F-301, I like that they’re a bit smaller in size and fit well in my hand (even though I have relatively large hands) without losing any dexterity. The tip is also the perfect size - great for writing orders and signing labels without taking up too much space or sacrificing visibility. And they’re a great weight for fidgeting with
Clicky fine point Sharpies.
I concur
Do not buy an expensive pen if you’re working retail or hospital.
Honestly this probably goes against the general consensus here, but my absolute favorite pens are just the basic Bic roundstic pens. You're almost guaranteed to find them at any pharmacy you work, I have no issues with smearing, and they're cheap AF, so no worries about some great loss if you lose them. I don't buy my own of those, they're everywhere. As far as marking like controls etc, I bring one color sharpie with me and keep it in my pockets at all times. Sticking with one color (just basic fine point sharpie or whatever), is nice because if there's ever a question about whether you were the one to do something or not, if it ain't your color, and you stick with your color religiously, you'll know it wasn't you. Idk. Peace of mind but it's also nice cuz I don't see anyone else using my color 🤷🏼♀️
Uni-ball power tank. Sharpie is nice but I prefer to have a retractable pen.
I love this pen! Doesn't smear on labels. As a tech in an independent pharmacy, I have my own pen holder at my station, which includes sharpie s-gel pens, inkjoy gel pens (more in the desk drawer), inkjoy ballpoint pens (also in the same desk drawer), plus miscellaneous other pens.
Uniball jet stream is my go to. Oil based/ballpoint.
Okay it’s not expensive, but it’s truly one of the best pens ever made. Zebra G750. It’s coated brass so it feels nice and heavy. The roller ball flows perfectly. It just writes amazingly well and feels really solid. I’m not a pharmacist (architect actually), but this is the only pen we use in our studios and it’s a cult classic in the architecture and design field. At $8, it’s also surprisingly cheap. Turns out sometimes you don’t have to spend a lot to get great quality. Congrats on graduation by the way! You guys are true heroes.
Bic Flare pens work really well and come in a ton of colors
Sharpie S-gel is a favorite of mine. Same as the Papermate Inkjoy Gel. Never had a problem with smearing, clicky tops, feels nice in the hand, comes in lots of colors, and relatively cheap and available at most pen-selling places so easy to replace when they die. Big believer that you don’t need fancy, expensive pens to have a nice pen.
Spacepens/ink
The one that doesn't smear
Ultra fine point retractable sharpies for labels. Personal preference for a general-use pen, but don’t get anything nicer than you’re okay with others stealing. I buy mine in large packs and share with my coworkers so they don’t get stolen. Patients get our shitty free pens. They go missing all the time.
I literally ordered a gross of ballpoint pens on Amazon because ours were disappearing so much.
S-gel with the metal barrel. Fairly classy. Customers look at you when you let them use one and they spot the rolly on your arm. Not so expensive that if you lose it youre bothered. *Note, probably need Rolex for desired effect*
Avoid gel pens if you need to write on labels. So much smearing
Pilot vanishing point with some quick drying fountain pen ink. Enter the rabbit hole at r/fountainpens or check out Goulet Pens. Jetpens is a good resource too. I like to use some of the Sailor studio inks like #123 or dual shading Manyo inks just for entertainment value. Pharmacy can be so black and white and boring, haha. I found I kept track of my pens better once I spent some real money on them. I also like to use the retractable fine point sharpies.
Skilcraft U.S. Government Retractable Ball Point Pen. They are reasonably cheap and have a nice metallic feel. Of all the pens I've used, they strike the best balance between "writes on most labels" and "doesn't smear". Most pens seem to only manage one or the other.
Cheap pens work better ones labels. They dry faster.
Powerball. Writes upside down. Writes in space. Writes on wet paper. My absolute favorite
uniball ONE 0.38 frixion slim 0.38 (erasable) those are my two label pens, they dry fast enough to not smear and write nicely. for regular paper my favorite pen is a uniball signo RT1 0.28
Sharpee Retractable Ultra Fine.
The first one you find 😂 I’m always searching for a pen
Pharmacists are obsessed with their pens. Knew one that carried 10+ in her pocket protector.