Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
In my line of work I see many many bits of private information that can NOT be shared with anyone unless they work with me and have a need to know the information in order to perform their job duties.
Because of this I am annoyed as hell that I can't share the nitty gritty details my exciting experience at work today. Samples, left and right. Blood, poop, fluids, stones... even babies in jars. I see all sorts of gross/exciting stuff come through the lab. It's thrilling at times. Sooooo interesting.
Today the friend who often sits behind me tapped me on the shoulder and showed me his paperwork.
Friend: Do you think it could be him? It's a rather distinct name. I doubt anyone else has it! And look at the hospital these samples came from!
Ms.B: *looks* Wow! And his birthday--- the age is totally right!
DH: *looks at paper too then goes to his computer* I just 'googled' his name and the birthday online matches your paperwork. It's totally him!
Friend/Ms.B/DH: !!!!!!
Today, I held a little piece of Hollywood in my hand!
Ms.B
Showing posts with label The Lab. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Lab. Show all posts
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Dream Schedule
One more shift left in my first ever 7-on week. Yes, that's right folks. I have achieved my long-desired 7-on/7-off schedule. A single 10-hour shift stands between me and an entire week off from work. A week off that isn't a long-awaited vacation but rather just the days no one will expect me in the lab.
FREAKIN' AWESOME! I technically only work half of the year.
Yes, in case no one can tell, I'm very excited.
*twirls*
On a sadder note, DH and I have decided that Chloe, the wiener, isn't doing well in our home. She'll still be a great pet for someone else. Just not us. We aren't home often enough to let her outside to go wee. She can only hold it for about 5 hours. She needs a family with a stay-at-home person who can cater to her bladder needs. We've spoke with a few local rescues and one of them has agreed to take her. They are finding her a foster home even as I type this blog entry. I'm super sad. But I know its best for her, even if I'll be doing a fair share of crying. In a small way this must be what a new mother goes through when she decides to adopt out her baby.
*sigh*
Ms.B
FREAKIN' AWESOME! I technically only work half of the year.
Yes, in case no one can tell, I'm very excited.
*twirls*
On a sadder note, DH and I have decided that Chloe, the wiener, isn't doing well in our home. She'll still be a great pet for someone else. Just not us. We aren't home often enough to let her outside to go wee. She can only hold it for about 5 hours. She needs a family with a stay-at-home person who can cater to her bladder needs. We've spoke with a few local rescues and one of them has agreed to take her. They are finding her a foster home even as I type this blog entry. I'm super sad. But I know its best for her, even if I'll be doing a fair share of crying. In a small way this must be what a new mother goes through when she decides to adopt out her baby.
*sigh*
Ms.B
Friday, March 27, 2009
I is a Processor!
I passed my test.
I am done with training.
I still have no idea what I am doing.
AHHHHHH!
It's very exciting. I'll get a better grasp on things as time goes by, and my "learning" is only beginning.
Tomorrow night is my first real shift. A full 10-hours. I have my assigned row (Row 4, for the win!) and will be able to do my thing! Yay! (Please don't let "My Thing" involve messing up!) Part of this next shift will even be overtime, which will fall into the $30+ an hour range. Neato!
I went out today and bought some scrubs to "celebrate". It's not required that we wear scrubs at work, but I think they'll be most comfy. And then I can use the free gym. I didn't relish the idea of working up a sweat in jeans. They could... chap? Ew.
I PASSED!!! *dances*
Ms.B
I am done with training.
I still have no idea what I am doing.
AHHHHHH!
It's very exciting. I'll get a better grasp on things as time goes by, and my "learning" is only beginning.
Tomorrow night is my first real shift. A full 10-hours. I have my assigned row (Row 4, for the win!) and will be able to do my thing! Yay! (Please don't let "My Thing" involve messing up!) Part of this next shift will even be overtime, which will fall into the $30+ an hour range. Neato!
I went out today and bought some scrubs to "celebrate". It's not required that we wear scrubs at work, but I think they'll be most comfy. And then I can use the free gym. I didn't relish the idea of working up a sweat in jeans. They could... chap? Ew.
I PASSED!!! *dances*
Ms.B
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Input Overload
I had been in my old job position for so long that I spent my days on auto-pilot. A new postion/company/field has been quite an adjustment. I really like where I am at now though. It's been such a good experience, really, that I am angry at myself for letting the fear of change hold me back for so long.
I am as pleased with The Lab now as I was during my last 'work update'.
I have only a week of official training left. It will be about 6 months before I really have it all down, I'm sure. But I'm picking up on things and I know that everything that is so confusing right now will be easy and routine in time.
