CE opportunity for Blood Bank: https://www.ncabb.org/upcoming-events/2024-spring-meeting-save-the-date

If you are interested, let me know. I encourage anyone who wants to attend to take part. Based on the number of people who want to go, the Hospital may be able to cover all costs.

Section-specific:

Blood Bank

Nothing specific to report

Chemistry

Nothing specific to report

Hematology

Nothing specific to report

Histology

Nothing specific to report

Microbiology

A new Gram stainer has been ordered. Please take care when reading smears. Due to the poor stain quality, results could be compromised. This new stainer will correct the problem.

When reading CSF Gram stains, make sure to use discretion when resulting the presence of organisms. Most CSF samples are No Organisms Seen, so if you organisms present, it is best practice to ask colleague to read behind you for reference. Physicians may treat patients from the Gram stain report. Please ensure the slide used to Gram stain has been dipped in methanol.

Lab-specific

Renovations are in the planning phase. Please check your email for invitation to join a planning committee. I encourage anyone who wants to share insights and recommendations to join. If you cannot attend, you will still have a way to share ideas and recommendations. We will meet every other Monday afternoon in the Boardroom/via Teams.

Carolinas Pathology Group will be in the lab this afternoon to tour and discuss partnership. If you have questions, please contact me. When I have more information I will let you know.

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

• Today is a hospital holiday. You will receive holiday pay for working.

• If you are participating in the book club, we will meet on Jan 24 in the Pathology Services offices in the old Admin area. I sent out a meeting invitation to everyone as a reminder. This is optional, but everyone will get a free lunch! Free lunch Wednesday! And if you want to participate but there are no books remaining, please let me know. I will make the purchase. Link to the book club information is here.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Nothing to report

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Volume is still high. If you encounter ordering issues/shortages/reagent volumes please immediately let Nilam know. There have been some issues with vendor releasing reagents.

Lab-specific

• Lab Renovation

  • We will start meeting about the upcoming lab reno next week. Everyone is invited to attend, but if you cannot attend and would still like to share your input, please us this link to submit suggestions/comments/concerns/questions/etc. The more input we obtain, the better testing and working environment we will create.

• Candice is on-call this week. 910-995-9737 (text or call; after 10, please call)

Hospital-specific

• Nothing to report at this time.

• Blood Bank
  New policy manuals are being complied and will be available to you in multiple, categorized binders. Tammy will let you know when they are ready to be reviewed for signature. You will not need to read the entirety….signature is acknowledgement of location and contents. 
  
  Blood bank competencies are in my desk. Thank you for getting these completed! 
• Chemistry
  Westgard MediaLab course is due by the end of the month.
• Hematology
  Nothing to report
• Histology
  Nothing to report
• Microbiology
  Nothing to report 

PPE Hazard Assessment is missing from many of your employee folders. Sheila will be getting these to you for signature and forwarding to me for filing. If you do not receive a copy from Sheila, I have your assessment. Please get these back to me asap. You can leave on my desk.

If I gave you a list of policies to acknowledge in PolicyStat, please make sure to get those completed by the due date provided. This is a compliance issue and accreditation expectation. 

A new method of competency assessment will be rolled out within the next two weeks. Instructions will be provided and each employee will control the pace of competency assessment completion. The plan is to have this ready for your use by Feb 1. Completion due date will be December 31. There will be an updated policy for this as well. More to come at the brief meetings tomorrow.

Section-specific

• Blood bank
  New policy manuals have been compiled and will need your signature. Tammy will provide more information.

• Chemistry 
  Nothing to report

• Hematology
  Nothing to report

• Histology
  Nothing to report

• Microbiology
  We now have 4 plex reagent. Nursing has been informed.
  
  We will be requesting the purchase of an additional BacTec to meet the needs of our BC volume. When I have confirmation of this, I will share. 

Lab-specific

Quality audit the lab environment on January 10 and found a number of nonconformances. Most of these were unjustified, and I am challenging the citations. Pictures of the lab and these issues were shared with the entire Administration staff. However drinks and personal items were identified in dirty areas. Drinks should only be kept in clean areas. Clean areas may be identified in each area, either on bench tops, on shelves, or within cabinets. Only keep drinks in clean, designated areas. 

Lab meetings tomorrow will start at approximately 12:45. I will be sharing the new competency model with you and explaining the process. Sheila will have lunch tickets for you tomorrow morning, if you would like to grab lunch. There is a link to complete a lab survey, optional and anonymous. You can access below, but this will be shared tomorrow as well.

Survey

Duke Health Raleigh will be the lab surveying us this time. Please refer to the previous email for more information.

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

Using eQMS to Report an Incident

I will pull PolicyStat acknowledgement completion on Monday. Please complete anything hanging out by 0800 on Monday morning. If you have problems completing these, let me know. This is a CAP requirement and compliance related term of employment.

Please make sure that you were correctly paid this week. See my email about problems with Kronos for more information.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

Nothing to report

Chemistry

Nothing to report

Hematology

Nothing to report

Histology

Nothing to report

Microbiology

Gram stainer has been ordered.

Lab-specific

Thank you for briefly meeting this afternoon. Most of the information is iteration, but I wanted to make sure I am sharing as much as I can. Please consider providing feedback on how things are going in the lab. I will make improvements as your feedback indicates. This link will remain open until NEXT Friday, 01.26.24. All submissions are anonymous, and the feedback you give me will be shared with Dr. R and Administration.

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

Thank you for completing the PolicyStat acknowledgements! I think we are caught up except for a few PRN staff!

LabCorp visit is this Thursday. If you are going, please make sure that you communicate with Sheila for logistics. If you are not going, off, and still want to go, you can! Just touch base with her.

Remember to check your MediaLab account and complete anything that may be coming due. I get it....when do we have time, right? CE is what helps make strong staff and an awesome lab! If you fail any testing, no worries. Just let me know, and I will reset. I am resetting a number of misses this evening.

Lakesha Wade will start training this week. Once complete, she will be working third weekends.

Erin Bailey will interview for second shift 12-10:30p this Wednesday. If you would like to participate in the interview, please let me know. It will be at 3:30p in the Boardroom. Peer interview is the focus!

Holly is moving into the MLT-A position on nights. She and Andi will be training in tandem across weekend and weekday third shifts. Holly's position will be posted asap. If you are interested, please let me know.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

Plasma thawers will be validated this week. You will receive training once this is complete. Training will consist of instruction and demonstration of operation.

Nursing students were sent to procure emergent ONEG over the weekend. This has been brought to the attention of Nursing Leadership and should NOT be done. If you encounter a Nursing student picking up blood without a preceptor, please let me know. This is not approved.

Chemistry

Nothing to report

Hematology

Nothing to report

Histology

Nothing to report

Microbiology

Nothing to report

Lab-specific

Weekly meeting for lab renovations was postponed due to illness. Our first meeting will be in two weeks.

