Page 19 - RPA Magazine December 2020

How long have you been working for Coomera City Centre Chempro? I’ve worked within the Chempro group for four years, and at Coomera City Centre for the past year and a half as a pharmacy assistant. Do you have a background in pharmacy? I’ve worked at five different Chempro stores over the past four years. Each store is so unique and different. There are no two stores the same. In my experience, each store has a different community to serve, in one way or another. I’ve learnt something different at each store that I’ve \\\\\\\[worked\\\\\\\] at, and thoroughly enjoyed my time at these stores. Is pharmacy a career pathway you’ve always been passionate about? From a young age, I’ve always been passionate about helping others, and pharmacy was the first pathway shown to me, once I graduated from school, that I could fulfil this passion with. Through working in pharmacy, I’ve been able to help the community in ways that have made an impact in people’s lives. What are your other hobbies/ passions? Currently, my spare time is taken up by my study commitments. I’m over halfway through studying my bachelor’s degree in education, majoring in special needs education. This is something that I’m very passionate about, and I can’t wait to start my career to help students achieve their best. If I’m not studying or working, you’ll find me either riding my horses, or out on the boat, fishing. What do you enjoy most about working in pharmacy? Working in pharmacy has led to lifelong friendships and experiences I’d never have thought of if I hadn’t taken the job in the first place. Pharmacy has helped me fulfil my passion in a way that I can help people and provide solutions to customers that they’re looking for. Over the years in pharmacy, I’ve made some great friendships with customers and have witnessed profound health transformations for many regular customers. With the amazing team I have behind me, I know that every customer who walks through the doors will \\\\\\\[be\\\\\\\] approached and treated with respect and guided in ways to benefit them and provide them with the best experience possible. What are some of the positive customer interactions you’ve experienced? Hearing the success stories of customers coming back after they’ve tried a product that was recommended, and that they’re feeling better and it’s making a difference in their life, is always a great thing. The connections and friendships that come with the job are really something special. Customers will wait to be served by me and give updates on how their life is going. What are some of the highlights in your career so far? The lifelong friendships and connections that I’ve made over the years are something that I won’t take for granted. Pharmacy has brought me out of my shell and had me doing things that I’d never expected. Being a part of a team that’s supportive and that guides you to your full potential is the bonus of working in such a great environment. What has been one of the most difficult challenges you’ve had to overcome in pharmacy? This year has been a whirlwind, with many pharmacy staff experiencing a pandemic for the first time. With this pandemic came much fear, worry and stress for customers with the many unknowns, rapidly changing circumstances and constant worry that was portrayed through the media. This whole situation has led pharmacy staff to be there to help reassure our customers that we’re here to support them and provide the same service we always have. This was a difficult time for all, but I’m proud to say that we all made it through, and that our customers felt that their concerns were taken seriously and that they could have full trust in our staff – that there was nothing to stress and worry about from a pharmacy service perspective. What is one thing you think all pharmacy assistants should remember while working? That a simple smile can change the rest of someone’s day. Taking the time to listen to our customers can have such a positive impact on how our customers leave our store. Showing people empathy, respect and compassion is priceless. Take pride in your job. At the end of the day, a great pharmacy assistant is one who listens and takes the time to get to know their customers. What makes your pharmacy unique? Here at Coomera City Centre we’re lucky to be able to stock a unique range of product, ranging from our beauty collagen products, our own ASN store within the store of our pharmacy, our complete range of FitLato, and many more highly sought-after brands not commonly found within pharmacy. At Coomera City Centre we take pride in getting to know our customers and making sure that every customer has a positive experience within the store. What are your plans for the future, and does it involve pharmacy? Pharmacy has been a massive part of my life since graduating from school and I’ll be forever grateful for the experience and knowledge that I’ve acquired over my time in pharmacy. My future plans consist of me graduating from university in June 2022 with my bachelor’s degree in education and pursing my passion within the education sector – giving my students positive experiences within their education and providing them with lifelong experiences. Until I graduate, I’ll continue to work within pharmacy, providing a positive experience for each customer who walks through the door. PHARMACY ASSISTANT PROFILE 17 “Working in pharmacy has led to lifelong friendships and experiences I’d never have thought of.” RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • DEC 2020