The good news is this...I no longer feel like roadkill!!! I was taken off display on Monday morning. I was told I was the applicant chosen to be the Phlebotomy Supervisor at Logan Regional Hospital!!! I am so super excited and freaked out by this. I have so many ideas of what I want to not only change but IMPROVE. I want so badly for everyone to enjoy coming to work again! I want to have a good, trusting relationship with my department. I know it will be hard work and I will spend many many hours getting things done. But I know it will be rewarding and I will find great joy in the happiness my department feels.
So the rest of the lab was told on Tuesday night. I spent most of the day dodging questions and pleading the 5th. I was so relieved when the email was sent and I no longer needed to avoid all eye contact. Everyone seems to have welcomed the change with open arms. I have been congratulated by so many people and I know they are all pulling for me. So that is helping my nerves to calm down a bit. I work with some really great people and I look forward working closer with some of them.
The Phlebs seem to be really excited about the change. I know they will be bringing lots of concerns and things to my attention. I am just happy to be in a position where they feel they can come to me! I am so excited to get to know them on a different level and help them succeed. We have a great group of people in the department and I am excited to see the teamwork deepen.
I knew that everyone would have their own ideas of what can be improved on. But I will have to get used to being stopped in the hallway for a quick "Can I talk to you for a minute?" But I would much rather be in the loop than out of it!
There are so many new things coming out in the Lab. I am excited to be a part of the planning process. And even if this means lots of meetings, long days and late nights. I am ready and willing. I know this will be for sure one of the hardest things I have ever done. I know it will be worth it!
So when I am feeling really bogged down and discouraged. Because I know those days will come. Please remind me of this post and ask me to go read it! I have written this to remind myself that I got myself into this and I am going to make it work! But I needed to write the warm fuzzy thoughts now so I can refer back to them later! After all this entire process is going to be all about planning ahead!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
I feel somewhat like ROADKILL...
So before I started this post there were a few things I needed. Not a couple things I could really go for at the moment. These are serious NEEDS! I needed some good old fashioned Sunshine, so I opened the blinds. OK there is not much Sunshine to be found out there today, however having the blinds open is better than nothing. Next NEED was an Ice Cold Diet Coke! It is somewhat disturbing to me the amount of comfort I can find within that tin can! The cracking sound that means happiness is only seconds away is music to me ears! Next NEED was some good music playing in the background. So I hit play on the New Carrie Underwood Cd. She seems to know what my life is like.
OK now I am ready to get a few things off my chest! Brace yourselves folks this may not be all Rainbows and Ponies!
I know everyone has driven past Roadkill in their day. Not a pretty sight in the least. But lets take a minute to think about that poor dead animal. Lets say it was a deer. The poor thing has decided to do something scary and cross the road. They gave their all. And in the last moment it was all over. Now it is laying there in the open for everyone to look at as they past. And that is not the worst part. Now the poor thing will be picked apart by anything that wants a piece! Then wait to be picked up off the road and no longer on display for all passersby!
OK so I am sure you are wondering what in the heck I am talking about! Well I will tell you...
Over a year ago I applied for the Phlebotomy Supervisor position. I was not chosen for the job. However before I was told the news, I was told how perfect I was for the job. How I was just what they were looking for. BUT... Not perfect enough I guess! Instead the job went a Man we called Captain. And that was not all I was told. But that in addition my help was needed in training him. He was not easy to work with. It was a really long year and most of the team is not in a good place. Well he resigned last week so the position was now open again...
I was not sure I wanted to go through that all over again. The interview process was grueling and not really something I was looking forward to repeating. I did a lot of soul searching, talking to others and giving into the request from many people that I apply again. So I hit send on the computer and waited...
I was told there would be a 2 part interview process this time. A group interview and then an individual interview. Well that sounds like a lot of fun right? NO not at all. I was also told I needed to have a presentation ready for the group interview. This keeps getting better and better. What else can we do?!?!
There were 3 of us that are in the running for the position and we are all friends. But now we are in the competition. And I for one hated it. I know we could all do a good job in the position and anything is better than the last supervisor we had. But I would not be trying if I did not want it. So I tried to put on my poker face and charm the panel. I felt like I did a great job in the group interview. I walked out feeling good about my presentation and that meant going into the individual would be easier now...I hoped.