Carolinas Pathology Group project is moving very quickly. April 1 will be the go live date of the partnership. They are already putting steps in place to work with Histology. Expect some new microscopy instrumentation in the near future, used for remote access.

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report (to my knowledge)

Your W2 document is available online, but it will also be mailed to your mailing address as recorded with the hospital.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

New shift checklists are being implemented in Blood Bank. At the end of the counter, there is a white magazine folder that contains three page protectors with blank shift checklists, one for each shift. This will begin tomorrow morning with day shift. Pleas take a look at the lists - pretty self explanatory as far as tasks to complete (already being done). We are doing this because there are occurrences where tasks are being checked off but appear to not be fully completed. From a regulatory and compliance perspective, establishes a greater degree of accountability for task completion. Tammy will go over this in huddle tomorrow, and I will discuss with third.

Chemistry

Don't forget Debby's quiz. She put these in your mailbox.

Hematology

Nothing to report

Histology

Nothing to report

Microbiology

Nothing to report

Lab-specific

CPG update - several meetings this week and it appears we will transition AP work in phases, with surgical cases being the first. All other reference work will transition in subsequent phases. A pathologist from CPG will be our new medical director on April 1, but I am not sure who that will be at this time. Tomorrow, I will present CPG to the Medical Staff and will update you on their response.

Several staff are going to tour LabCorp tomorrow. When they come back, I will debrief their experience and see what they have learned on their visit.

Hospital-specific

Nothing specific to report

MediaLab QC CE courses are due to be completed by January 31. In February, we will start working with Westgard Rules more with the aim at implementing their use in March. If you have questions about this MediaLab training, please see me.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

Shift checklists. If you have questions about use, please ask Tammy, Sheila, or me.

Chemistry

Nothing to report

Hematology

Nothing to report

Histology

Nothing to report

Microbiology

Nothing to report

Lab-specific

Update on CPG: We met with the Medical Staff today and received positive feedback from them. I believe they are supportive, which we need.

Several of us will be in multiple meetings throughout the week to work on this project. You may be asked to help cover for supervisors if they are working the bench. These meetings are critical to ensure this transition is successful, and your help helps make this happen. The more I get to know people in this practice, the more I feel they are the best fit for the lab. A Medical Director has not yet been identified. As soon as they assign a director, I will let you know.

Candice Jones will be working Tuesday through Thursday 9a-7:30p and Friday 8:00a-6:30p, beginning next week. Holly will join Andi for training during the weekend nightshift, and both Andi and Holly will rotate into weekday evenings, around their school schedules. Holly's vacated position will be posted next week.

Hospital-specific

Census today was 119, and the ED was on diversion due to holding 20 patients in the ED. To free up space, the opened the CDU for ED/admit overflow. Please beware that you may have challenges calling results on patients affected by this - minimal challenges on the Lab-end....just locating where the patient is treated. Contacting the ED, if the patient is still listed as being in the ED, will be the easiest way to locate. My expectation is this will not affect the lab, significantly.

I was informed the Kronos clock is sporadically not working. If you note that your clock-in/clock-out failed, please let Sheila or me know as soon as possible.

In April, time clocks will be changed. You will no longer badge in but will clock-in at your workstation through the computer. Everyone will receive training on this process well in advance of go live. HR is anticipating this will take place in April. More information to come about pay/clock-in changes.

Erin Bailey has been offered the 12p-10:30p position and will start on March 4 with orientation and training.

Courtney will be transitioning to second shift weekends after Erin has completed training.

Shay will transition to days, 6-4:30p once Erin is through training.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

The Echo interface testing is working well. Training on the SafeTrace upgrade will take place in late March.

I will be validating the plasma thawers this week. More information to come, as well as a procedure and quick use guide.

There will be remediation on the parts of the Echo. More to come.

Chemistry

Nothing to report

Hematology

We will be getting a Cellavision with the Sysmex installation. This is needed for CPG. We will share more as information is available. If you are interested, this link will take you to information on the technology.

Histology

Nothing to report.

Micro

Please see Nilam's email from earlier today about C diff testing.

Lab-specific

Competency assessment binders are in my office on the shelf behind my desk. Yours is there (or will be). You can keep it there or you can keep it in your locker, but please know completion is your responsibility. Completed competency assessments will be due by December 31. Instructions are in the binder, and if there are any sections that you do not need, please feel free to remove them. All binders were made the same and include all areas of the lab (except Histology...they kind have their own thing going on. ) I wil be happy to go over the binder with you as needed

Current job postings

PRN MLT position, 3p-9p as needed with weekend rotation. This is the EOW position that has not had any bites since posted. Hours have been changed

PRN Phlebotomist position will be posted later this week. These hours are truly PRN.

There will be a Phlebotomist position posted later this week - T, W, Th 10am-8:30pm and Friday 8am-6:30pm. I have someone who is interested and will be interviewing him ASAP. If you are interested, please let me know and keep an eye out for the position to post.

Courtney's position will be changed to weekday third shift 8pm-6:30am. When reviewing workloads for the past year, third shift techs rand 2, 3, and 4 in completing the most resulted samples. With extra help on the weekend third, weekday third needs the same. If you are interested in moving to third shift, please let me know ASAP.

There will be a lot of changes and adjustments over the coming 12-18 months, not only in the lab structure but in how we staff it. I am open to innovative ideas and suggestions for improvement. Please share. Nothing in health care is static - everything changes - but we can try to keep that change to a manageable level as much as we can.

Education Grant - looks like the education grant will likely go through. This will equate to having about $10,000 to send staff to conferences. I am asking the supervisors to look into education opportunities as needed. When I have more information, I will share.

Hosptial-specific

Pharmacy benefits are being reverted to what we previously had last year. After many employee complaints, the Board decided to make the change. Glad they did...this impacted some of us in a negative manner. Please, please, please, if you ever cannot get your medication, talk to me! I can find a way to help!

Employee-specific

Nothing to report.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

Tammy will be updating the shift checklists to remove unnecessary tasks that are not related to your shift. Updates to these shift logs will be completed tomorrow.

Chemistry

Nothing to report

Hematology

Nothing to report

Histology

Nothing to report

Microbiology

Nothing to report

Lab-specific

Please review the next schedule and let us know if there are any concerns or changes that need to be made in your schedule. Thanks for everyone who is adjusting and working extra to help out with coverage. I got you! Very much appreciate the teamwork!

Hospital-specific

The hospital is requiring that people mask in all patient facing locations. For use this is outpatient collection and patient floors.

Job postings

PRN Phlebotomy

FT Phlebo, Evenings and Friday Days

PRN MLT, Second 3p-9p

FT MLT, Third 8:00p-6:30a

If you are interested, please let me know. Interviews are currently being scheduled.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

Nothing to report

Chemistry

Nothing to report

Hematology

Nothing to report

Histology

Nothing to report

Microbiology

Nothing to report

Lab-specific

Weekly renovation budgeting meetings will start next week. If there is something you recommend to add (or remove) from the lab, please share. Supervisors will be responsible for compiling a list of recommendations, and we will procure quotes and determine needs.

