Fine Needle Aspirates
As a new professional, I've been putting myself out there for every opportunity available to train in new areas, or pick up additional tasks. After all, I am still a student at heart! So I offered to help cover shifts at another hospital in our area, within the Affinity Health System. I had a few days of training down there, mostly to familiarize myself with the day to days, since the actual job is pretty much the same as what I already do.
However, there was one little thing that I was not aware of... I have a new responsibility when I'm working there. I have to go to Fine Needle Aspirate procedures of the thyroid. Until a few days ago, I had never heard of this procedure. Basically, my responsibility is to stand there quietly, not touching anything and hold out my little tray to get the needles from the doctor and quickly make slides for histology and cytology. I observed during one procedure, and will definitely observe again before I attempt one on my own. It doesn't seem too difficult, it's just the comfort level of interacting with different doctors that I'd like a little more experience with.
I don't know if it's the same in all labs, but we have very little contact with doctors in my lab. An occasional phone call for sensitivities is about it. Mostly we get to talk to the nurses who relay our messages. It seems like there are at least a few incidents a week when I hear a tech ask "Why is the doctor ordering that??" or "they don't need that if they just order this" and other such things. It is during those moments that I think about the developing DCLS! I've seen examples of when it would be helpful! I can only imagine how much more effective our health care system will be once we can incorporate these people into the mainstream!
When I think about it at face value, it just seems like common sense. Doctors and the lab working TOGETHER!! It's time to bust out of the "black box" and use all of our training and expertise for the good of the patient, and the patient's medical bills!
It's only been 5 months since I've been out of school and I'm already looking forward to going back. Don't get me wrong, I'm taking full advantage of my time off! It's nice to have hobbies and free time again, I just know that I'm meant to do bigger and better things in this field. I plan on being a life-long learner and I can't wait to give back to healthcare in the future.
One last thing, I'd like to mention quickly... check out the "Meet the Bloggers" webcast. Each of us has answered a few questions about why we chose to write our blogs and what we would like to accomplish with them. You can actually put a voice to the words now!