Three techs join N.B. wellness task force

New Brunswick pharmacy technicians Aimee Kohler, Teri-Lynn Kingston and Bhawanjot Bahadur are participating in a Pharmacy Workplace Wellness Task Force (TF) created by the New Brunswick College of Pharmacists. The 19-member TF also comprises practising pharmacists, members of the public, and representatives from educational institutions and associations. “Workplace wellness aligns with the College’s mission to protect and promote the health and well-being of patients and will help support sustainability of the pharmacy profession,” says the College in the TF’s Terms of Reference. The TF will cover workload and workforce-related topics, such as staffing and labour hours, as well as professional development, technology, accountability, and planning—as long as any proposed actions are within the regulatory authority of the College. Read: The greatest mistake is to think we're infallible Kohler says she applied to join the TF because “the data shows that wellness in pharmacy professionals is at a low point and is continuing to decrease.” Of particular concern to her is the integration of pharmacy technicians into hospital and community pharmacy, which is currently in transition in the province. “So for me, any time an opportunity like this comes up, I like to ensure that the voice of the technician is being heard,” says Kohler, who is acting regional compounding supervisor for Horizon Health Network and, as her permanent position, pharmacy coordinator at the Saint John Regional Hospital. “Our scopes are growing really fast for pharmacists and technicians,” she notes. “We’re being asked to take on additional things to help alleviate other issues in the healthcare system here in New Brunswick, and if we don’t ensure that we’re supporting the pharmacy professionals, then I think that solution is just going to backfire on us.” Read: Have you found your niche? She says it is her personal opinion that the challenges of integrating pharmacy technicians may be contributing to the decline in the wellness of these professionals. “We’ve had some issues building trust of the pharmacist to [allow technicians to] practice at full scope.” She cites examples of licensed pharmacy technicians being hired as assistants. “Assistants are also important parts of our pharmacy team, but I think when you have a licensed technician doing the same things and making the same amount of money as an assistant, it’s quite demotivating for the technician.” Kohler is optimistic about the TF, noting that she has “complete confidence” in its progress to date. So far, TF members have been studying data from across the province and the country and discussing ideas. “I hope we can find some big wins for pharmacy wellness in New Brunswick,” she says. “I think the College is on a mission to find those big wins and make some changes to our wellness.”

Three techs join N.B. wellness task force

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