We will be getting more space for the lab. Tentatively, HIM will become Outpatient Collection and will house more storage space and office space as well. We will have three collection rooms and a room for therapeutics. More information to come. This will increase the available space allocated for the lab and allow for future expansion, as needed.

Hospital-specific

Nothing new to report

Job postings

PRN Phlebotomy

FT Phlebo, Evenings and Friday Days

PRN MLT, Second 3p-9p

FT MLT, Third 8:00p-6:30a

If you are interested, please let me know. Interviews are currently being scheduled.

Due date for Blood Bank CE modules is extending. Please do not worry about these CE modules when you are busy. I understand if it is a challenge to get to them. Extending the due dates out into the summer.

Section-specific

Blood Bank

Nothing to report

Chemistry

Nothing to report

Hematology

Nothing to report

Histology

Nothing to report

Microbiology

Nothing to report

Lab-specific

Reminder to share any ideas for the lab renovation. I am budgeting this and will need to have that wrapped up by March 31.

Hospital-specific

Nothing new to report

Posted positions:

MLA, FT, M-F 07:00-15:30

MLT PRN, Weekdays, 3p-9p

MLT, FT, Weekday third 20:00-06:30

Phlebotomist, PRN, As needed

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Plasma thawer is being validated - should be ready for training by next week.

  • Another computer station will be added to Blood Bank once the waterbath is replaced.

• Chemistry

  • Send outs - due to a multiple step process breakdown, we missed a critical send out sample to LabCorp last week. I will be working with LabCorp to create a revised workflow for processing their samples, which will take work off of the Chemistry person related to Send outs. If you would like to participate in this process change, please let me know.

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • Currently working with the practice on contracts and workflow processes in AP. Only changes at this time to Clin Path are adding the CellaVision to Hematology.

  • A remote microscope has been ordered and will live in the Path office.

• CAP

  • We are in the middle of our CAP window. Expect them to arrive any day. Thank you for paying attention to the quality of work, documentation, etc.

• Lab Renovation

  • Floorplans are being updated to move Blood Bank and Outpatient Collection. I have asked the archietect to add in a Men's and Women's locker rooms....with a shower. Not sure if we can get this, but we will try.

  • Budgeting - the construction budget is due April 1. If there is ANYTHING you would like to include this construction (and I mean ANYTHING), please print it out and leave it on my desk. This includes items right down to trashcans! And I will ask for everything we think will make the lab better!

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

Posted positions:

MLA, FT, M-F 07:00-15:30

MLT PRN, Weekdays, 3p-9p

MLT, FT, Weekday third 20:00-06:30

Phlebotomist, PRN, As needed

Full time positions will close on Monday, 2/18. If you are interested, please see me.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Computer station and scanner have been ordered for addition workstation in Blood Bank.

• Chemistry

  • If you want to participate in a process improvement project for Send Outs and Specimen Processing please let me know. This will be focused on adjusting processes and creating training material for processing and send outs. Meetings for this should start late next week or the following.

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • CellaVision has been ordered and will be installed with the XN2000 in the summer. Training will be provided from the company.

  • Remote microscope has been ordered. Training will be provided by the company. This will be used by Histology and Hematology.

• CAP

  • We are in the middle of our CAP window. Expect them to arrive any day. Thank you for paying attention to the quality of work, documentation, etc.

• Lab Renovation

  • Budgeting - the construction budget is due April 1. If there is ANYTHING you would like to include this construction (and I mean ANYTHING), please print it out and leave it on my desk. This includes items right down to trashcans! And I will ask for everything we think will make the lab better!

    • Short list of items thus far:

      • Automation line in Chem

      • 3 fully outfitted Blood Bank workstations (gel)

      • More refrigeration space across the lab

      • Flat panel displays of Outstanding, Expected, and ED Tracking

      • Two tube stations in Specimen Processing

      • One tube station in BB

      • 2 BacTec stacks

      • Larger GeneXpert

      • Maldi-TOF and backup ID

      • Bench overhead cameras to record task performance for training and competency needs

      • Digital whiteboards

      • More....

    • Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

Hospital-specific

We had a Dr. Big this morning (disaster event) that was managed very well on our end. Out of this we will discuss opportunities for improvements that will make the process even better in the future. Luckily, the situation was not tremendously bad, and there were plenty of staff to manage. However, in the event this were to happen on evening shifts or weekends, there are slight changes we can make to improve the flow. We will go over this on Thursday after I debrief with leadership. You all did an EXCELLENT job, and that has been communicated!

Posted positions:

MLA, FT, M-F 07:00-15:30

MLT PRN, Weekdays, 3p-9p

MLT, FT, Weekday third 20:00-06:30

Phlebotomist, PRN, As needed

Full time positions will close on Monday, 2/18. If you are interested, please see me.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Computer station and scanner have been ordered for addition workstation in Blood Bank.

  • Successful interface testing for the Echo/Haemonetics upgrade.

• Chemistry

  • Drug screen QC - negative QC should be <100m but NOT a negative value. If you get a negative value, QC has failed and needs to be repeated.

• Hematology

  • Will be discussing improvements to the process for managing peripheral smears. More information after Monday.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • There are now four Torch for the BioFire! The two new ones are ready for use! Thanks, Nilam, for getting these up and running!

Lab-specific

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • In the midst of Epic mess....stay tuned. Nothing to impact your testing now, but we may be pulling staff in for feedback on workflow. Will reach out.

• CAP

  • We are in the middle of our CAP window. Expect them to arrive any day. Thank you for paying attention to the quality of work, documentation, etc.

• Lab Renovation

  • Budgeting - the construction budget is due April 1. If there is ANYTHING you would like to include this construction (and I mean ANYTHING), please print it out and leave it on my desk. This includes items right down to trashcans! And I will ask for everything we think will make the lab better!

    • Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

Hospital-specific

On Feb 27, there will be a mock post-partum hemorrhage drill in the ED. Our part is to manage the blood supply and execute ordered testing. This is slated to happen at 0800. If I get more information I will share.

Posted positions:

MLA, FT, M-F 07:00-15:30

MLT PRN, Weekdays, 3p-9p

MLT, FT, Weekday third 20:00-06:30

Phlebotomist, PRN, As needed

Full time positions will close on Monday, 2/19. If you are interested, please see me.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Room temperature in BB was 28C today. I have asked Maintenance to lock the thermostat at a constant temperature. Please maintain the room temperature between 68-72F until this locked down control can be established.

• Chemistry

  • Drug screen QC - negative QC should be <100m but NOT a negative value. If you get a negative value, QC has failed and needs to be repeated.

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report.

Lab-specific

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • CLIA license will be updated to reflect Chad McCall as the Medical Director effective April 1.

