Rebecca Ohrmund

Why I do what I do:
I love being a pharmacy technician. I have been a tech for just under 20 years and when I first started in the field I was convinced that it was just going to be a job. Here I am 20 years later still learning every day, and now I am involved with many different organizations in the hopes of spotlighting the job that pharmacy technicians do. We are so much more than the pharmacy assistants that we started out as many years ago. Pharmacy technicians are managing pharmacies, responsible for pharmacy inventory, and teaching and preventing compliance and informatics. I am proud to be a pharmacy technician knowing that our profession will never stop growing and that I can grow with it.

Latest Accomplishment:
My latest accomplishment is becoming an advanced certified pharmacy technician. I was the 2nd tech at my organization and one of only 11 in the state of Illinois to get this credential so far. I hope to see many more technicians go for this advancement opportunity.

Most Memorable Experience as a Pharmacy Technician:
Well I have had a few memorable experiences as a technician, but the most recent one (and the one I can remember the best) is working with one of our clinical pharmacists to ease the burden for our COVID ICU nurses during the worst of the pandemic. We developed a plan and implemented it to deliver sedation drips to the unit every evening so that nursing wouldn't need to be away from their most critical patients. We continue this practice still today and it is a great opportunity to work closely with the nursing staff that we might not otherwise have contact with since I work strictly in our central pharmacy. 

Why I Became certified (if applicable):
Early on in being a technician I got certified because it was a chance at getting promoted in my first pharmacy job. Now I encourage technicians to be certified as a way to set themselves apart from others and use the knowledge that they have gained.

My Passion Outside of Work:
I recently got into crafting. I find it very relaxing and since I am unable to travel right now. It keeps me busy without wasting the day away watching TV. I also enjoy cooking and traveling when we are able. 

Latest Book Read:
I am currently reading the last book in the series of To All the Boys I've Loved by Jenny Han. I saw it in one of my online books clubs and also saw that it is a series of movies on Netflix so I took the plunge. It is a really cute coming of age series.

Advice to Up-and-Coming Technicians:
My advice is to never assume you are done learning. There are so many great opportunities that I had no idea existed until I was introduced to organizations like ASHP. Even if you don't want to be a leader in these organizations you can still participate and doors can open for you that you never thought of.