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Official Newsjournal of the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists

Leadership Profile
Virginia (“Ginny”) Nash, MS, PharmD, BCPS, CPE

What is your current leadership position in ICHP?

I am Co-Chair of the Ambulatory Care Network

What benefits do you see in being active in a professional association such as ICHP?

Professional associations are a great way to stay informed and advance practice. They have helped me transition my thoughts from concepts to ideas to practice in order to change how we deliver pharmaceutical care.

What initially motivated you to get involved in ICHP?

It was 'encouraged' at work - and I'm glad I was because it has been beneficial to my practice and professional development.

Where did you go to pharmacy school?

University of Illinois at Chicago

Where have you trained or worked?

Kishwaukee Hospital now part of Northwestern Medicine

What special accomplishments have you achieved?

- Attended ASHP Pain and Palliative Care Traineeship

- KishHealth Quality Pillar Award winner 2015

- University of Illinois Rockford College of Pharmacy hospital preceptor of the year 2016

- Certified Pain Educator

Describe your current area of practice and practice setting.

I am a pharmacist working at Kishwaukee Hospital now part of Northwestern Medicine in a rural setting with a progressive culture that encourages innovation.

Is there an individual you admire or look up to, or a mentor that has influenced your career?

I am fortunate to be able to say there are many people I have admired (and continue to admire) throughout my career. Two stand out in particular. One inspired me to change how I listen when people talk to me because I liked the way he listened to me. The other pharmacist has been an unfailing supporter of mine who will tell me the truth - especially when I need to hear it.

What advice would you give to student pharmacists?

Have passion for your work and a commitment to learning. As a preceptor I tell my students it's easier to fix a wrong answer than a bad attitude. If they have a good attitude we can get through anything.

What pharmacy related issues keep you up at night?

Professional growth and moving our department forward - more specifically, professional growth that will move our department forward.

Do you have any special interests or hobbies outside of work?

Long distance cycling, downhill skiing, kayaking, rock climbing.

Do you have a favorite restaurant or food?

Yoshino's Japanese Restaurant in Rochelle IL - It is the best Japanese food I have had outside of Japan. There is a Japanese train manufacturer located in Rochelle and the restaurant provides authentic Japanese food for the employees and the community. It's awesome!

What is your favorite place to vacation?

Anywhere I can do things outside with my friends.

What is the most interesting/unique fact about yourself that few people know?

I don't know if this is the most interesting thing about me but very, very few people know that I was a baton twirler.

What 3 adjectives would people use to best describe you?

I hope they would say: Self-motivated, driven, and passionate.