  • Working through contract negotiations.

• CAP

  • We are in the middle of our CAP window. Expect them to arrive any day. Thank you for paying attention to the quality of work, documentation, etc. I will be doing random audits through the lab, weekly. If you know of anything that needs to be adjusted/changed, please let me know.

    • Fire extinguishers are due for inspection (I have reported to Maintenance).

    • Several ceiling tiles need replacing (reported to Maintenance)

    • 
      

• Lab Renovation

  • Budgeting - the construction budget is due April 1. If there is ANYTHING you would like to include this construction (and I mean ANYTHING), please print it out and leave it on my desk. This includes items right down to trashcans! And I will ask for everything we think will make the lab better!

    • Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

Hospital-specific

Nothing specific to report

Posted positions:

MLA, FT, M-F 07:00-15:30

MLT PRN, Weekdays, 3p-9p

Phlebotomist, PRN, As needed

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • A new Temp Check has been ordered.

  • Training for the plasma thawers will be next week.

    • There will be a brief video created to aid in operation as well. This will be stored in MediaLab if every needed.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Peripheral smear reviews should now show up on your Outstanding List. When you receive one, please verify that it is on the list. This is something that you should start seeing this week. If you have a smear that is not on the Outstanding, please let Brandi know.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report.

Lab-specific

• Standard Operating Procedure - if you have any job aids or "notes" at the bench, these must be part of the SOP to be used. EVERY lab has "cheatsheets", and that is perfectly acceptable as long as they are part of the SOP (as an attachment). Please let me know if there are job aids you use on a regular basis. I will review the SOP and ensure they are made for use and to aligned with the policy. These job aids will be removed prior to CAP, if present in the department.

  • ANYTHING posted in the department that is used for test performance or anything related to test performance MUST be part of the related SOP.

    • The work around for this is keeping your own personal notebook with information, which I suggest.

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • CLIA license has been sent to the state.

  • Working through contracts

• CAP

  • We are in the middle of our CAP window. Expect them to arrive any day. Thank you for paying attention to the quality of work, documentation, etc. I will be doing random audits through the lab, weekly. If you know of anything that needs to be adjusted/changed, please let me know.

    • Fire extinguishers are due for inspection (I have reported to Maintenance).

    • Several ceiling tiles need replacing (reported to Maintenance)

• Lab Renovation

  • Budgeting - the construction budget is due April 1. If there is ANYTHING you would like to include this construction (and I mean ANYTHING), please print it out and leave it on my desk. This includes items right down to trashcans! And I will ask for everything we think will make the lab better!

    • Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

Hospital-specific

Nothing specific to report

Posted positions:

MLT FT, M-F 12:00pm-8:30pm

MLT PRN, Weekdays, 3p-9p

Phlebotomist, PRN, As needed

Please let me know if you are interested.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • When cleaning the cell washer, please do not use bleach inside the device. Bleach corrodes metals and can cause problems with cell washing if residual is within the system. The only time the cell washer needs a full decon like this would be for shipping related to repair. Wiping the bowl with DI is acceptable.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • The CO2 incubator is alarming due to out of spec CO2 levels. BioMed is working to repair this, and I have asked them to temporarily deactivate the alarm in the time being, if possible. Will update with more information as it is available.

Lab-specific

• Will be ordering more fixed volume pipets for each department. All departments will be getting a pipet rack and new pipets, as needed. If you know of specific requests, please let me know.

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • Nothing new to report at this time.

  • Dr. McCall will be stopping by next week some time to see the lab and meet staff. Will let you know when. Nothing formal.

• Lab Renovation

  • Budgeting - the construction budget is due April 1. If there is ANYTHING you would like to include this construction (and I mean ANYTHING), please print it out and leave it on my desk. This includes items right down to trashcans! And I will ask for everything we think will make the lab better!

    • Please let me know if you have any suggestions!

Hospital-specific

Nothing specific to report

Posted positions:

MLT FT, M-F 12:00pm-8:30pm

Please let me know if you are interested.

Cassie Keith will be coming on board as a PRN MLS, working 2-3 days per week from 3-9p. She will start orientation on March 4.

Helen is coming back to work M-F, 7-3:30p as an MLA. Her first day back will be March 4.

Brian Pate will be a PRN phlebotomist, working as needed. He should be in orientation on March 4 as well.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Nothing to report

• Chemistry

  • A UPS for the AU threw a breaker on the device this morning. This happened immediately after the lights blinked. This should not happen. If you see this going forward, please bring it to Debby's attention. UPS modules are designed to have continuous power, so when the power goes out, they do not.

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Will be ordering more fixed volume pipets for each department. All departments will be getting a pipet rack and new pipets, as needed. If you know of specific requests, please let me know.

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • Nothing new to report at this time.

• Lab Renovation

  • Nothing new to report at this time.

Hospital-specific

Nothing specific to report

Posted positions:

MLT FT, M-F 12:00pm-8:30pm

I have one applicant, trying to schedule an interview for the end of this week.

Helen, Cassie, Brian, and Erin will be starting next week. Cassie, Brian, and Erin will be in orientation. Helen will simply change her hours.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Plasma thawers have been removed until we go live with operation.

  • When checking that you have completed a task on the maintenance logs, these tasks should be completed. If logs are incomplete, I will be asking for corrective action, with documentation.

  • Anyone working in the BB is responsible for all things in the BB. This means that if there is no reagent or blood, it is your responsibility to get this fixed. At the point of need, it does not matter why it happened - it matters that you fix it immediately. We will find out why it happened after the fact.

  • It is unacceptable to have only 10 units of OPOS and 2 units of A POS in the bank, unless we have products on the way. Replace units when your gut tells you to replace the units. You can follow the par levels, but par levels do not assess the current situation happening in the department. If you remotely think you need to order, you have already made the decision to order blood. Order it. No one will question if you over order in an emergency, and I will back your order. 10 units of OPOS will not support patient care for a AAA, large maternal hemorrhage, or emergently using patient, and we will never report to the ED, OR, or OB that the Blood Bank cannot provide services.

  • Other changes will be coming to the blood bank, so if I ask you to modify task performance or perform something typically performed on another shift, it will be for patient care and efficiency.

  • Frozen products: A new BB freezer will be delivered tomorrow. The current freezer is owned by the OR. We are planning the move with the OR, so the freezer will not be immediately implemented. My goal is to have this in use by no later than March 15, but that is pending.

  • I reorganized the units in the freezer. Keeping frozen units in order is a requirement for component management. The new freezer will prevent disorganization because there will be labeled shelves for the products. The test plasma has been removed from the freezer.

• Chemistry

  • The middle centrifuge has been repaired. If you have problems, please let Debby know.

