Anybody ready for a couple of nights in Gatlinburg? The winner of this year’s vaccine challenge gets their choice of 2 nights in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Banner Elk at one of the Bluegreen resorts!
How to Win
The pharmacy must hit 100% of both flu and expanded goals for any technician or cashier to be considered eligible to win
The tech that personally engages and converts the most successful flu signups wins!
The tech claiming the shot must personally engage the patient; you cannot claim the shot if the patient walks up and asks for it. We're looking for conversions of patient's that otherwise wouldn't receive it
They cannot leave the store and come back; successful conversions get the shot in the same transaction. 80% of "I'll come back" responses...don't come back.
It still counts if you engage the patient, they hedge, and the pharamcist seals the deal! As long as you start the conversation and they get the shot, it counts! But if you don't start the conversation and the pharmacist then gets the shot...we stole it! And I get to go these places any time I want!
Resorts
Here’s the potential options for the winner. You’ll get two nights at one of the following resorts. Rooms will sleep up to 4 people and while there you’ll have access to the resort amenities.
The Great Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee have an allure for every season. The crisp spring and summer air invites you to hike, raft, fish and golf. After the glorious fall colors fade, the mountains become a winter ski haven. Any season is a good reason to visit friendly Gatlinburg and your MountainLoft™ vacation home. One bedroom standard and deluxe suites are available, as are 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes and our new 3-bedroom presidential units that can accommodate from 4 up to 10 guests—perfect for family reunions and get-togethers with best friends. Features include well-appointed amenities including full kitchens and baths, master suites, separate living and dining areas, washer and dryers, balconies and fireplaces.
As you drive beneath the canopy of oak and pine trees down the winding country road to MountainLoft, you feel as though you’re entering the nearby Smoky Mountains National Park. From an elevation of 2,200 feet, the clubhouse and vacation homes afford sweeping views of the mountainside. The rich, earthy colors and traditional American furnishings within each villa or chalet will make you feel right at home. Catch a glimpse of deer or a black bear from your balcony or patio. Warm up after a day on the slopes in front of the fireplace. If you prefer the crisp outdoor air, you can relax in any of the resort’s hot tubs, three heated pools or the sauna.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited in the US, and for good reason. It’s home to 900 miles of hiking trails, trout fishing, wildlife encounters and breathtaking views from Clingmans Dome. Enjoy a family-fun day of day of rafting or hiking, horseback riding, zip lining, trout fishing and much more. in the area or a workout in the fitness center. And be sure to experience all that Gatlinburg has to offer. Spend an afternoon exploring Ober Gatlinburg–best known as a mountaintop ski resort, this attraction also includes America’s largest aerial tramway and an amusement park with a go-kart track, three “dry water” raft rides plus an 1,800-foot slide. Come face to face with hundreds of exotic underwater creatures living in the Smoky Mountains’ most impressive fish tank at Ripley’s® Aquarium of the Smokies®, right in Gatlinburg!
In the foothills of the Smoky Mountains lies Laurel Crest, a cozy country haven less than a mile from the action of Pigeon Forge, but far enough away to offer rest and relaxation. The surrounding mountains, forest and beautifully landscaped grounds reconnect you with nature and provide a wonderful respite from the outside world. Accommodations range from cozy hotel rooms to 1-bedroom standard and deluxe suites with washer and dryer, plus larger 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom townhomes with features including full kitchens and baths, master suites, separate living and dining areas, fireplaces and more.
Of course, The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the biggest attraction here, home to 900 miles of hiking trails, trout fishing, wildlife encounters and breathtaking views from Clingman’s Dome. Pick a trail and enjoy a family hike or horseback riding exploration through this scenic park. Nearby Pigeon Forge is synonymous with family fun, offering attractions from go-karts and bumper boats to musicals and magic shows, all just a trolley ride away from the resort.
