I agree with everyone else, learn as much as possible, it never hurts. 
I was hired as a phlebotomist, with no experience what so ever.  I took
the opportunity to learn all aspects of the lab and other areas.  First
I became comfortable in phlebotomy and then I  learned the office,
including transcription. This enabled me to be trained in histology
(where I now primally reside) and I have been trained to do the
grossing.  I went back to school for histo tech and got my HT.  I also
do some of the lab billing, time cards, monthly reports, statistic,
registration and I have became the computer guru.  I set up and maintain
the Pathology module of our computer system and I do all kinds of other
fun computer based projects to occupy my time.  I can do almost anything
in the lab, except in the main lab running the blood test.  So when
pathology is slow I always have something to do, which makes some days
more hectic then others (like when I am the only histo tech and have to
do all the transcription myself) but it is always fun and I enjoy
everything I do.  I love every part of my job and it always stays
interesting and I do not wake up in the morning and think "oh god I have
to go to work again today".  I look forward to coming to work.   I have
told every manager that has been here and the pathologist that if they
want to teach me I will learn.  

Becky

>>> "Linda Blazek"  04/09/04 10:38AM >>>
I agree with everyone about spending your spare time learning new and
perfecting old skills and procedures.  I have been a histotech since
1973 with a seven year break.  When I returned to histology, within a
couple of weeks it was like I had never left.  I have spent the last
18
years learning every new skill I could find (including transcription).

Today though, I am wondering if that was so smart as I am the only
person holding down the fort.  The transcriptionist is ill, one tech
has
the day off and who knows why the other tech didn't show up today.  We
have had two frozens so far with another looming and several special
stains that need done.  I think I need roller skates today!  

Linda  Blazek, HT (ASCP)
Department of Pathology
Children's Medical Center
1 Children's Plaza
Dayton, Ohio  45404
(937) 641-3358
fax (937)641-5482
blazekl@childrensdayton.org 


>>> "Deltour, Douglas D.(HM2)"  4/9/2004
5:52:51 AM >>>
Hello everyone,
 
I have a kind of odd question for you. I would love to have all of the
experts and non-experts feedback. Let me start off by saying that I
have
been a Histotech since 2000 when I graduated from the school at AFIP.
I
was
sent to a place that did 6000 cases a year. We also did special stains
and
autopsies. I was working there for two years when I transferred to a
place
that did 18,000 cases a year. Specials, autopsies, and immuno's. Now I
am at
a place where I do 800 cases a year. Maybe 5 special stains a year and
no
autopsies. I am supposed to be here for three years but I am trying to
fight
it. I am telling everyone that I am losing my skills being here. The
people
that control this place tell me otherwise. There is one pathologist
here
right out of residency who will not confirm that my skills will erode.
He is
right out of residency and would not know. Anyway do you think that my
complaint is a legitimate complaint. Can you lose your skills if not
used?
If you have not noticed already I am in the military, Navy that is. I
just
need to confirm that a Histotech can lose their skill if not used. I
would
appreciate any feedback, advice. Thank you.

HM2(FMF) Douglas D. Deltour 
Naval Hospital Sigonella Italy 
Anatomic Pathology, Histology Supervisor (HT)
FROM US: 01139095564862 DSN: 624-4862 
FAX FROM US: 01139095564680 DSN: 624-4680

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