CVS Pharmacy

I have been previously unimpressed with this CVS and had planned to write about it, but now that I am writing about it I have done a 180. This is due to the actions of two great customer service experiences.
1. I came in to pick up a prescription recently and had to wait in line, there were just a few people in front of me but there was an issue finding a prescription and I had been waiting for longer than usual. An employee offered me and everyone else in line a free bottle of water because we had to wait a few extra minutes.
2. A few days later I had another prescription to pick up but was getting ready for a trip so I started looking for a carabiner for my backpack. A young employee tried to help me find it but we were unable to. When he asked his other co-​worker (manager, maybe) the other co-​worker took his own carabiner off of his keys and gave it to me.
I know these seem like small acts of kindness, but I think that goes above and beyond regular customer service.
I will enjoy going back.

This CVS is not all that bad. I’m usually not a fan of chained stores, but this one tends to get it right.
Anytime I have needed something that I couldn’t find, an employee led me to it. They didn’t just point, they walked me. Maybe not everyone at the store does that, but it has been nice.
I am usually here to pick up prescriptions for my medication. The wait for a pickup, if not ready, is usually 10 – 15 minutes. Also note that on busier days, the line gets long for pickup, but it doesn’t get too bad. Moves nicely!
Otherwise, it’s a smooth sailing place. Great location too. For a place that I have to go to, I don’t mind it at all!

My oh my, somebody got up with an attitude this morning! Asked a salesperson if they could keep a bag of products on the side because my card didn’t work. He assured me he would not put them back. Came back after 30min, bag was gone. The lady behind the register looked around in a box, but nothing. She told me that everything must have been put back in the store. I asked if it was possible that they had put it somewhere else. No. Annoying, but okay. I started searching for the products again but some were gone. I knew that i had a clear essie nailpolish and a lipstick and those were the last ones and they were nowhere to be found. I told the lady behind the register this — very polite– and then… ATTITUDE…she almost shouted that the bag was not there and the things had been put back. Then she said that someone could have bought the things in the time that i was gone. Right. She slammed a box on the countertop and said: Look in there, do you see your stuff? No? Then we put it back!!! C
Best part, when I went to pay in the back of the store at the selfscan and left the store, I saw that my bag was laying there, next to the machines…
I don’t mind the fact that they misplaced my bag, but the attitude was too much. Everybody has bad days, don’t take it out in other people.

Every time I’ve been to this minute clinic I have to end up waiting over an hour to be seen. Today I got there at 9am and there was only one guy in front of me and it took them an hour and fifteen minutes to finish and for her to call me inside. Once seen, the experience is fine– all the nurses are wonderful and friendly, but waiting an hour or more is just ridiculous in my opinion.

This is a review for the Minute Clinic inside this CVS. The CVS itself, like all CVSes, is negative million stars.
Before leaving for Unilocal Spring Break, I had to get a manicure. I went to some place I go to somewhat regularly in Austin. I noticed that a couple days after manicure, not only was my polish chipping, but my cuticles hurt. Like 90% of them. I had never had this phenomena occur before and took some Advil and thought nothing of it. Fast forward to day two in Nashville and my left middle finger is a throbbing, oozing mess of disgusting. Of course, I still waited until the next day, after shopping, coffee, and ice cream, to do anything about it.
Looked up on the Unilocal app for a CVS, cross-​referenced with the Minute Clinic website, called ahead to make sure they were open and shared an Über with Ang over there. I say a little prayer to the Minute Clinic gods that there is no one in front of me and lo, there was not! What luck!
I go and proceed to checking in, and get all the way to the part about insurance cards and whatnot when I remember, though I was so proud of myself for remembering to bring my health insurance and FSA card on a trip (I’m all growed up!), they were locked safety away in the our hotel room safe, at least a $ 12 Über round trip away.
Before I can agonize over this too long, the nice PA calls me back. I show her what’s what and she says I need antibiotics at this point and not an amputation – yay! She doesn’t even make me get on the scale and has to script called into the adjoining pharmacy before we even sort out the insurance BS.
She lets me charge my phone and fumble around with insurance company to try to get the info. Of course, I call Aetna and they want my member id before speaking to me and I’m like, that’s why I’m calling you – here’s an idea for useful automated system – you call, enter in all those secret number you know (SSI, DOB, etc.) and they just give you your member ID. Anyway, all’s well that ends well. Mostly.
After leaving the lovely PA, I go to the first aid aisle for what seems like an eternity looking for the items I need to keep my finger safe and clean. Where are the finger cots? Had to have assistance to find those. Who needs buy one get one on antibiotic cream? Where is the soap?
Go to get cleaned up and bandaged and of course, the CVS bathroom is third world status – stinky, dirty, damp, and crowded. In my haste to leave, I even left behind my antibacterial soap that I had just bought. D’oh!
As I’m leaving to grab another Über, which would turn out to be my worst, a woman is stuck at the automated checker at CVS, waiting and waiting for help that seems will never arrive. Stupid CVS. Negative a million stars. Thankful for you, you have Minute Clinic pulling up your average.

