Back to our stories

My Journey to Care Home Services in Ireland – Fraser

Fraser
Fraser | August 12, 2020
Pharmacy Dispenser
My passion for Care Home Services took me over to Ireland where I was welcomed with open arms to an exciting Care Home Service room with, and I have to say, THE MOST AMAZING team.
My Journey to Care Home Services in Ireland – Fraser

I’m Fraser and I am a Dispenser at our busy Shop Street store in Galway, Ireland.

I have just completed the first of a two-year Retail Supervision Apprenticeship Programme run by Retail Ireland Skillnet. I cannot lie, juggling a full-time job and an apprenticeship is a challenge. Add to that a new born baby daughter and it’s fair to say I have my hands full! In truth, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I began my career with Boots working in Operations whilst I was at university in Glasgow, evenings and weekends mostly. Over these early years I had the opportunity to pick up some key transferable skills that unbeknownst to me, would serve me well down the line.

I was always interested in the pharmacy side of the business and I enrolled on the healthcare assistant course keen to learn more and perhaps one day get a chance to do the dispenser programme.
And sure enough, as my old dad would always say, “What’s for you won’t go by you”.

Care Home Services

I was offered an amazing opportunity to join a Care Home Services team as a Trainee Dispenser. It was full on to say the least! I was learning on the job, but it wasn’t long before I was hooked. It’s the thrill of a fast-paced dispensary and working as a part of a team that ensured nursing home residents received their crucial medication.

My passion for Care Home Services took me over to Ireland where I was welcomed with open arms to an exciting Care Home Services room with, and I have to say, THE MOST AMAZING team. Ten years on and I transferred from Glaswegian to Galwegian! (If you have not visited Galway during the summer months I highly recommend it).
Since beginning the apprenticeship my focus has shifted towards the managerial side of the business. Though my primary role is still in the dispensary, it’s a really interesting time for my career. I work as part of the pharmacy team but have the additional interest in scorecards, KPI’s and financial analysis. I am blessed to have such a great mentor who supports me 100% with my development and learning.

If I was to give one piece of advice to Boots colleagues (or if you are considering a career with Boots) it is this… Speak to your line manager about your future. Don’t be afraid to have an open and honest conversation about what areas of the business interest you. Development opportunities are available, and the training is second to none. So, grab it with both hands and give it your all!

Additional COVID-19 acknowledgment

As I write this blog we are in unprecedented times with COVID-19. We are faced with new challenges to our business and our priority is for the safety of our colleagues and customers. Working within a confined dispensary means we all wear PPE and speak to customers at distance or through shields. In a strange way, it has brought our team closer together. We all share the common goal of protecting ourselves and our loved ones.

 

Are you ready to join our Pharmacy team? Click here for more information and our latest roles.

Tags in article
  • Share via
Back to top