Professional Development

Take the First Step to Achieving Your Goals
By Edna Bowser, CPhT, Butler Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Butler, PA

Have you ever found it hard to enter the workplace because it seems like you never left and every day is a repetition of the day before? If you answered yes, this article is for you. Now take a few moments to think about the following questions. Do you have any goals? If you do, can you say that you find yourself pursuing them on a daily basis? Are you actively working towards these goals regardless of what is going on in your life, or do you find yourself making excuses?

You might be asking yourself what these questions have to do with being a pharmacy technician. The answer is simple. Working as a pharmacy technician presents daily opportunities to not only improve patient safety and pharmacy workflows, but to set and achieve measurable personal and professional goals.

In order to grow and develop in your career, it is essential to continually set goals that improve your competency as a technician. This might include reading articles about pharmacy, learning about automation, taking computer courses, and becoming a certified pharmacy technician. By continually setting and achieving goals, we generate enthusiasm, which in the workplace can make all of the difference between a lousy day and a great day. Also, you may be surprised what you can accomplish and what a positive affect such accomplishments can have on your overall attitude as you enter the workplace each day.

If you are serious about self-improvement, here is simple goal-setting exercise you can do. First, take a piece of paper and write at the top a goal that you have, large or small. Next, list underneath some reasons that inhibit you from achieving this goal. Keep in mind your goal needs to be realistic and attainable. That was simple, wasn't it? Writing down your goals and including any barriers to overcoming them is the first step to success. The last step is to get out and start working toward your goals, which is something only you can do. Get started on your future today!

"Take Your Legislator to Work" ASHP Toolkit Now Available

Interested in getting to know your federal and state legislators and letting them get to know you? The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) has created a toolkit encouraging all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to Take Your Legislator to Work! The Take Your Legislator to Work Day campaign gives your state and federal legislators (and regulators) an up-close look at the contributions that you make to safe and effective patient care. Your outreach will be the first step in building an ongoing relationship with legislators and their staff. Start planning now; the August legislative break is a great time to try to schedule visits. Your voice is important - take this first step in advocating for your profession, your patients, and for you! For tips, the toolkit, and the kick-off webinar, please visit ASHP.