Very conveniently located across from Vanderbilt’s campus, the CVS on 21^st is a good place to stop in quick and run an errand (for me, an errand usually means a snack). They are located in a building with a garage in the rear for the other businesses in the building, so if you can’t find street parking, I’d recommend using their 1 hour parking. There’s usually an attendant monitoring the spaces, so you can’t get away with leaving your car there for a longer time.
I’ve never used their pharmacy, but it’s usually frequented by Vanderbilt students who either don’t know about or don’t trust Student Health on the campus (or they need s scrip filled)…this seems to be the busiest part of the store.
I try and use the self-​scan at the rear of the store with the fear of screwing something up and having to wait for an employee to enter my weird coupon or non-​scannable item. This is because for whatever reason, they seem to only keep one cashier at the front and call others as backup. Everytime I am here there seems to be an ever-​growing line, so even if you’re quick with your shopping, it might not be the fastest method checking out.

CVS is close to Vandy and used by many undergrads as a mini supermarket of sorts. They re-​did the store in 2011-​ish updating it so it felt less like a cave by improving lighting and giving the place a much needed cleaning. Avoid it at all costs the week undergrads move in as it’s mobbed. The CVS ExtraCare card gets you really good perks and the place includes a Minute Clinic which I’ve used. The women who staff it could use some Prozac as ‘happy’ isn’t on the list of descriptors I would use for them, but they get the job done. Parking is convenient and free for 2h but it is in the same place as Vandy Parking office, so you know they would love to give you a monster parking ticket.

CVS to the rescue! I wish the pharmacy had longer hours, but they are absolutely great about taking care of their customers. The few times I have run into issues (usually my fault), they have gone out of their way to make sure I received my prescriptions.
I love that if I am feeling sickly I can pop in to the Minute Clinic drop my script off at the pharmacy and buy myself some feel-​better treats (candy aisle!) while waiting for my script to be filled. The «as seen on tv» aisle is also a great way to pass the time.

²⁰¹³⁄₀₁₈
The distinctive thing about a CVS (to me, anyway) is how low the shelves are. To the vertically-​challenged like me, that should be a bonus. And yet, my inner conspiracy theorist tells me it’s so their security cameras can watch my every move. All kidding aside, I am somewhat skeeved by the low shelving.
This CVS is conveniently located near the Vandy campus. And I don’t frequent CVS stores enough to know if pre-​packaged lunches and food items that they have here are specifically because of the clientele, or if they’re always available at all of their locations.
They also have some sort of self-​checkout area, which are set up somewhat differently than the U-​Scans at grocery stores.
Other than that, the place has your usual drug store items. And it gets busy during lunch.

I pick up candy and anti-​depressants at this CVS. Occasionally, I get an energy drink if it is THAT kind of day. They have everything you would expect and more.
I find it strange that a pharmacy/​drug store that should be focused on health carries cigarettes. They do not, however, carry rolling papers. Weird.
I refuse to get a CVS card and the employees always have a card they will scan to save you some money.
If you need some pills and this place is close, you won’t go wrong here.

I agree with Jackie Y regarding that there isn’t much variance between each CVS as it is large corporation but I felt compelled to share that the customer service at this location has always been a cut above the best. Whether I’m picking up a prescription or making a pitstop for a toothbrush or gummy bears… everyone has always been helpful and noticeably friendly.
Some may say that this basic business practice but I can assure you that it is actually a rarity these days…
The prices are a bit higher than some other pharmacies but the «rewards» and coupons offer up some pretty fantastic deals too.