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• We had a patient come through Registration this morning with a collection hat with liquid (not that it matters) in it, unsecured. The patient literally brought in the hat with his sample in it, open to the atmosphere. The patient was sent to the lab and walked through the hospital with his sample open. I have talked with Registration and told them to NEVER allow this to happen; it poses too much of a safety risk. If this does happen, Registration has been instructed to call the lab and speak with a supervisor, Sheila, or me to handle the situation. If you have any patient situations like this, please let me know.

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • Nothing new to report at this time.

• Lab Renovation

  • Nothing new to report at this time.

Hospital-specific

Kronos will be going away this spring and be replaced by another time management system. Sheila and I will be trained on this, and you will be too. There will be no timeclocks, you will clock in from your desktops/phones. More information to come on the method of clocking in. There will be superusers on each shift and weekend.

Part of this change to time keeping will be that any vacation you have entered will need to be reentered once we go live. At this point, I need you to continue to enter you vacation in Core Connect and verify that the vacation you have submitted is one the manual calendar. Some departments are telling their staff to NOT enter vacation for dates after April, but I want you keep requesting what you and manually documenting the calendar. I am reconciling the vacation calendar with current submissions, but I need to make sure you check the vacation calendar as we will be going off of that in the interim. If you have questions, please contact me.

Employee-specific

Associate Health checks are due by your anniversary date. I know this is easy to miss, because I missed it myself. I have asked AH to send out reminders 2 months in advance. Not sure if this will happen, but I will keep an eye on it.

I am putting all anniversary dates on my calendar and send each of you these as well for yours. I should be completed this week.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Pediatric transfusions - Just a reminder that if you get a request for a specific amount of blood for a pediatric transfusion, you are to issue the entire unit. It is Nursing responsibility to work with the providers to determine the volume and transfuse that volume only. We are not equipped with quad bags or the ability to aliquot units for peds. If you are asked what should be done with the remaining blood in the unit, it should be discarded.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Nothing to report

• Carolinas Pathology Group

  • Dr. Baruch will be here next Wednesday through Friday to cover for pathology.

• Lab Renovation

  • We are about 75% through with getting quotes for specific testing equipment. If you have any suggestions for any items that will improve work, please let me know.

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

Employee-specific

Please check your emails for any notifications from Associate Health for anniversary date renewals. If you have an anniversary date coming up in the next month, contact 7127 to complete your annual health assessment.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Thank you for working through the root cause analysis with me this afternoon. I will put together the cause and effect diagram and send it out tomorrow. Next huddle will include ways we can prevent the error from happening. (Error was cancer center patient transfusion with wrong product type)

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Response to CAP deficiencies

  • Please review the the document on the huddle board regarding correct document correction process. Please sign that you have reviewed and understand. This will be returned to CAP by March 29. This will also come out in a MediaLab module to be completed ASAP. That should come to you by Friday evening.

  • There will be a few policy changes coming from the inspection. When they are ready, I will let you know.

• Changes to attendance policy

  • I have posted two attendance policies on the huddle board and will roll these out from Policy Stat. Please review these and acknowledge as changes to occurrence tracking with start taking place when the new changes to timekeeping. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

    • Hospital Attendance Policy

    • Lab Attendance Policy

• 
  

Hospital-specific

Update to timekeeping system

We are not sure when the go live date for the change from Kronos to the new system will be. I confirmed with HR that training will roll out soon, but they could not give me a date or time. As soon as I know, I will let you know.

I have made the decision to require clock-in and clock-out from a computer in the lab, not through your mobile device. To ensure there is access to a computer for clocking in, there will be multiple tablets available throughout the lab to provide access. When I get more information I will share.

Employee-specific

Please check your emails for any notifications from Associate Health for anniversary date renewals. If you have an anniversary date coming up in the next month, contact 7127 to complete your annual health assessment.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Please take a look at the prior email I sent on 3/7 about the root cause analysis we did on Thursday. Next week, we will review the potential root causes and discuss process changes to prevent/improve work going forward.

• Chemistry

  • Water system is plugged into red for the Saturday power outage.

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Lab Reno

  • I have posted flooring options near Debbie and Jenny's office. Please take a look at these, and if there are any that you like, place a checkmark beside them. As we get closer to the start of construction, we will determine the color scheme and order other items accordingly. The floor will drive the overall themed color of the lab, so think about how color impacts you and check off what you prefer. No need to share name, just tally votes. If the hospital allows us freedom to choose color, we will go with majority vote.

• Response to CAP deficiencies

  • Please review the the document on the huddle board regarding correct document correction process. Please sign that you have reviewed and understand. The MediaLab module was rolled out to everyone n 3/7/24. It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete. Please have that finished by the due date listed on the course. You do not need to give me your pace credit/certificate. I will pull your transcript when needed.

  • There will be a few policy changes coming from the inspection. When they are ready, I will let you know.

  • 
    

• Changes to attendance policy

  • I have posted two attendance policies on the huddle board and will roll these out from Policy Stat. Please review these and acknowledge as changes to occurrence tracking with start taking place when the new changes to timekeeping. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

    • Hospital Attendance Policy

    • Lab Attendance Policy

• 
  

Hospital-specific

Update to timekeeping system

We are not sure when the go live date for the change from Kronos to the new system will be. I confirmed with HR that training will roll out soon, but they could not give me a date or time. As soon as I know, I will let you know.

I have made the decision to require clock-in and clock-out from a computer in the lab, not through your mobile device. To ensure there is access to a computer for clocking in, there will be multiple tablets available throughout the lab to provide access. When I get more information I will share.

Please check your emails for any notifications from Associate Health for anniversary date renewals. If you have an anniversary date coming up in the next month, contact 7127 to complete your annual health assessment.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Nothing to report

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Lab Reno

  • I have posted flooring options near Debbie and Jenny's office. Please take a look at these, and if there are any that you like, place a checkmark beside them. As we get closer to the start of construction, we will determine the color scheme and order other items accordingly. The floor will drive the overall themed color of the lab, so think about how color impacts you and check off what you prefer. No need to share name, just tally votes. If the hospital allows us freedom to choose color, we will go with majority vote.

• Response to CAP deficiencies

  • Due for completion by 03.22.2024 Please review the the document on the huddle board regarding correct document correction process. Please sign that you have reviewed and understand. The MediaLab module was rolled out to everyone n 3/7/24. It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete. Please have that finished by the due date listed on the course. You do not need to give me your pace credit/certificate. I will pull your transcript when needed.

• Changes to attendance policy

  • I have posted two attendance policies on the huddle board and will roll these out from Policy Stat. Please review these and acknowledge as changes to occurrence tracking with start taking place when the new changes to timekeeping. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

    • Hospital Attendance Policy

    • Lab Attendance Policy

• 
  

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

My apologies for neglecting to welcome Cassie, Brian, and Erin! They are working through training across the lab.

Erin will be FT, nights, M-H 8pm-6:30am

Cassie will be PRN on second shift, 3p-9p - days to be determined.

Brian is PRN and will be training on days. His hours will vary with need.

