Q&A with Nikki
What motivated you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
My journey into pharmacy began with my very first job at Alert Bay Drugs, where I was initially responsible for stocking shelves and helping out with basic tasks. One day, the pharmacist was compounding a cream and kindly asked if I wanted to learn how to do it. That moment sparked a genuine interest in the technical and hands-on aspects of pharmacy work.
From then on, I knew this was the field I wanted to grow in. Pharmacy quickly became more than just a job; it felt like a place where I could develop valuable skills and make a difference.
What qualities do you bring to your role at Pinnacle?
I bring over 25 years of practical pharmacy experience, which has given me a deep understanding of the daily workflow and challenges in this field. My specialty is blister packing, where attention to detail and organization are crucial to ensure patients receive their medications safely and correctly. Recently, I expanded my skillset by learning to work with the PACMED system, which has improved my efficiency and accuracy.
I’m also known for being organized, reliable, and always willing to help both colleagues and customers.
What values influence your work?
The core values that guide my work are compassion, teamwork, responsibility, professionalism, and integrity.
- Compassion helps me connect with patients and understand their needs beyond just the prescription.
- Teamwork is essential in a busy pharmacy environment, where we all rely on each other to provide the best care.
- Responsibility and professionalism ensure that I handle medicines and information safely and respectfully at all times.
- Integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.
What challenges do you face as a pharmacy assistant? How do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is working in a fast-paced environment where there are constant demands from both customers and technical tasks that require precision. Balancing friendly customer service while maintaining accuracy with prescriptions and medication preparation can be tricky.
Over the years, I have become skilled at multitasking efficiently without compromising quality or safety. Staying calm under pressure and prioritizing tasks helps me manage these challenges!
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Outside of work, I looooove cooking! It’s something that relaxes me and lets me be creative on my days off. I’m also a fan of scary movies, they’re my go-to for entertainment when I want something thrilling.
I've recently bought a bicycle so I can go on outdoor adventures with my daughter. It’s a great way for us to spend quality time together while staying active.
What do you find most rewarding about being a pharmacy assistant?
Building lasting relationships with regular customers. Seeing familiar faces come through the door and knowing that I can help make their day easier or answer their questions is pretty awesome. I also appreciate how pharmacy work constantly teaches me something new every day.
What message do you hope readers will take away from your bio?
I want readers to know that I am approachable, friendly, and always ready to offer help. Organization is one of my strengths, which allows me to contribute effectively to our team’s smooth operation. Above all, I care deeply!