Tell us about your PATY experience?
My experience in PATY so far has been nothing but incredible, never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined myself in this position. It’s a complete honour to be a part of it, and for me to be recognised is amazing.
What was the workshop day like?
The workshop day was AMAZING! To be able to meet the other state finalists and judges was incredible and I have already met so many wonderful people. The day was amazing the workshop itself was incredible and I learnt so much from it.
Would you encourage others to participate in PATY in the future? Why?
I would definitely encourage people to nominate and don’t ever doubt yourself. I self-nominated because I felt I had something to give and to have the experience and say I was a part of it. Don’t ever doubt yourself and really you have nothing to lose from it, yet you have everything to gain from it.
How did you get started in pharmacy?
I got started in pharmacy about five years ago now and to be truthfully honest I was just looking for a job. Once I walked through the doors of the pharmacy I immediately felt at ease and comfortable in my surroundings and knew from that moment this is what I wanted to do. I classify myself as a people person and to be able to help people truly makes the job so rewarding.
How has your interest in pharmacy evolved over time?
My interest in pharmacy has evolved from just focusing on one area (the Natural Health) to now branching out into other areas such as stock. Also I love to be able to train new staff, this allows me to reflect on the experience I received from being new to pharmacy and adapt it to the person that I’m coaching.
Do you have a favourite area of the pharmacy?
My favourite areas of the Pharmacy has to be the Natural Health and Professional Services Counter (the S2 wall). I believe in offering my customer a complete solution to an issue or concern and I have found these two sections do work hand in hand.
What qualifications have you gained and how important is training to you?
I am currently working toward my Cert III in Community Pharmacy and then potentially my Cert IV after. Training to me is essential as it teaches you to provide effective solutions and recommendations to customers. I strongly believe that even general product training is just as important, as it’s taught me to identify the features and benefits of products, and how one product can differ from another similar one on the market.
Can you share a favourite story from your time in pharmacy?
A favourite story of mine from my time in pharmacy has to be right back at the start of my career in pharmacy. I was helping a lady in the cosmetic area, I helped her choose a lipstick. The following week she sent the manager a hand-written letter sharing how impressed she was with the service she received. Even though I was assisting her with a product I didn’t personally use, it was important to me she found what she needed. To me, that was such a special moment and so rewarding – I have never ever forgotten it.
What do you do in your spare time?
In my spare time I like to play indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. Also I love to paint as a way of expressing myself. I’m also an avid book reader. There is nothing more special in the world than feeling the pages between your fingers and that smell of a brand new book.
What inspires you?
What inspires me most has to be my customers. To be able to go work every day and be able to help someone. For a customer to come back to the store and tell me that the product/s I recommended helped them is what really inspires me. I’ll always go above and beyond for my customers and always try to achieve my best.