How long have you been a pharmacy technician?

I became certified as a pharmacy technician in Columbus, Ohio in 2005. I’ve worked as a pharmacy technician full-time at the Kroger Pharmacy in Defiance, Ohio, for 17 and a half years. I’m the lead tech at our store, so I usually work 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., five days a week. I usually work under one pharmacist for part of the day, and a second pharmacist for the rest of the day. There are two to three other techs who work in the store.

Why did you become a pharmacy technician?

I was an assistant manager of a drug store, and one of the pharmacists I worked with recommended a pharmacy tech training program. The store I was working in at the time closed. That same pharmacist called me from the new store she moved to, and I followed her there to learn the new role. She was a friendly face when I first walked in. I thought, “She’s here, so we’re good.”

What does a day in the life of a pharmacy technician look like?

You have to prioritize your whole day and learn how to delegate. Taking everything on by yourself doesn’t work. If you have a good team, the days fly by. If you’re short a team member, it can be a little harried.

Most people, even my family and friends, are surprised by how much pharmacy technicians do. We have to be versed in ordering supplies, changing medications if one doesn’t come in, and making sure that orders are correct and ready for customers. It’s a lot more than just entering data in a computer or ringing someone up.

Customer service is my main priority. Even if I feel overwhelmed, I think, “Let’s help this patient, and then I’ll worry about the next one.” I try to greet everyone as they come to the line, and say, “I’ll be with you as soon as possible.” I want them to know that they’re not just a waste of my time, that I appreciate them coming in, and that I’ll help them as fast as I can. I always try to at least have a smile. It sounds simple, but saying, “Hi, how are you today?” in a friendly, laid-back way can help put patients at ease. They need to know we care, are there for them, and will do the best job we can to help them no matter their situation.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

Working in a pharmacy is different than working with regular customers because most of your clientele isn’t feeling well when they walk up to the counter. They are coming to get a medication, or they just found out they had a health problem. They’ve got a lot going on in their minds. When I have to tell them a prescription is more expensive than they expected, my sympathy goes out to the patients.

About six months ago, I noticed there was a new generic available for a patient who struggles to afford her insulin every month. I was able to switch the prescription, and when she came to pick it up, I said, “I’ve got some good news for you. We’re going to save you $200 today.” It just made my day to be able to help. It’s amazing how much money customers can save using pharmacy savings cards. The price can go from $1,012 to $19.99.

I wish more people realized that pharmacy technicians can help. I can work with your doctors to get a medication that would do the same thing, but just at that lower price for you. There are other options besides just not taking it.

What does this award mean to you?

It makes me feel validated that somebody is recognizing me for the work that I do. It’s a team effort to help patients. Sometimes I have to call a doctor to get a new medication. It’s not me alone. 

When done correctly, working as a pharmacy technician is very fulfilling. It makes you feel like you’re helping people. Even if I help one person in my day, it lifts my spirits. If everyone would take the time to do one thing each day for someone else, it would be a nicer world.