Lisa McLeod accepted the FT, 12-8:30p position and will start on April 2. She has experience in all areas and with most of of equipment, as does Erin and Cassie. :)

We are also extending Lakisha!

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Christina is checking everyone off on the new plasma thawers. Please make sure you go over operation with her before you complete the MediaLab module - 100% pass is required.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• LabWeek Plans

  • We are starting to plan for Lab Week. If you have any suggestions, please share. We will purchase another t-shirt and there will be activities. If you are interested in helping plan this, please let me know.

• Lab Reno

  • The flooring vendor will be sending samples based upon the colors we are interested in. If you want to chime in on the color, please mark a check beside any color that you like. The floor will drive the color of other items within the lab.

• Response to CAP deficiencies

  • Due for completion by 03.22.2024 Please review the the document on the huddle board regarding correct document correction process. Please sign that you have reviewed and understand. The MediaLab module was rolled out to everyone n 3/7/24. It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete. Please have that finished by the due date listed on the course. You do not need to give me your pace credit/certificate. I will pull your transcript when needed.

• Changes to attendance policy

  • I have posted two attendance policies on the huddle board and will roll these out from Policy Stat. Please review these and acknowledge as changes to occurrence tracking with start taking place when the new changes to timekeeping. If you have questions or concerns, please contact me.

    • Hospital Attendance Policy

    • Lab Attendance Policy

• 
  

Hospital-specific

We still have not heard anything about the changes to timekeeping and associated training. As soon as I get that information, I will foward it on to you.

Nothing to report

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • Christina is checking everyone off on the new plasma thawers. Please make sure you go over operation with her before you complete the MediaLab module - 100% pass is required.

  • Train-the-trainer instruction on the SafeTrace upgrade will take place next Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. After this training, we will put together a plan to ensure that everyone in BB is thoroughly trained on use of the new platform, and you will have at least 4 weeks to "play" with the system. When we go live, there will be someone here from Haemonetics to aid in use and operation.

  • There will be a Blood Bank meeting, in Blood Bank, at 1:30 on Tuesday March 26. This will be to discuss hand off communication processes, reagent and supply control, Haemonetics upgrade and access, ABO discrepancy resolution training, and identification of multiple antibodies. The aim of this meeting is to ensure that everyone working in BB knows the expectations of these processes and to get more feedback on how we can improve work in the department. An agenda will be provided ahead of the meeting.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • If you watched the semen analysis instrumentation video this morning I would love your feedback on the instrument. Brandi would like to include it in the construction budget, and I agree. Feel free to share throught/suggestions.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• LabWeek Plans

  • We are starting to plan for Lab Week. If you have any suggestions, please share. We will purchase another t-shirt and there will be activities. If you are interested in helping plan this, please let me know.

    • Lunch and Learns planned:

      • Wednesday - Ortho will present the Vision

      • Thursday - Biomerieux will present some of their equipment.

      • We are still looking for other vendors to jump in and grab a day. If you have any suggestions, please share.

• Response to CAP deficiencies

  • Due for completion by 03.22.2024 Please review the the document on the huddle board regarding correct document correction process. Please sign that you have reviewed and understand. The MediaLab module was rolled out to everyone n 3/7/24. It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete. Please have that finished by the due date listed on the course. You do not need to give me your pace credit/certificate. I will pull your transcript when needed.

  
  

Hospital-specific

Fund Run for the Foundation - We will have a lab team "Scotland Health Lab Life Savers". If you would like to join, please register for the 1k...NOT THE 5K!! A t-shirt comes with registration, and I will buy tutus of matching something for anyone who wants to join in and be silly! Link to register is below:

Scotland Memorial Foundation's FUNd Run (runsignup.com)

If you want to join the Lab team on April 20 for the FUNdRun (1K!!) please let Christina or me know. We are encouraging tutus, and I am purchasing old skool tube socks for everyone who want to participate. I think Christina is putting together shirts, so please get her your size!! (I think there is color at the end, but I'd be all for making our own!!)

If you want Jersey Mike's on Thursday, 3/27, the Lab is buying! There is a sign up sheet in the breakroom, on the frig, labeled for each shift. I need these completed by Thursday of this week. If you don't put an order down, I will order extra turkey/veggie in case. :)

Lab Week gift catalog is in the breakroom too. On the bulletin board. Please take a look! You will also get a new custom t-shirt and other prizes!

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • (CRITICAL) If you have not been checked off on the new plasma thawers, please get with Christina/Tammy ASAP. These will be implemented as soon as possible.

  • Several people suggested getting better mice for the keyboards in BB. I am ordering 5-10 in case there are other areas that want a new wireless. Should be here later this week.

  • There will be a Blood Bank meeting, in Blood Bank, at 1:30 on Tuesday March 26. This will be to discuss hand off communication processes, reagent and supply control, Haemonetics upgrade and access, ABO discrepancy resolution training, and identification of multiple antibodies. The aim of this meeting is to ensure that everyone working in BB knows the expectations of these processes and to get more feedback on how we can improve work in the department. An agenda will be provided ahead of the meeting.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • (CRITICAL) Rapid HIV Screens - Policy is being updated to direct the following:

    • And test from Associate Health that is REACTIVE should NOT be finalized for reporting. These need to be suppressed until confirmation is received from LabCorp.

    • If you get a POSITIVE Rapid HIV on anyone from Associate Health, please forward that to Brandi and DO NOT verify as final.

    • These should still be called to Associate Health to make them aware of the pending results. You should report the following:

      • Preliminary Reactive result, with follow up confirmation from LabCorp

      • Results are NOT reported in Epic.

    • The reason for this is that the employee could see the result BEFORE the physician has time to review and call them in. We are trying to mitigate undue stress on the employee, especially without MD guidance on next steps.

    • See Brandi with questions, if needed. She will/has provided guidance.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• (REPORTED YESTERDAY) LabWeek Plans

  • We are starting to plan for Lab Week. If you have any suggestions, please share. We will purchase another t-shirt and there will be activities. If you are interested in helping plan this, please let me know.

    • Lunch and Learns planned:

      • Wednesday - Ortho will present the Vision

      • Thursday - Biomerieux will present some of their equipment.

      • We are still looking for other vendors to jump in and grab a day. If you have any suggestions, please share.

• (REPORTED YESTERDAY) Response to CAP deficiencies

  • Due for completion by 03.22.2024 Please review the the document on the huddle board regarding correct document correction process. Please sign that you have reviewed and understand. The MediaLab module was rolled out to everyone n 3/7/24. It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete. Please have that finished by the due date listed on the course. You do not need to give me your pace credit/certificate. I will pull your transcript when needed.

  
  

Hospital-specific

(REPORTED YESTERDAY) Fund Run for the Foundation - We will have a lab team "Scotland Health Lab Life Savers". If you would like to join, please register for the 1k...NOT THE 5K!! A t-shirt comes with registration, and I will buy tutus of matching something for anyone who wants to join in and be silly! Link to register is below:

Scotland Memorial Foundation's FUNd Run (runsignup.com)

WE HAVE A TEAM OF 12 SO FAR!!!