Right now I am on a 4-day work week which leaves me three consecutive days off each weekend. My hope is that I can eventually move to 7-on/7-offs very soon so that I can carpool with DH. It seems rather fantastic to think that if I just picked up a few extra shifts beyond what I am used to doing, I can have a SEVEN day weekend... all the time!! Only work half the year. Seriously, how much better could it get? *dream* Oh, wait. It does get better. Once I am out of training, there will be chances to pick up overtime. And in my department, overtime pays triple. If I go in and pick up a shift sometime in the middle of one of my weekends, I will make $30+ an hour.
Sweet.
The clock is tell me that it is now almost 3 a.m.. I think it is time to get my fuzzy brained self into bed. One shouldn't blog in this state. I'm capable of writing about such silly things. Thank goodness I had the self-control to limit myself to work... this time.
Ms.B
I am as pleased with The Lab now as I was during my last 'work update'.
I have only a week of official training left. It will be about 6 months before I really have it all down, I'm sure. But I'm picking up on things and I know that everything that is so confusing right now will be easy and routine in time.
Right now I am on a 4-day work week which leaves me three consecutive days off each weekend. My hope is that I can eventually move to 7-on/7-offs very soon so that I can carpool with DH. It seems rather fantastic to think that if I just picked up a few extra shifts beyond what I am used to doing, I can have a SEVEN day weekend... all the time!! Only work half the year. Seriously, how much better could it get? *dream* Oh, wait. It does get better. Once I am out of training, there will be chances to pick up overtime. And in my department, overtime pays triple. If I go in and pick up a shift sometime in the middle of one of my weekends, I will make $30+ an hour.
Sweet.
The clock is tell me that it is now almost 3 a.m.. I think it is time to get my fuzzy brained self into bed. One shouldn't blog in this state. I'm capable of writing about such silly things. Thank goodness I had the self-control to limit myself to work... this time.
Ms.B
Friday, March 20, 2009
Double Take
I passed him twice before I realized I knew those eyes. The scruffy hair, beard and glasses were new to me... but the baby face behind them... so familiar.
Instead of approaching him and saying 'hello' I went to the company website and looked up his profile. I had to be sure he was 'him', ya know? Yes, yes. There he was. The name was right and the year-old picture on the server more closely resembled the old college buddy in my memories.
Finally, this morning as I was leaving work, I threw aside my shy feelings and approached him. We grinned like fools as we chatted for a few minutes. He's more quiet now. The bounce is missing from his step and he seems really tired. Maybe stressed?
I'm always glad to see old friends, but its hard when reality kills the memory. I will no longer think of him as the sweet, laughing, eager boy he used to be. Of course, there is always the hope that he was just having an off-day. Only time will tell.
Ms.B
Instead of approaching him and saying 'hello' I went to the company website and looked up his profile. I had to be sure he was 'him', ya know? Yes, yes. There he was. The name was right and the year-old picture on the server more closely resembled the old college buddy in my memories.
Finally, this morning as I was leaving work, I threw aside my shy feelings and approached him. We grinned like fools as we chatted for a few minutes. He's more quiet now. The bounce is missing from his step and he seems really tired. Maybe stressed?
I'm always glad to see old friends, but its hard when reality kills the memory. I will no longer think of him as the sweet, laughing, eager boy he used to be. Of course, there is always the hope that he was just having an off-day. Only time will tell.
Ms.B
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wow
Sometimes my life needs guidance by outside forces. Having my position at the care center absorbed by other departments was one of those nudges.
I spent the past few years at the care center hating my job off and on. Knowing that I should look for a better company, yet feeling loyalty to residents and staff that I had been with for almost eight years. Now that the company I was loyal too for so long decided this loyalty was one-sided and sent me on my way, I was forced to do something I had been contemplating doing for so long. It must have been destiny, really, since things have worked out so well.
Before I even had all my personal items boxed and in my car that final day, I knew where I would go. And I did. I came home and applied that very night. I'll refer to this wonderful new place as "The Lab" for lack of a better or more creative name. Granted, its more than just 'a lab', but the nickname will suffice. It's been less than a month and I'm already started at my new company. My new CAREER, even. Day One of Orientation was today. Here are the main things that stood out for me from all the info I had to soak up:
1) Over 100 people applied for my specific position. I was chosen. I was called the "Cream of the Crop" today. I can't express what that did for my self-esteem.
2) The Orientation I did for new employees at the care center was put to absolute SHAME by the amazing, enjoyable, high-tech training I had today. Wow.
3) There is a free gym at my new workplace, complete with free personal trainers. The only part I'll have to pay for are the massages. $10 for 15 minutes. Nice.
4) No matter WHAT subject I study, The Lab will pay at least 75% of my tuition. If I enter a med tech position, they will pay 100% of my studies. I could take sign language. Or art. Or foreign language. Home Economics. Doesn't matter. They'll reimburse. They want us to further our education! They would offer the same benefits to my spouse too (and any future children!) Of course, DH is already employed there.
5) Ergonomic Specialists will do whatever they can to make sure that my work station is suited to MY specific needs. Amazing. I couldn't even get the care center to get me a new chair, let alone a computer for my desk. I had to provide those things for myself if I wanted them.
