Tell us about your PATY experience?
It’s been such an overwhelming journey and it’s slowly started to sink in now, I guess. It’s been a great experience to be involved in. It really acknowledges the hard work that we do here in our pharmacy, and it’s great recognition for myself, but mostly for my team. I’m only as good as my team here in the pharmacy and it’s a fantastic opportunity to pay tribute to the hard work we do here!
What was the workshop day like?
The workshop was a really good opportunity to meet other Pharmacy Assistants from all walks of life, and levels of experience. It was fantastic to meet other Pharmacy Assistants to learn from each other and use that experience and opportunity to improve our practices in our pharmacy.
The judges were very helpful, supportive and understood that everyone was a little bit nervous! They put in a lot of effort to ensure everyone was doing their best and really came out of their shell. I tend to be a little bit shy, so it was a great experience for me to put myself out there.
Would you encourage others to participate in PATY in the future? Why?
It’s really about acknowledging and recognising Pharmacy Assistants. Of course it was great to meet new people and represent your pharmacy, but most importantly I think it’s important for gaining recognition for what we do. I don’t do this job for money, I do it to ensure the health and wellbeing of each and every person that walks through our pharmacy doors. It’s about customer satisfaction.
Like I said before, I’m quite a shy person. I think it’s important to learn to step out of your comfort zone, and really launch into these types of challenges.
It’s also a great opportunity to meet new people, to learn from them and to share our passion for pharmacy. I want to tell everyone to just have a go, you have nothing to lose and you never know what will happen.
How did you get started in pharmacy?
I had just moved to Benalla and I was looking for work, going shop to shop, and I walked into Jenny Milner-Marsha Watson Pharmacy. I’ve been here 18 years now, in the same store, same employer and it’s been a fantastic journey. I was really thrusted into pharmacy and I haven’t looked back once!
You’ve been in pharmacy for a while, how has your interest evolved over that time?
I honestly love being able to work in different areas of the pharmacy. No two days are alike and that’s what I really value. Some days you might be helping a bride do her make up for her big day, or you might be helping elderly customers with their medication. I really love building those relationships with your customers, and you become a big part of their life.
We’re like a big family here, our team, and our customers alike. I really like that connection that you build with the community.
You’ve worked in so many areas, do you have a favourite?
Professional health services is definitely my favourite area because you have the opportunity to really build a relationship and a meaningful connection with your customers.
What qualifications have you gained and how important is training to you?
Training is incredibly important to me, and I believe it’s important to continue to learn. I have a Grade 4 in Dispensary and I do S2 and S3 refreshers on a yearly basis. The pharmacy industry is changing very quickly, and it’s important for everyone to be on their game and really prove our worth here in community health.
Can you share a favourite story from your time in pharmacy?
We had an elderly couple who were in their 90’s and they would visit us in store very regularly and I would often deliver their medication to their home. I really enjoy delivering their medicines because I would always offer me a glass of lemonade and we would sit and chat about anything and everything!
One day their daughter visited from Melbourne and I remember their daughter was so happy that her parents had such caring people looking out for them in Benalla. It’s hard obviously when you live far away from your elderly family members, but she was just relieved to know that we were here to take care of them. She told me “we try not to worry, because we know they are in good hands!” They even gave me a wedding gift! They are so dear to me, and it’s really lovely to be a big part of their life!
What do you do in your spare time?
I have two children, an 11 year old and an 8 year old, so I’m usually running around with them. I also love to read, watch movies and relax with my family at home.
What inspires you?
I have to say my pharmacy team inspires me! The support I get from the girls here is amazing, we really are a big family. If anyone is having a bad day, we just band together and get through it, that’s what really inspires me. To be a part of this great team, and that’s what this award is about for me, it’s about my team!