Shayna Laprade, Pharmacy Manager
My pharmacy career has been one shaped by encouragement, opportunity, and growth. I’ve always been strong in science and math, and the people around me encouraged me to explore pharmacy. I had the opportunity to see if it was something I wanted to pursue when I was introduced to CVS Health. From starting as a pharmacy technician, to attending pharmacy school and completing a residency program with CVS Health, and now as a Pharmacy Manager, I’ve continued to grow with the company’s support. My career journey at CVS Health may have started with uncertainty, but it’s rather quickly turned into a career I’m proud of.
“I’ve had the chance to experience different parts of CVS Health, and those experiences have helped me discover what I enjoy most, like mentoring others and continuing to grow as a leader.”
In my role as Pharmacy Manager, I focus on helping simplify healthcare for patients in very practical ways. A lot of patients come to the pharmacy overwhelmed, whether it’s because of cost, confusion about their medication, or a new diagnosis. I work with them to find affordable options, identify discounts, and explain what they are taking, why they need it, and how to use it correctly. Sometimes just slowing down and walking someone through the next step can make them feel more confident and at ease.
"When patients leave feeling more informed and knowing someone is there to support them, I know I’ve done my job well. That’s a big part of how I measure impact in my role.”
One of the most meaningful moments for me is when I can help a patient move from fear to confidence. I’ve worked with several patients who were newly diagnosed with diabetes and felt unsure about how to use their devices or manage this new part of their lives. I’ve taken the time to help them learn how to use their devices, set up applications on their phones, and make sure they understand how to manage their care day-to-day before they leave the pharmacy. Those moments make me feel proud because you can see the shift happening in real time.
“Patients go from feeling alone and uncertain to feeling supported and capable. Those are the moments that remind me why I love what I do.”
One of the biggest ways I’ve grown in this role as a leader is learning how to communicate clearly and navigate difficult conversations. It has challenged me in the best way. I’ve learned to reflect more and think about how I approach conversations before I communicate. Leadership isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about how you support people through challenges and conversations. For me, that means treating people the way you want to be treated. That means being clear, communicating regularly, respecting boundaries, and making sure people feel heard.
I often think about how I would want to be treated if I were the patient. There are situations where things can slip through the cracks in healthcare, so it’s important that we do our part to make sure everything is done correctly and safely. In pharmacy, there is no room for shortcuts. Our patients are trusting us.
“We prioritize safety and quality at CVS Health and it’s one of the values that I lean on the most. It shapes how I approach my work and how I lead others.”
I appreciate that CVS Health continues to invest in tools and technology that support safety. From updated production trays to systems that help us double-check prescriptions and prevent errors, these small process improvements can make a meaningful difference in both patient care and colleague confidence. I’m excited to see the investment that CVS Health makes in supporting the next generation of pharmacists. Currently, I’m helping improve preceptorship across the district by encouraging more pharmacists to become preceptors and making the process more seamless for them to do so. Having gone through residency myself, I know how important these experiences can be and how meaningful of a role a preceptor can have on someone just entering the field. It’s just one way that CVS Health innovates with purpose. By improving the experience for current pharmacists to become preceptors, we are also creating more opportunities for pharmacy students to learn.
“Supporting that pipeline of talent is a rewarding way for me to give back and strengthen the future of pharmacy at CVS Health.”
If someone were considering CVS Health, I would tell them this is a place where people come first: patients and colleagues. CVS Health supports me in showing up for the people and parts of my life that matter most. I’ve had flexibility to create a schedule that works for me, and I’ve felt supported by my manager in personal priorities like family planning and mental health. There are resources for just about anything you might need, and leaders are willing to listen to you about your goals or challenges. If you speak up about what you need or how you want to grow, there are people here who will help support that. It’s clear to me that the company prioritizes well-being. I’ve felt that through both the resources available and the support from my leaders. CVS Health has given me a career path I didn’t know existed, the opportunity to grow into it, and the support to be successful.
Every member of #TeamCVS contributes to a greater sense of purpose. If you're looking for a workplace that values compassion, embraces challenges, and champions career growth, then CVS Health is the place for you. Join us in building careers, strengthening communities, and redefining what healthcare can be.
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