Back at the resort, enjoy a swim year-round in the indoor pool or work up a seat in the fitness center and sauna. Enjoy mountain views from the outdoor hot tubs, and keep an eye out for local wildlife including wild turkey and black bear from the from the wraparound clubhouse deck. You can do the same from the comfort of your vacation suite.
If you’d like suggestions about which area attractions to see, our resort staff offers a vacation planning hour held every Monday. To enhance your vacation enjoyment, it is suggested to leave your car and take advantage of the trolley to explore the area.
Situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Blue Ridge Village in Banner Elk is the perfect place to unwind, breathe in fresh mountain air and reconnect with nature. Roomy accommodations include 1- and 2-bedroom suites and spacious 2-bedroom lofts.
Resort suites feature all the comforts of home, including fully-equipped kitchens, spacious living and dining areas, full baths and plenty of room to relax. Select units even have even inviting fireplaces. Step out onto the balcony or porch and take in sweeping views of lush forested mountainsides, then cozy up with the kids on a comfortable couch and catch a movie on a large, flat-screen TV.
There are plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy at the resort. Enjoy a family fun round of mini-golf at the resorts own course or choose sides for a double tennis match. The resort lake is a perfect place to relax to do some fishing for that big one or stop by the Activities Center where the resorts Adventure Guides can assist you in a full day of on and off-site adventure! After a day of play, use one of the resort’s BBQ grills to sizzle up a delicious meal.
This resort is a great place to base yourself from as you explore a range of year-round outdoor activities. Spring, summer and fall are ideal for an exploration of nearby Pisgah National Forest. Pick a path and hike or ride horseback along a shaded forest canopy, or rent a kayak or raft and navigate a clear mountain stream or lake. Warmer months are also ideal for antiquing, festivals and gallery tours in Banner Elk.
Plan a fall visit and marvel at the brilliant autumn foliage on a comfortable car ride along the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. When winter snows arrive, hit the slopes at Sugar Mountain, Beech Mountain or Hawksnest ski areas to enjoy great skiing and snow tubing.
Making your reservation
Once the season is over and we’ve got the winner, you’ll have until 8/31/24 to use your stay. Bluegreen points roll annually, and after 8/31/24 those points are no longer available for reservations. Have in mind 2-3 weekends that will work, and plan about 1-2 months in advance. Room availability is usually pretty flexible with these resorts, but have options just in case.
Once the reservation is made you cannot make changes! Points are non-refundable, so once the stay is booked, its booked! You’ll get a confirmation email and check-in details. To check in you will need a photo ID and a card for the incidental fee. Note that all resorts are cashless resorts.
Progress and Rankings
Here’s where we stand so far for the season and goals:
And here are the individual rankings; remember, to win the pharmacy has to hit goal:
Tips for Successful Conversions
To make a successful conversion, it boils down to convenience and your approach. I use the acronym SCORE:
S: Specific
Be SPECIFIC with your recommendation. You’re simply recommending, as a health care professional (and yes, as a licensed pharmacy technician you are a healthcare professional), that each person, in alignment with CDC guidelines, gets their annual flu shot. Can’t get more specific than that.
C: Confident
The patient comes to us for healthcare. You are in charge of the transaction and the conversation. Be confident in your approach. If you’re unsure when you ask, then they’re less likely to say yes.
O: Open Conversation
Reflect on the term “patient-centered care”. This is a two-way conversation; realize that by evening asking them to get their flu shot may evoke strong feelings and deeply held beliefs and that’s okay. Pass them off to the pharmacist for some constructive belief counseling on how that shot doesn’t actually make them sick.
R: Relevant
Connect the vaccine to their specific situation. Make it personal, or RELEVANT. New baby on the way? They need the shot to protect the baby. Grandparents? Definitely. Elderly? Yep. Flu is a killer, and when pneumonia follows its almost guaranteed an elderly patient won’t survive.
E: Efficient
Remember, we want this to be convenient. Recognize a lost cause and move on. You may get “no” 1000 times, but that 1 “yes” is all it takes.