October 2010 - Posts

Twelve-Hour Shifts
October 29, 2010 1:51 PM by Amanda Koehler

An alluring aspect of the healthcare field is being able to create your own schedules or being able to pick when you work. One of my best friends is a nurse, and she works three 12-hour shifts a week...and absolutely loves it. I can see why -- having Read More...

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Behind the Mask
October 28, 2010 1:22 PM by Amanda Koehler

Halloween is upon us, which means it's time to dress up and possibly wear a mask. Your mask might work well with your Halloween costume, but are you wearing a mask to work every day? And does it jibe with your personality? Hopefully, you're not going Read More...

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Pass on the Whine
October 27, 2010 3:34 PM by Amanda Koehler

Everyone has times when they tend to whine and complain too much. Admit it -- you do it! Whether it's directed toward a particular person, about some life circumstance or some responsibility/obligation, some people whine a lot . It may make you feel better Read More...

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Not-So-Secret Salaries
October 25, 2010 11:17 AM by Amanda Koehler

You know that old saying that tells you not to talk to friends about religion or politics? Money should probably be added to that, too. In many situations, the "so, how much do you make?" question isn't really a good one to bring up, sometimes even among Read More...

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Wanted: New Blood
October 22, 2010 12:32 PM by Amanda Koehler

I received an e-mail reminder from the FDA this week, and the subject was "Have You Given Blood Lately?" I read it and felt guilty. It's one of those things you feel weird telling people--like you don't really like chocolate or your favorite movie is Read More...

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Correct Tech Posture
October 21, 2010 12:26 PM by Amanda Koehler

I'm all for new technology. I "ooh" and "aah" over friends' new Macs or iPhones. They're certainly sleek and look like a lot of fun. However, as a penny pincher, I don't wish to spend my money on these fancy toys. I finally got an iPod about 3 years ago. Read More...

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How Would Your Lab Compare?
October 20, 2010 3:07 PM by Amanda Koehler

Recently, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services created a Web site called Hospital Compare . This Web site lets a patient compare hospitals in the areas of Medicare payment and volume, use of medical imaging, process of care measures, outcome Read More...

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Speak Out Now!
October 19, 2010 1:17 PM by Amanda Koehler

When I get some downtime during the day, I like to peruse the health sections of news Web sites to look for story and blog ideas. I was looking on Florida's Sun Sentinel Web site when I found a slideshow called "How much Florida health-care workers are Read More...

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You Have Cancer: Go Ahead and Laugh
October 18, 2010 9:57 PM by Matthew T. Patton

(Editor's Note: This guest blog is written by Marci Landsmann, managing editor of ADVANCE for Healthy Aging .) Cancer is anything but funny. But ask diagnosed people about the power of humor, and you'll find few that can survive without it. I can recall Read More...

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NCSCLS and NCSSAMT Fall Focus Meeting in Raleigh, NC
October 17, 2010 11:38 AM by Matthew T. Patton

The NCSCLS and NCSSAMT Fall Focus meeting will be held on Oct. 29-30 at the Wake Tech Main Campus Student Services Building Conference Center, Raleigh, NC. On Oct. 29, there will be an education scientific assembly and various board meetings. On Oct. Read More...

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Compassion Fatigue
October 13, 2010 10:19 AM by Kerri Penno

One of the ways in which the laboratory staff is often distinguished from other allied health professions is the difference in levels of patient interaction. While nurses and physical, occupational or speech therapists are working with patients all shift Read More...

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Playing Hooky
October 4, 2010 11:53 AM by Amanda Koehler

Growing up with a mother who was also a teacher was pretty tough. Besides the fact that she would seek me out to give me a huge kiss and a hug in the middle of the hallway (what ninth grader wants this? So embarrassing!), I never was allowed to stay home Read More...

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