PharmaSave, Casuarina
How does it feel be awarded State Finalist for Northern Territory?
It feels amazing! I was over the moon and completely honoured because I didn’t expect it at all. It’s nice to be recognised and you can get so much from the award, such as more learning experiences and meeting other like-minded peers.
Can you give a brief overview of your career in pharmacy?
When I was 16 in Perth at Hay Street Mall Pharmacy, is when I began. I left to do another job for nine months and came back. I had children so I was off work for five years and now I’ve come back into it. My kids are now seven and eight. I have my Certificate IV in dispensing and I’m about to do my clinic training. I have also done my Certificate II and Certificate III, and completed my training mostly through the Guild.
What did you think of the PATY workshop and what have you gained so far?
I loved it. It was a lot of fun and to meet the other pharmacy assistants was really nice. The facilitators make the workshops really fun, which is really good. Confidence has been the key thing I’ve gained. I’ve learnt to be confident in who I am, as well as how to sell myself and be the person I am in pharmacy. Also, I’ve become more confident in knowing our products, knowing our shop, knowing our staff… knowing everything!
Would you encourage others to nominate and be nominated for the award?
It’s nice to be recognised and you can get so much from the award, such as more learning experiences and meeting other like-minded peers. There are so many benefits from the whole experience to gain, so it’s not going to hurt to apply and see how far you can go.
I’m really looking forward to meeting the other State Winners and learning from them, as well as doing the National Finals workshop at the Pharmacy Assistant National Conference in Brisbane.
Retail Pharmacy Assistants magazine wishes Ms Calder the best of luck at the PATY Awards commencing on October 12.
