Friendly new faces at the Guttenberg Pharmacy
Owner and pharmacist Linda Nightingale is proud to introduce pharmacist Chad Vaske, who will be serving patients from the Guttenberg Pharmacy. (Press photo by Molly Moser)
By Molly Moser
By his third day in Guttenberg, pharmacist Chad Vaske had fielded the same question time and time again. “People are asking if they can transfer their prescriptions back here – and the answer to that is yes,” Vaske told The Press.
The Prescription Shoppe has taken over the Guttenberg Pharmacy, and regular pharmacy hours have been restored. A pharmacist is behind the counter from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturdays. “The inventory has been increased, and we certainly have the ability to get anything the next day,” said Vaske. “No pharmacy can always have everything, but we’ll be learning what we need to carry and we’ll be seeing that it’s here.”
Vaske has worked for the Prescription Shoppe for six years and will now primarily be serving the Guttenberg Pharmacy. He was raised in Luxemburg and graduated from pharmacy school at the University of Iowa in 1997. Vaske worked for seven years at Mercy Hospital in Dubuque as a hospital pharmacist, but switched to retail pharmacy to have more interaction with patients – the aspect of his job he feels is most rewarding. Helping others, building relationships and becoming part of people’s regular routine inspire him in his career.
“I think he really likes being a pharmacist; he enjoys his work. He has a very comforting way about him,” said Linda Nightingale, owner of five area pharmacies. Vaske helps her manage locations in Dyersville, Monticello, Dubuque and Anamosa. “He can take on any project and he always does a good job with it. When I know he must be busy, he takes my phone calls and sounds like he’s got plenty of time to discuss things with me.”
Nightingale, also a pharmacist, is proud of Vaske. “He not only does a good job with his work as a pharmacist, he volunteers and has a lovely family. I’m very happy to have Chad working for us because I think he’s just a good all around person.”
Vaske now lives in Farley with his wife, Lynn, and four children ranging in age from a first grader to a junior in high school. He serves on the Western Dubuque school board and coaches youth baseball in Farley. “I like to hunt, fish, golf, and do those kinds of things with my kids,” Vaske told The Press.
Under Nightingale’s ownership, the Guttenberg Pharmacy will offer delivery, diabetic shoe fittings, and medication compliance packaging.
“Often we’re approached by the children of people who are concerned that their parents are taking medications as prescribed and on time,” said Nightingale. “So we end up packaging their medications, set up for four times a day, each day of the week, so people are able to not mix up their medications, lessen their confusion, and take the right thing at the right time.” This service is available to anyone for a small monthly charge.
The new owner sees the value in retaining former employees, and is pleased that the employees of the Guttenberg Pharmacy have stayed with the business. “If you have people who have been here and who know people’s routines and what they like, that makes all the difference in the world. The ladies here are part of people’s routines,” she explained.
Nightingale makes her home in Dyersville but has long appreciated the bluff views and the river in Guttenberg. “I’ve always loved coming to Guttenberg to shop or have a meal, so we’re very, very proud to be responsible for the Guttenberg Pharmacy now. The motto I’ve used for years is prompt, friendly, professional service, and that’s what we’ll be providing here,” she said. “We’re excited to be here.”