If you want to join the Lab team on April 20 for the FUNdRun (1K!!) please let Christina or me know. We are encouraging tutus, and I am purchasing old skool tube socks for everyone who want to participate. I think Christina is putting together shirts, so please get her your size!! (I think there is color at the end, but I'd be all for making our own!!) Scotland Memorial Foundation's FUNd Run (runsignup.com)

(REPORTED YESTERDAY) If you want Jersey Mike's on Thursday, 3/27, the Lab is buying! There is a sign up sheet in the breakroom, on the frig, labeled for each shift. I need these completed by Thursday of this week. If you don't put an order down, I will order extra turkey/veggie in case. :)

(REPORTED YESTERDAY) Lab Week gift catalog is in the breakroom too. On the bulletin board. Please take a look! You will also get a new custom t-shirt and other prizes!

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • (CRITICAL) If you have not been checked off on the new plasma thawers, please get with Christina/Tammy ASAP. These will be implemented as soon as possible.

  • (REPORTED YESTERDAY) There will be a Blood Bank meeting, in Blood Bank, at 1:30 on Tuesday March 26. This will be to discuss hand off communication processes, reagent and supply control, Haemonetics upgrade and access, ABO discrepancy resolution training, and identification of multiple antibodies. The aim of this meeting is to ensure that everyone working in BB knows the expectations of these processes and to get more feedback on how we can improve work in the department. An agenda will be provided ahead of the meeting.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • New embedding station!! WOO HOO!!

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• (REPORTED YESTERDAY) Response to CAP deficiencies

  • Due for completion by 03.22.2024 Please review the the document on the huddle board regarding correct document correction process. Please sign that you have reviewed and understand. The MediaLab module was rolled out to everyone n 3/7/24. It should take you less than 10 minutes to complete. Please have that finished by the due date listed on the course. You do not need to give me your pace credit/certificate. I will pull your transcript when needed.

  • If you have a bone to pick with me about MediaLab, you are not alone! Going forward, if any of their courses are LONG, I will pare down the information into a new course specific for us. My apologies for the length, but I really appreciate your diligence in completing.

    • And if you need to unload on me, bring it! :)

  
  

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

I will submit the Jersey Mike's order today. If you did not order, I will order something in case. Likely turkey!

(REPORTED YESTERDAY) Lab Week gift catalog is in the breakroom too. On the bulletin board. Please take a look! You will also get a new custom t-shirt and other prizes!

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • (CRITICAL REPORTED YESTERDAY) If you have not been checked off on the new plasma thawers, please get with Christina/Tammy ASAP. These will be implemented as soon as possible.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • (CRITICAL) DO NOT CALL ANY HIV RESULTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. There is some confusion outside of the lab of these results being critical for the employee. When I have more information, I will share.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Nothing new to report.

Hospital-specific

Nothing to report

The Jersey Mike's order was submitted. If you did not order, I will order something in case. Likely turkey! But you can still get that to me, and I will update the order. Menu HERE.

(REPORTED Last Week) Lab Week gift catalog is in the breakroom too. On the bulletin board. Please take a look! You will also get a new custom t-shirt and other prizes!

Shirt and Coat Sizes:

Please get me your t-shirt and coat (light weight fleece) sizes ASAP. You can email me or leave that on my desk.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • (CRITICAL REPORTED LAST WEEK) If you have not been checked off on the new plasma thawers, please get with Christina/Tammy ASAP. These will be implemented as soon as possible.

    • The water bath will be going away very soon, so please make sure you are checked off on the thawers.

  • The new BB terminal will have access to Haemonetics. Tammy update.

  • Another phone line will be installed soon.

  • Blood Bank meeting Tuesday, March 26 at 1:30 in the BB.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • (CRITICAL) DO NOT CALL ANY RAPID HIV RESULTS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. There is some confusion outside of the lab of these results being critical for the employee. When I have more information, I will share.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nilam is completing training for the new Gram stainer. If you have not been trained, please let her know ASAP.

Lab-specific

• I have 4 new wireless mouse. If there is a need within a department, grab one. They are in my office, near my desk.

• Dr. Richardson's last day as Medical Director will be Sunday, March 31. Dr. Chad McCall will be our new Medical Director on April 1. He will be on site April 4, in the Pathology office.

• Please be aware of the updates to our attendance policy and expectations of workplace behavior. Absences may be excused with justified documentation per HR policy. If you must call out, you should do so asap, preferably 8 hours prior to the start of your shift.

• If you want a free digital headshot, please sign up here. This is free for you. Once I get the digital file, I will immediately send it to you. You DO NOT have to wear scrubs or any Scotland identification in the picture. This is simply an opportunity to get a professional headshot you can use anyway you like.

Hospital-specific

Changes to time:

• Time clock managers (Sheila and I) will go through training within the next couple of weeks.

• There will also be at least one person per shift who has been trained to answer clock-in, clock-out questions.

• There is no 7-minute rule anymore. Pay will be based on literal time worked, regardless of 15-minute window.

• HR is requiring employees to clock out for breaks and clock back in upon return.

• Although tardiness is improving in the lab, all Lab staff must clock in and out from a device within the lab, preferably a desktop. As clock-in times improves, the Lab will shift to the app. I will assess individual compliance and determine further steps.

  • There will be at least two mobile devices accessible at all times for clock in/out if there is no computer available. Current computer access:

    • Breakroom - 2 tablets

    • Micro - 2 computers

    • Chem - 2 computers

    • Hematology - 3 computers

    • Blood Bank - 2 computers

    • Histology - 2 computers

    • Path office (when locus/path is not there) - 1

    • Outpatient - 2 computers

    • Sheila/Candice computer is available as well.

• To my understanding, this change will take place in late April.

Tomorrow, Jersey Mike's will be delivered at/around the following times:

11:30-12:00pm - First

5:30-6:00pm - Second

8:00-8:30pm - Third

(REPORTED Last Week) Lab Week gift catalog is in the breakroom too. On the bulletin board. Please take a look! You will also get a new custom t-shirt and other prizes!

Shirt and Coat Sizes:

Please check your email for an email from Sammy. Please get her your t-shirt size (unizex) and fleece coat size. I will be submitting these to Marketing on April 2. If you do not give Sammy your sizes, I will determine the best size to order. Everyone will have a shirt and a fleece coat.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • (CRITICAL REPORTED LAST WEEK) If you have not been checked off on the new plasma thawers, please get with Christina/Tammy ASAP. These will be implemented as soon as possible.

    • The water bath will be going away very soon, so please make sure you are checked off on the thawers.

