Once again, it was tough for the PATY judges to choose a State Winner for, because there are so many amazing pharmacy assistants nominated.
This year, the bright and bubbly, Julie Warhurst from Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse Cannon Hill was chosen to represent Queensland at the National Competition next month.
We got in touch with Julie to ask a few questions so we could all get to know her a little better.
How long have you worked in pharmacy and how did you get started?
I have worked in pharmacy for 31 years and, for me, I could not have chosen a better career. After leaving school I had considered studying nursing or occupational therapy but pharmacy was the pathway that I chose. I enrolled in a Pharmacy Academy course where I studied hard and completed the course as a very enthusiastic young pharmacy assistant.
How has your interest in pharmacy evolved?
My interest in pharmacy has evolved over the years because of my enthusiasm and passion for helping others.
It has never been more important to have a wide-ranging interest in all aspects of pharmacy because we have become a hub of health and wellbeing. The professional services that we now offer in my pharmacy interest me greatly and I intend to up-skill so that I can continue to play an important role in these services.
Do you have a favourite area in the pharmacy?
The S2/S3 counter is where I feel I can best use my ability and knowledge to provide great service to my customers. I enjoy making sure the prescription counter runs effectively and efficiently.
What qualifications have you gained and how have they helped you in your career so far?
I have always considered myself as a lifelong learner in pharmacy. Continually learning and updating my skills has enabled me to have a successful career. As well as a Retail Operations Certificate III, I have also done a cosmetic course in Estée Lauder and Clinique.
My First Aid and CPR training has enabled me to become the co-ordinator for our immunisation clinics which is now one of the many professional services we offer in my pharmacy.
Do you have a favourite story from your time in pharmacy?
I have so many stories from my career in pharmacy; good, bad, funny and sad.
One of the most personally rewarding stories for me is quite recent. As the Coordinator for an Australian Hearing Clinic in-store recently, I was responsible for encouraging customers to make an appointment to have their hearing tested. Mr Smith* was very hesitant because he said he didn’t think that there was too much wrong with his hearing and laughed when he said that his wife may feel differently.
I encouraged Mr Wilkinson to have the test. He was then referred to a follow-up appointment where significant hearing loss was detected. The following week he came in to see me with his two new hearing aids. He was so grateful that I had encouraged him to have the test – he didn’t know that his seat belt made a clicking sound until now.
It was such an amazing outcome and a great example of how the professional services that we now offer in pharmacy can affect people’s lives!
What has your PATY experience been like so far?
The PATY experience has been amazing both personally and professionally. Simply being nominated was such a proud moment for me and a great acknowledgement of my commitment to pharmacy and my customers. To then progress through to the State Workshop Day was both exciting and inspiring. Being awarded Queensland Pharmacy Assistant of the Year is truly an honour for me and I encourage all other pharmacy assistants to embrace the PATY Award. This is our opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for the important role we play in our community pharmacies.
What are you most looking forward to at the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference?
The PA Conference includes such a comprehensive educational programme, it’s hard to choose! I would have to say I am mostly looking forward to the excitement and the enthusiasm of all the pharmacy assistants attending. I look forward to meeting so many like-minded people all with the same desire to develop ourselves personally and professionally. If I had to pick just one session I’m really keen to see it would be, ‘Promoting your in store services effectively – driving customer loyalty and retention’.
What do you do in your spare time?
I wish I could tell you about some amazing art or craft hobby I do in my spare time but I don’t have one. My family takes up some of my spare time simply because we love spending time together. I love a good cheese plater and a bottle of wine with friends. I also enjoy going on relaxing walks with my husband, usually with a nice coffee destination at the end of it.
What inspires you?
I am continually inspired by the courage and strength that many of my customers show every day.
The customers that live with chronic disease and are so grateful for me making their day a little easier.
The customer battling cancer, fighting for their life but still able to smile and ask how my day is going.
The elderly patient who cares for a husband or wife with dementia the best way they can, refusing to put them in to a facility so they can be at home together as long as possible.
These are some of the reasons that inspire me to be a great pharmacy assistant.
*Name has been changed.