Who will be the 2018 National Pharmacy Assistant of the Year? ACT, support your Winner Rebecca at the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference on 25-27 October 2018 at Sea World Resort, Gold Coast. Meet and learn from all of the State Winners on how they became the ‘best of the best’ during the Q&A session on 26 October. Then witness who will be announced as the National Winner at the Conference Dinner that night! Learn more at www.pharmacyassistants.com.
PATY ACT Winner
Rebecca Porter, Capital Chemist Calwell
- What was your reaction when they called your name as the ACT Winner?
I was really shocked! There were so many amazing Finalists that do a great job. I had some small hope that I could be the winner, but I was really there just for the training itself. I’m keen to get more training wherever I can, but to actually be awarded the ACT Winner was really nice.
- What has your career in pharmacy looked like and what qualifications do you have?
I first got into pharmacy through work experience in 2011. My mum made me do it! I wasn’t too interested in pharmacy at that stage but obviously seven years later, I wouldn’t be anywhere else. I started off as a casual pharmacy assistant and then when I finished college, I did as much work here as possible as well as volunteering with kids with learning disabilities. Then I was offered a full time position and the opportunity to do my certificate. I did Certificate III and IV and, became a Webster-pak dispense tech and stock controller at the same time which was a bit crazy. Now I’ve got two girls doing those jobs for me while I keep an eye on the store and the dispensary as a whole.
- How do you think training has benefited you in your career?
The certificates were fantastic. I was doing things that I’ve been trained to do but not fully understanding what I was doing or the reasoning behind it all. To do those certificates and actually get reasoning behind everything and the processes was great.
- Who did you complete your training with?
The Guild in Sydney.
- What are your career goals?
There’s still the idea to go to university eventually and study pharmacy but at this stage, I’m really enjoying the management position in dispensary.
- Tell us about your PATY experience so far?
It’s been lovely! Everyone that I’ve come across at the Guild have been incredible and the State Workshop was just amazing. It was a good opportunity to get some refreshed training on customer care and customer service and really go into the difference between the two. It was also really good to sit down with other pharmacy assistants in similar positions and get a feel for what their pharmacies do and what their procedures are, and take home some ideas that I can try and apply here at my pharmacy.
- What was the workshop day like?
I enjoyed that the State Workshop was a relaxed and open day. Everyone was able to say their peace. Kathy the facilitator was entertaining and lively, and the topics covered were really informative from customer service to community engagement.
- Would you encourage others to participate in PATY in the future? Why?
Yes definitely! With the award put aside, it’s great for training and the experience in general. I really enjoyed talking to the other pharmacy assistants and seeing how they did things in their pharmacy, as well as getting ideas from them. It was just a bonus that I actually won the award really!
- What have you gained from PATY so far?
I’ve gained more confidence and more reassurance that as pharmacy assistants, we are all in this together and we’re all doing the right thing. Also, I’ve learnt new things that we can use in pharmacy in terms of procedures, taking in scripts etc. I can’t wait to get to Queensland and meet the other State Winners at the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference as well and learn from them!
- Why would you encourage a person to nominate someone or themselves for PATY?
I would encourage everyone to either nominate someone or nominate themselves just for the overall experience. The workshop day we did was amazing – a great opportunity to meet other people in similar positions and to really expand on current ideas and understandings. It’s also a great confidence boost to just be nominated or to make the final 20. It makes you feel like you’re doing your job properly and that you’re valued.
- What do you love about pharmacy?
Everything! I love the team that I work with – I wouldn’t be able to do my job without them and I wouldn’t be where I am without those people. Also, being able to serve our customers and take care of people, particularly when they are at their lowest moments. I just like the routine of it all as it all changes during the day. I like being able to balance between the dispensary and front of the shop.