The Adventure Begins: A New MT’s Perspective

Cats and Dogs

Rhonda Daily — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:33:00 GMT

You know those people who have a fear of commitment? Well, I think I am on the opposite pole from those people. I would say that I am addicted to commitment. Have a project to take on? Sign me up. Need help with a school event? Sign me up. Four year degree...(read more)

Stop TB!

Rhonda Daily — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:29:00 GMT

This week I was able to attend Wisconsin's Annual Mycobacteriology Conference with my manager and another coworker. It was a one day event held in Madison, I believe there were about 60 attendees with labs from around the state represented. As a BSL-2...(read more)

Another Day

Rhonda Daily — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 22:39:00 GMT

It never ceases to amaze me how different each day in the lab can be... I was able to perform another "first" today. Our Microbiology department is responsible for obtaining nasopharyngeal swabs in the outpatient testing area, on occasions when the usual...(read more)

ASCLS Region V Annual Meeting

Rhonda Daily — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:48:00 GMT

I had the pleasure of attending the ASCLS Region V Annual Meeting this past week in Watertown, South Dakota. What a wonderful experience! I was able to listen to some great talks ranging from healthcare reform, to "providing the face" for the medical...(read more)

Fine Needle Aspirates

Rhonda Daily — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:43:00 GMT

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,...(read more)

Is your lab prepared for H1N1?

Rhonda Daily — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 21:41:00 GMT

Of course we've all heard about the impending outbreaks of H1N1... Is your lab prepared? Is your community prepared? The information out there seems to be changing and updating constantly, so who's to say if anyone is truly prepared. Honestly, I'm a little...(read more)

The Power of Lean

Rhonda Daily — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:43:00 GMT

Ask around any business, lab or otherwise, I imagine you’ll find that most places are divided when it comes to Lean practices. There are those that go into protective mode and are worried about losing their jobs. There are also those who welcome the chance...(read more)

Culture Reading

Rhonda Daily — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:42:00 GMT

As I've mentioned, I work in the microbiology department. As of now, I've been trained and am on my own reading urine, stool and vaginal cultures; all of our rapid tests, ANAs, O&Ps, and set up of all cultures. In the next few weeks, I'll be learning...(read more)

Certified!

Rhonda Daily — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:41:00 GMT

Today was a memorable day. I received my certification from ASCP in the mail. I am officially Rhonda M. Daily, MT(ASCP). Now that I've been working for almost 2 months, it's all starting to sink in...I did it. I went back to school after almost 10 years,...(read more)

New Professional

Rhonda Daily — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:59:00 GMT

What a whirlwind the last month has been! I've graduated, passed the boards and began working all in a matter of a few short weeks. After the whole Student Bowl experience, I was feeling pretty well prepared to take the Board of Registry Exam. Of course,...(read more)

The Semi-Finals

Rhonda Daily — Fri, 15 May 2009 12:43:00 GMT

What a whirlwind week! First off, let me fill you in on the Student Bowl Competition. I was so nervous all day leading up to the competition and so were my teammates. We had our strategy down--go for 10 points, only go for 20 if the other team got one....(read more)

Happy Lab Week

Rhonda Daily — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 15:21:00 GMT

It’s officially Lab Week. An entire week dedicated to raising awareness about our field. It also just so happens that I’ve officially completed my clinical rotations! I’m in the home stretch--22 days until I take the Board of Registry exam. The way our...(read more)

Case Studies

Rhonda Daily — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:16:00 GMT

I was fortunate enough to have an unbelievably brilliant professor for a few of my med tech classes. Dr. McDermott teaches Immunology, Medical Mycology and Medical Bacteriology for the major. Her biggest teaching strategy is teaching and testing by means...(read more)

The Power of Positive Thinking

Rhonda Daily — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 14:41:00 GMT

Even the most seasoned phlebotomist or tech will tell you everyone has a bad day when it comes to drawing blood. I would have to agree with that. However, the feeling of satisfaction that comes from having a great day lasts a lot longer. As part of our...(read more)

Happy to Have a Job

Rhonda Daily — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:34:00 GMT

We all know the economy is having a bit of a rough patch at the moment. I personally believe our country is now heading down the right path and that things will get better. But in the meantime, many of us are beginning to feel the effects of these challenging...(read more)