I was first to do the second interview, I had about 5 minutes to regroup and get my thoughts together. Then it was show time. I was nervous at best. It is really hard to interview for people you know. These people all know me on many different levels. The questions were hard, 2 and sometimes 3 parts to each one. But I did the very best I could. I had an answer for each question that was thrown my way. There were lots of notes being taken and heads nodding in agreement. Or at least that is why I like to think they were nodding. Then it was all over, I had presented myself to the people who would be making this decision. I felt good, sick, relieved, stressed, happy, nauseous, and nervous all at the same time. Just so you are aware this is a hard way to be feeling.
And now we just wait. And wait. And wait. I keep checking my email, have my phone nearby and nerves all in a funk. I keep thinking in the next hour I will hear something, anything. But no, nothing so far. I truly believe any one of the candidates are capable of doing the job and doing it well. But who am i trying to kid...I want the job. And I KNOW I will do a great job. I just hope they feel the same way!
So you see I feel like ROADKILL... I did something really scary. I gave my all. And now I am just out there wide open for everyone to pick apart. And there is nothing more I can do about it. But wait for somebody to give me the news that I am no longer on display!
OK now I am ready to get a few things off my chest! Brace yourselves folks this may not be all Rainbows and Ponies!
I know everyone has driven past Roadkill in their day. Not a pretty sight in the least. But lets take a minute to think about that poor dead animal. Lets say it was a deer. The poor thing has decided to do something scary and cross the road. They gave their all. And in the last moment it was all over. Now it is laying there in the open for everyone to look at as they past. And that is not the worst part. Now the poor thing will be picked apart by anything that wants a piece! Then wait to be picked up off the road and no longer on display for all passersby!
OK so I am sure you are wondering what in the heck I am talking about! Well I will tell you...
Over a year ago I applied for the Phlebotomy Supervisor position. I was not chosen for the job. However before I was told the news, I was told how perfect I was for the job. How I was just what they were looking for. BUT... Not perfect enough I guess! Instead the job went a Man we called Captain. And that was not all I was told. But that in addition my help was needed in training him. He was not easy to work with. It was a really long year and most of the team is not in a good place. Well he resigned last week so the position was now open again...
I was not sure I wanted to go through that all over again. The interview process was grueling and not really something I was looking forward to repeating. I did a lot of soul searching, talking to others and giving into the request from many people that I apply again. So I hit send on the computer and waited...
I was told there would be a 2 part interview process this time. A group interview and then an individual interview. Well that sounds like a lot of fun right? NO not at all. I was also told I needed to have a presentation ready for the group interview. This keeps getting better and better. What else can we do?!?!
There were 3 of us that are in the running for the position and we are all friends. But now we are in the competition. And I for one hated it. I know we could all do a good job in the position and anything is better than the last supervisor we had. But I would not be trying if I did not want it. So I tried to put on my poker face and charm the panel. I felt like I did a great job in the group interview. I walked out feeling good about my presentation and that meant going into the individual would be easier now...I hoped.
I was first to do the second interview, I had about 5 minutes to regroup and get my thoughts together. Then it was show time. I was nervous at best. It is really hard to interview for people you know. These people all know me on many different levels. The questions were hard, 2 and sometimes 3 parts to each one. But I did the very best I could. I had an answer for each question that was thrown my way. There were lots of notes being taken and heads nodding in agreement. Or at least that is why I like to think they were nodding. Then it was all over, I had presented myself to the people who would be making this decision. I felt good, sick, relieved, stressed, happy, nauseous, and nervous all at the same time. Just so you are aware this is a hard way to be feeling.
And now we just wait. And wait. And wait. I keep checking my email, have my phone nearby and nerves all in a funk. I keep thinking in the next hour I will hear something, anything. But no, nothing so far. I truly believe any one of the candidates are capable of doing the job and doing it well. But who am i trying to kid...I want the job. And I KNOW I will do a great job. I just hope they feel the same way!
So you see I feel like ROADKILL... I did something really scary. I gave my all. And now I am just out there wide open for everyone to pick apart. And there is nothing more I can do about it. But wait for somebody to give me the news that I am no longer on display!