  • CHANGE - Blood Bank meeting Thursday, March 28 at 1:30 in the BB.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • (REPORTED YESTERDAY) Nilam is completing training for the new Gram stainer. If you have not been trained, please let her know ASAP.

Lab-specific

• Lab Week is in planning!

  • April 14 - 20

    • Monday

      • Food truck planning - confirmation pending

      • Scavenger Hunt starts

    • Tuesday

      • Candice Catering. Please take this poll so I can determine what will be provided!

      • Lab Crafts

    • Wednesday

      • Lunch and Learn with QuidelOrtho

        • Vision demonstration

      • Stump the Blood Banker

    • Thursday

      • Lunch and Learn with Biomerieux

        • Various Micro instrumentation coming to the new Micro Lab.

      • BioArt in Micro!

    • Friday

      • Favorite Food Buffet

      • Baking Contest

      • Patient Appreciation Day in Outpatient

• (REPORTED YESTERDAY) Dr. Richardson's last day as Medical Director will be Sunday, March 31. Dr. Chad McCall will be our new Medical Director on April 1. He will be on site April 4, in the Pathology office.

• (REPORTED YESTERDAY) Please be aware of the updates to our attendance policy and expectations of workplace behavior. Absences may be excused with justified documentation per HR policy. If you must call out, you should do so asap, preferably 8 hours prior to the start of your shift.

• (REPORTED YESTERDAY) If you want a free digital headshot, please sign up here. This is free for you. Once I get the digital file, I will immediately send it to you. You DO NOT have to wear scrubs or any Scotland identification in the picture. This is simply an opportunity to get a professional headshot you can use anyway you like.

Hospital-specific

Changes to time (GO LIVE IS 4/21):

• Staff Development will assign you training in Symplr Learning on April 1.

• There will also be at least one person per shift who has been trained to answer clock-in, clock-out questions.

• There is no 7-minute rule anymore. Pay will be based on literal time worked, regardless of 15-minute window.

• HR is requiring employees to clock out for breaks and clock back in upon return. This is regardless of staying or leaving campus for your break.

• A permanent login device (time station) will be located where the current timeclock is located at the Lab entrance.

(REPORTED Last Week) Lab Week gift catalog is in the breakroom too. On the bulletin board. Please take a look! You will also get a new custom t-shirt and other prizes!

Shirt and Coat Sizes:

Please check your email for an email from Sammy. Please get her your t-shirt size (unisex) and fleece coat size. I will be submitting these to Marketing on April 2. If you do not give Sammy your sizes, I will determine the best size to order. Everyone will have a shirt and a fleece coat.

Please vote on the food catered for Lab Week (Tuesday) Poll is here.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • New freezer is installed. The RFID temperature monitoring system is not yet connected. Company will be coming out soon to get that up and running.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Nothing to report

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nilam will start validating a new GI panel for the BioFire. This test will not be implemented any time soon; however, the reagents are here and in my office. These will remain segregated until further notice. Regardless, please make sure you are verifying that you have the correct reagent when performing a BioFire assay.

Lab-specific

• Nothing new to report

Hospital-specific

(REPORTED YESTERDAY) Changes to time (GO LIVE IS 4/21):

• Staff Development will assign you training in Symplr Learning on April 1.

• There will also be at least one person per shift who has been trained to answer clock-in, clock-out questions.

• There is no 7-minute rule anymore. Pay will be based on literal time worked, regardless of 15-minute window.

• HR is requiring employees to clock out for breaks and clock back in upon return. This is regardless of staying or leaving campus for your break.

• A permanent login device (time station) will be located where the current timeclock is located at the Lab entrance.

Please make sure to choose a gift from the item list in the breakroom. It is hanging on the bulletin board.

Thank you for getting your shirt and coat sizes to Sammy! They have been ordered.

Please vote on the food catered for Lab Week (Tuesday) Poll is here.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • New freezer is installed. The RFID temperature monitoring system is not yet connected but is inside the device on the top shelf. Please do not move it.

  • Looking to purchase a new BB refrigerator now due to the doors not remaining closed. It will be just like the current one, just new.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Rapid HIV - reminder to hide Reactive results if you get one. Once Associate Health determines their standard work for calling, we will relay that information to you.

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • Nothing to report

Lab-specific

• Lab week plans

  • Monday

    • TBD

  • Tuesday

    • Food from PeeDee Pathology

  • Wednesday

    • Lunch and Learn from Ortho (Vision)

  • Thursday

    • Lunch and Learn from Biomerieux (Maldi)

  • Friday

    • Baking contest - more information to come

Food for Monday and Wednesday will be provided.

Hospital-specific

Changes to timekeeping.

You will be able to use the app to clock in and clock out. Please refer to the following link for instructions on loading the Microsoft Authenticator app. Please do this well in advance of April 21.

Please complete the symplr training in symplr Learning. I am not impressed with the training and will refer you to the job aid through this link.

There is more information on the intranet. As I get more information I will let you know.

Lab Week Gifts will be ordered this weekend. If you did not put down a choice, I will make on for you.

Shirts were ordered on Thursday and should be ready next week.

Section-specific

• Blood Bank

  • New BB refrigerator is on order. Delivery is TDB.

  • Please see the email regarding SafeTrace pretraining. Complete the quick interactive presentation before your 1:1 training. See Tammy or Sheila regarding training.

• Chemistry

  • Nothing to report

• Hematology

  • Brandi will start preparing for the new Iris installation. Please be aware that some items may be moved to provide space for validation. Brandi will provide more information. Instrument is slated to be delivered on 4/22

• Histology

  • Nothing to report

• Microbiology

  • We are preparing to implement the new blood culture organism ID on the BioFire. If you have not spoken with Nilam about this, please reach out to her asap. Gram staining will be a part of this process due to the lack of BioFire ability to identify the thousands of bacterial species which could result in a positive blood culture. However, the profile panel is robust and will significantly improve patient care and timeliness of reporting.

Lab-specific

• Lab week plans

  • Monday

    • TBD

  • Tuesday

    • Food from PeeDee Pathology

  • Wednesday

    • Lunch and Learn from Ortho (Vision)

  • Thursday

    • Lunch and Learn from Biomerieux (Maldi)

  • Friday

    • Baking contest - more information to come

  • LaFamilia for the lab meal! Won with 38% vote.

    
    

• Preview of LabWeek

  • BioArt Gallery - you can make your own bioart on Candida agar and display for everyone to view.

  • Various games with prizes (Bingo, Crosswords, Coloring, Guess the RBC volume, Blood Bank Nightmare....)

  • Pictures with Barbie - kinda

  • Lab Outpatient Appreciation Day

    
    

Hospital-specific

Changes to timekeeping.

Regarding changes to clock-in/out:

1. Download the Microsoft Authenticator app to your mobile device (optional). If you need assistance, we can work on that next week or reach out to me. Online help HERE

2. Complete the online training through symplr learning by no later than April 18. symplr Learning link HERE.

3. Ask questions, if needed!