6) I have a fancy name badge, complete with colored photo, that grants me access to numerous computerized doors that will only open for authorized personnel. High Tech fun!
7) The cafeteria there is awesome. Decent food, too. And vending machines everywhere full of rather healthy looking goodies. Oh, and those machines take credit cards, for the record. Oooh. Aaaah!
8) The benefits at The Lab are AMAZING!! Seriously. I'll learn more about them on Tuesday but more than one person in my training today admitted that they had applied there specifically for the benefits that are offered.
9) The Lab has been given the honor of being one of the Top 100 Companies to Work For by a well-known magazine in recent years. Finally, they received a letter from the publisher saying that because the government technically owned The Lab, they couldn't be placed on the list any more. Otherwise, they'd still be listed, I'm sure. Apparently they are the top lab in the country. Sweet deal!
10) I only work four days a week. Four 10-hour shifts. And down the road I'll have the option to work 7-on/7-off if I want to. Both of those are improved hours. Yes!
______________
There is so much more I could say, really. But I'll sum it up with
"I'm SO FREAKIN' EXCITED!!" --- *ahem*
I still miss the care center. I keep thinking of things that should be getting done, then realize its not my worry. Part of me hopes its all happening so that everything goes smoothly. Of course, the little devil on my shoulder is glad a few things will go un-done and cause problems. I want them to miss me and regret sending me on my way. After all, I was good to them for a long, long time. And I'd have stayed that way for a long while to come, I'm sure. But they were fools and let me go.
And now, I feel like I've won a prize somehow.
Ms.B
I spent the past few years at the care center hating my job off and on. Knowing that I should look for a better company, yet feeling loyalty to residents and staff that I had been with for almost eight years. Now that the company I was loyal too for so long decided this loyalty was one-sided and sent me on my way, I was forced to do something I had been contemplating doing for so long. It must have been destiny, really, since things have worked out so well.
Before I even had all my personal items boxed and in my car that final day, I knew where I would go. And I did. I came home and applied that very night. I'll refer to this wonderful new place as "The Lab" for lack of a better or more creative name. Granted, its more than just 'a lab', but the nickname will suffice. It's been less than a month and I'm already started at my new company. My new CAREER, even. Day One of Orientation was today. Here are the main things that stood out for me from all the info I had to soak up:
1) Over 100 people applied for my specific position. I was chosen. I was called the "Cream of the Crop" today. I can't express what that did for my self-esteem.
2) The Orientation I did for new employees at the care center was put to absolute SHAME by the amazing, enjoyable, high-tech training I had today. Wow.
3) There is a free gym at my new workplace, complete with free personal trainers. The only part I'll have to pay for are the massages. $10 for 15 minutes. Nice.
4) No matter WHAT subject I study, The Lab will pay at least 75% of my tuition. If I enter a med tech position, they will pay 100% of my studies. I could take sign language. Or art. Or foreign language. Home Economics. Doesn't matter. They'll reimburse. They want us to further our education! They would offer the same benefits to my spouse too (and any future children!) Of course, DH is already employed there.
5) Ergonomic Specialists will do whatever they can to make sure that my work station is suited to MY specific needs. Amazing. I couldn't even get the care center to get me a new chair, let alone a computer for my desk. I had to provide those things for myself if I wanted them.
6) I have a fancy name badge, complete with colored photo, that grants me access to numerous computerized doors that will only open for authorized personnel. High Tech fun!
7) The cafeteria there is awesome. Decent food, too. And vending machines everywhere full of rather healthy looking goodies. Oh, and those machines take credit cards, for the record. Oooh. Aaaah!
8) The benefits at The Lab are AMAZING!! Seriously. I'll learn more about them on Tuesday but more than one person in my training today admitted that they had applied there specifically for the benefits that are offered.
9) The Lab has been given the honor of being one of the Top 100 Companies to Work For by a well-known magazine in recent years. Finally, they received a letter from the publisher saying that because the government technically owned The Lab, they couldn't be placed on the list any more. Otherwise, they'd still be listed, I'm sure. Apparently they are the top lab in the country. Sweet deal!
10) I only work four days a week. Four 10-hour shifts. And down the road I'll have the option to work 7-on/7-off if I want to. Both of those are improved hours. Yes!
______________
There is so much more I could say, really. But I'll sum it up with
"I'm SO FREAKIN' EXCITED!!" --- *ahem*
I still miss the care center. I keep thinking of things that should be getting done, then realize its not my worry. Part of me hopes its all happening so that everything goes smoothly. Of course, the little devil on my shoulder is glad a few things will go un-done and cause problems. I want them to miss me and regret sending me on my way. After all, I was good to them for a long, long time. And I'd have stayed that way for a long while to come, I'm sure. But they were fools and let me go.
And now, I feel like I've won a prize somehow.
Ms.B
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