Monday, January 4, 2010
I will not say you are incompetent, but I will think it!
So as of late I have had a really hard time with my job. I love my patients and most of my co-workers. But I have a noticed I have really hard time getting there. Not that I am ever late or anything like that. Please what do you take me for??? However I am not excited in the least to be clocked in for the next 10.5 hours. And once I am ready to work I feel the need for an attitude adjustment rather quickly. I know there are a number of reasons why I feel this way. And while these are not the reason for this post I will mention just a few. We are always getting more added to our plate and never anything removed, we are spread so thin that we are almost see through, We are asked to 70-80 patients a day and not allow our wait time to get out of hand, my boss is totally lame, every patient seems to have some place to be 5 minutes ago and this is somehow our fault, and everyone needs us "right this minute" We are only 2 girls trying to do the very best we can. So a little slack in the line would be much appreciated.
But even on days that are totally nuts and I want to throw in the towel. I know there will be a moment that will make it all worth it. The key is just getting there. Well today I was so embarrassed but this "Moment" that I thought I needed to share it!
So for those who don't know I draw blood all day long. My "draw room" was once a hallway and therefor is rather cramped and can get tricky from time to time. Staff from all the offices and patients are always passing through. Today was one of those times. Carrie and I were totally swamped and I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I took a patient in to my "draw room" and proceeded to find a vein, gather my supplies, tie the tourniquet, wipe the area with an alcohol wipe and stick the needle ever so smoothly into his skin. He began to get nervous when there was no sight of blood, but regained his composure when the red liquid began to fill the tube. I was making small talk and trying to pass the time while I gathered the sample. It came time to release the tourniquet and withdraw the needle when it hit me like a ton of bricks...I was completely alone in "draw room" not a soul was to be seen or heard and I could not find my cotton ball. All I could think was it must have fallen on the floor. I was looking around rather nervously because without the cotton ball the needle would be stying in my patients arm. He asked what he could do to help, what he could hold so I could reach the cotton ball container. Which happened to be across the room. But you see I could not just turn my needle over to this patient or any patient for that matter. So I just stood there mind racing trying to come up with a solution. Then I heard Suzanne talking in the other room. So I did what any of you would have done and I yelled for help. "Uh...Suzanne? Could you help me out and give me a cotton ball?" She came to my rescue very helpful and full of snide remarks..."I will not say you are incompetent. But I will think it."( You would have to know her but I know this was said with love.) Well I guess I had that coming! Because as I removed the needle and finished the draw I felt something In my hand...you guessed it the cotton ball I was sure I had dropped. It was there all the time and I had freaked this poor man out for no reason. I am pretty sure I have not felt that stupid in a really long time. I decided there was no need to do damage control because this patient would most likely make another trip before having me draw his blood again! So I simply apologized and sent him on his way.
I think I need a paid vacation or some sort of drug. And preferably before I get an all inclusive trip to the BHU!
I think I will be using those words a lot. I have a list of a few people it would give me great pleasur to say "I will not say you are incompetent, but I will think it!" I can see that as a stress releiver for sure. So today I am thankful for small areas, to many patients and co-workers who make coming to work worth it!
But even on days that are totally nuts and I want to throw in the towel. I know there will be a moment that will make it all worth it. The key is just getting there. Well today I was so embarrassed but this "Moment" that I thought I needed to share it!
