Job Dreams: Hannah, Pharmacy Technician

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As part of our Job Dreams series, we speak to professionals from different careers and share their advice with you. Last month, we learned what it's like to be an emergency nurse. And this month we met pharmacy technician Hannah, who told us what it’s been like on the front line over the last few months...

What do you do?

I’m a Pharmacy Technician at Boots. 

How has the pandemic affected your work?

Coronavirus has meant a lot more planning and logistics needed around keeping ourselves and our patients safe...all whilst still trying to deliver the best care we can. Coronavirus has definitely impacted my day to day job by making a mentally challenging job even tougher.

Can you tell us what your day-to-day is like?

At the moment, my day-to-day job is providing medicines to over 50 care homes in North Devon. 

What do you love most about your job?

There are lots of things I love about my job! But the two that stand out are, firstly,  the knowledge that I gain even on a day-to-day basis, and then the team that I work with. Even in some of the most stressful situations I can guarantee they’ll support me! 

What do you find most challenging?

Dealing with issues that are beyond my control. As you can imagine there are a lot of steps in the process of dispensing medication and unfortunately sometimes these steps are missed and it does create a whole lot more work, which when you are pressed for time already can be very frustrating. 

What did you see yourself doing when you were a kid?

The old classics such as princess or superhero. 

What challenges did you face in reaching where you are today?

The NVQ 3 in Pharmaceutical Science that I had to complete to become a Technician was very challenging. It required a lot of time and organisation and it meant that a lot of my spare time was dedicated to it. But, I’m very happy I took the leap and pushed myself to do it. 

If you weren’t a Pharmacy Technician, what do you think you’d be?

I honestly have no idea. I’ve found a job that I love and keeps me on my toes every day. I couldn’t really imagine myself doing anything else!

Where do you see yourself going next?

I definitely want to stay within the healthcare sector but would love the opportunity to expand my knowledge, perhaps in a different setting to community pharmacy. 

What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you first left school?

That I was more academic than I gave myself credit for and if I had actually applied myself properly I could have done really well. 

What advice would you give to someone interested in joining your industry?

Be patient. There are a lot of aspects to pharmacy and you can’t learn it all in a day! 

What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve been given?

Keep it simple and don’t overthink things. 

What quote do you live by?

“Great things never came from comfort zones”.