In healthcare, countless professionals work diligently behind the scenes to ensure the well-being of patients. Each plays a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem. In this article, we'll hear from two experienced individuals, Pauline K. Gray and Krista Elkins.

Pauline is a Certified Pharmacy Technician with over ten years of experience in the pharmacy field. Pauline's story highlights the significance of her interest in healthcare and medication management as the driving force behind her career choice.

On the flip side, Krista's lifelong passion for Preventative Medicine reflects her commitment to holistic healthcare practices. With two decades of experience as a Paramedic (NRP) and Registered Nurse (RN), she's worked in various healthcare settings, from ambulances to ER, ICU, and more, demonstrating expertise in diverse medical fields.

These two may have different paths taken, but they both dedicated their careers to allied healthcare. They share their unique journeys, the ups and downs of their professions, and the challenges they overcame to excel in their fields. Want to learn from the best and gain some profound knowledge? They're eager to share their insights into the world of allied healthcare workers with you!

Questions and answers

Discover the insights from healthcare veterans Pauline and Krista as they answer questions about their journeys and experiences in the field.

1. How did you get into the field?

Pauline: "I became a Certified Pharmacy Technician after completing a formal training program and passing the certification exam. This involved a combination of classroom education and practical experience in a pharmacy setting. My interest in healthcare and medications and a desire to contribute to patient care led me to pursue this path."

Krista: "I was in my late 20s, a college graduate bartender, realizing that I needed to do something more with my life. When I entered college, I had thought I would go to Naturopathic Medical School, but by the time I finished college, that sounded like too much work, not to mention the financial investment. One day, I was walking through one of my local community colleges and saw the EMT students, and a spark lit inside me. Knowing how to save someone's life who was dying right before me versus a more holistic approach to medicine sounded terrific to me. I took my first CPR class, got accepted into the EMT program, and the rest is history! Here I am 20 years later!"

1. What do you like and dislike most about the job?

Pauline: "What I appreciate most about my job is the opportunity to assist patients in managing their medications. Knowing that I play a role in their health and well-being is rewarding. Collaborating with pharmacists and other healthcare professionals allows me to learn and grow. Conversely, the job can be demanding, especially during busy times. Dealing with insurance issues and occasionally encountering difficult patients can also be challenging."

Krista: "I love being a First Responder. I get invited into people's homes, and I love it. People from every class of society are in a crisis; they're scared, hurting, and needing help. I love the autonomy. In EMS, we work under the directorship of a medical doctor. They provide a list of protocols to work under, and we have a considerable scope of practice. I like having only one patient at a time so that they get my full, undivided attention, and I only have them long enough to stabilize them before handing them off to a hospital team. The downsides of this allied health profession are the hours (usually 24 or 48-hour shifts) and the meager pay compared to other healthcare professions."

1. What were some challenges you encountered when entering the field?

Pauline: "Entering the field came with its share of challenges. Adapting to the fast-paced environment of a pharmacy and learning about various medications and their interactions required dedication. Gaining practical experience and applying theoretical knowledge was an adjustment, but with time and guidance, I overcame these challenges."

Krista: "Entering a healthcare field such as pre-hospital emergency medicine was challenging, as I needed to gain experience. It was all very foreign to me, a huge learning curve, and ultimately, the most exciting thing I have ever done in my career. Going from the restaurant industry to a real job was also challenging. The training to keep up skills is essential and never ends, even as I have worked my way up the ladder. Also, I got into the field a little older than many of my colleagues. I had never worked directly under somebody else's supervision, so being a subordinate was an exciting challenge. Every single challenge was worth sticking with, and as I said, here I am more than 20 years later, still doing EMS!"

Takeaways

In the diverse world of healthcare, Pauline and Krista exemplify two unique paths filled with passion and dedication. From pharmacy techs to paramedics, they remind us that every journey is extraordinary. We've come to learn these three things:

1. Diverse paths, common passion: Pauline's journey as a pharmacy technician and Krista's career as an EMT and RN highlight that there is no one-size-fits-all route into healthcare. We realized that regardless of background, a shared passion for helping others can lead to fulfilling careers in healthcare.

2. Overcoming challenges: Pauline and Krista faced initial challenges in their respective fields. We can draw inspiration from their experiences, understanding that dedication and continuous learning are vital to conquering obstacles and excelling in healthcare.

3. Holistic healthcare: Krista's dedication to Preventative Medicine underscores the importance of holistic healthcare practices. We can take away the idea that healthcare isn't just about treating illnesses but also preventing them, emphasizing the significance of a well-rounded approach to patient well-being.

We thank Pauline and Krista for sharing their insights and hope their experiences inspired you to pursue careers in allied healthcare. Now, it's your turn! Explore your options in healthcare at Dreambound and embark on your remarkable journey. Begin your adventure today!