What do you love about being a pharmacy technician?

After 20+ years as a retail manager, I was offered a temporary position as a pharmacy technician until I decided on my next career move. Needless to say, I found my new career! I love pharmacy and use any opportunity to learn, teach, and advance what it means to be a pharmacy technician. My goals are to incorporate a more integrative approach to patient care and help patients become more in tune with their wellness and well-being.

Please tell us more about your goal to incorporate a more integrative approach to patient care.

I have always had an interest in natural, holistic, and even metaphysical approaches to health and well-being. When I started my journey into pharmacy, I realized how important and beneficial combining Eastern and Western practices can potentially be in creating better outcomes for patients. These include diet, exercise, and sleep. I know there are many people out there, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, and holistic practitioners who believe strictly in one way or the other. In my own study and observation, a combination of the two is modern and sensible. Realistically, there are some disease states that require long-term or lifelong medication. However, there are holistic and natural alternatives available to help alleviate the side effects of medication to try before starting a medication therapy, or there are alternatives that can be added to a current regimen to boost outcomes. My strong belief in integrative health and wellness has led me to become a Reiki master, crystal healer, and aromatherapist.

Tell me about a time you helped a patient.

Recently, a friend asked if I would take a look at her father’s medication list. He had recently been diagnosed with dementia but was acting very much outside of his new normal behavior. I noticed he was taking two statins. The family immediately contacted his physician and one was discontinued. Within a few days, he was less confused and his behavior had improved.

How have PTCB’s certificates helped you?

I have advanced my knowledge and skills in many ways with the PTCB Certificate Program. I have gained a deeper understanding of the importance of patient and medication history, medication therapy management, diversion, and verification, became an immunizer, and earned my CPhT-Adv!

What advice would you give pharmacy technicians as they explore their career paths?

In any career, continuous learning is what helps anyone grow and advance. As pharmacy technicians, we are required to continually learn, and earning PTCB credentials not only meets those requirements, it puts you a step ahead by teaching you the details involved in many aspects of pharmacy life. Gaining this knowledge can help you prepare to follow the career path that interests you.

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