So for those who don't know I draw blood all day long. My "draw room" was once a hallway and therefor is rather cramped and can get tricky from time to time. Staff from all the offices and patients are always passing through. Today was one of those times. Carrie and I were totally swamped and I was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. I took a patient in to my "draw room" and proceeded to find a vein, gather my supplies, tie the tourniquet, wipe the area with an alcohol wipe and stick the needle ever so smoothly into his skin. He began to get nervous when there was no sight of blood, but regained his composure when the red liquid began to fill the tube. I was making small talk and trying to pass the time while I gathered the sample. It came time to release the tourniquet and withdraw the needle when it hit me like a ton of bricks...I was completely alone in "draw room" not a soul was to be seen or heard and I could not find my cotton ball. All I could think was it must have fallen on the floor. I was looking around rather nervously because without the cotton ball the needle would be stying in my patients arm. He asked what he could do to help, what he could hold so I could reach the cotton ball container. Which happened to be across the room. But you see I could not just turn my needle over to this patient or any patient for that matter. So I just stood there mind racing trying to come up with a solution. Then I heard Suzanne talking in the other room. So I did what any of you would have done and I yelled for help. "Uh...Suzanne? Could you help me out and give me a cotton ball?" She came to my rescue very helpful and full of snide remarks..."I will not say you are incompetent. But I will think it."( You would have to know her but I know this was said with love.) Well I guess I had that coming! Because as I removed the needle and finished the draw I felt something In my hand...you guessed it the cotton ball I was sure I had dropped. It was there all the time and I had freaked this poor man out for no reason. I am pretty sure I have not felt that stupid in a really long time. I decided there was no need to do damage control because this patient would most likely make another trip before having me draw his blood again! So I simply apologized and sent him on his way.
I think I need a paid vacation or some sort of drug. And preferably before I get an all inclusive trip to the BHU!
I think I will be using those words a lot. I have a list of a few people it would give me great pleasur to say "I will not say you are incompetent, but I will think it!" I can see that as a stress releiver for sure. So today I am thankful for small areas, to many patients and co-workers who make coming to work worth it!
Sunday, January 3, 2010
The time has come...
The walrus said to speak of many things. Of snails and ships and ceiling wax and cabbages and kings. I am only kidding about all that. I will not devote an entire post to this poem or whatever it is. All I know is that my dad used to say it all the time! So now that I have enjoyed a trip down memory lane for a minute I will be moving on.
It is the start of a new year. And this brings about lots of Resolutions. Oh... the dreaded word, the one that makes you think of all the things you did not get done last year. The word that gets us all excited for a little while and then is quickly forgotten. But not this year!!! I have decided that the best way to stick to them is write them down. So this is more for me than anything else.
2010...
I will read my scriptures daily.
I will pray morning and night, and not the "I will just pray laying down tonight."
I will continue to be a Full Tithe Payer.
I will go through the Temple.
I will read the entire Book of Mormon.
I will be better at keeping a journal. (I know somebody will want to read my life story someday.)
I want to make random acts of service a part of me everyday life.
I will exercise regularly. And learn to like it!
I will loose XX pounds!!!! (I love you all but I am not sure I am comfortable telling the world this number.) But know that when it starts coming off I will post those numbers proudly!
I will pay off all debts, but my car will take longer than a year.
I will save money. So I can start school back up in the fall!! RN is in the works!
I know there are lots of things I can improve on in my life. But I feel this is a good place to start. I am more excited to get to work on this list than I ever have been before. I am ready for big changes to happen in my life. However I know there are things I can do to help them along! I am going to try and look at this year as a blank slate that I get to decorate the way I see fit. I am ready 2010, lets see what you have in store for me!
It is the start of a new year. And this brings about lots of Resolutions. Oh... the dreaded word, the one that makes you think of all the things you did not get done last year. The word that gets us all excited for a little while and then is quickly forgotten. But not this year!!! I have decided that the best way to stick to them is write them down. So this is more for me than anything else.
2010...
I will read my scriptures daily.
I will pray morning and night, and not the "I will just pray laying down tonight."
I will continue to be a Full Tithe Payer.
I will go through the Temple.
I will read the entire Book of Mormon.
I will be better at keeping a journal. (I know somebody will want to read my life story someday.)
I want to make random acts of service a part of me everyday life.
I will exercise regularly. And learn to like it!
I will loose XX pounds!!!! (I love you all but I am not sure I am comfortable telling the world this number.) But know that when it starts coming off I will post those numbers proudly!
I will pay off all debts, but my car will take longer than a year.
I will save money. So I can start school back up in the fall!! RN is in the works!
I know there are lots of things I can improve on in my life. But I feel this is a good place to start. I am more excited to get to work on this list than I ever have been before. I am ready for big changes to happen in my life. However I know there are things I can do to help them along! I am going to try and look at this year as a blank slate that I get to decorate the way I see fit. I am ready 2010, lets see what you have in store for me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
