Have you ever had your ethics tested?
As a pharmacist, you may be asked to do unethical things, especially when working with controlled substances. The interviewers ask this question to see that you are honest and have integrity. They want to hear that you have morals and can be trusted in your position. Some examples could be witnessing someone cheat or steal something or someone asking you to do something you knew was morally wrong. Describe a time you had your ethics tested and how you responded.
"Yes, I had my ethics tested at my last job. I was working as a pharmacist overseeing a small pharmacy staff of five. We were a very tight-knit team and were like family. One day, I saw one of my pharmacy techs take a few pills from a prescription she was taking to a patient. I immediately stopped what I was doing and intercepted her before she got to the patient. I asked her if she had taken pills from the prescription, which she denied. I asked her to come to the back of the pharmacy with me, and I counted the pills. There were five missing. She continued to deny taking the pills and said I must have counted them wrong when filling the prescription. I reminded her of the security cameras and told her I would call security to look at the footage. She started crying and said she took the pills for her mother, who couldn't afford them. She asked me not to tell anyone, or she would lose her job. Even though we were good friends, I told her she pushed the boundaries, did something illegal, and that I would not cover for her as we are all held to a higher standard. It was difficult for me to report her, but I cannot condone dishonesty and stealing. Ultimately, I was upset that she even put me in that position."
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