eLABorate Topics

Dana Bostic is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences – School of Health Professions. As an ASCP-certified Medical Laboratory Scientist, Ms. Bostic's areas of expertise include the following: Infectious Disease Testing, Immunohematology, Learning and Development, Interprofessional Education, and Healthcare Simulation. She has become increasingly involved with supporting diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. 

Ms. Bostic has been highlighted by other professional organizations, such as AABB and ASCLS, for her voluntary contributions in both service and leadership on various committees and task forces in promoting the clinical laboratory science profession. Currently, Ms. Bostic serves on the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals and actively engages in the mentorship of emerging laboratory professionals. Regionally, Dana is an active member of the Heart of America Association for Blood Banks (HAABB) and the Kansas City Regional Simulation Alliance (KCRSA) while serving as a Representative-at-Large for ASCLS-Kansas. 

Ms. Bostic earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology from Georgia Southern University. In 2012, she completed a master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Human Resource Management. Subsequently, Ms. Bostic obtained a Master of Science degree in Healthcare Simulation from the University of San Francisco. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Education degree in Curriculum & Instruction.

Listeners can reach out to Dana Bostic on Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin or at [email protected].

Key takeaways from this show:

Salary, work environment and the lack of opportunity for advancement are just a few layers that are contributing to the larger problem of a weakened clinical laboratory workforce. Tune into this episode as Dana Bostic elaborates on strategies to retain long-term employees in our profession.    

If you are a laboratory professional seeking guidance during this challenging time in healthcare or if you are just looking for advice on the next phase of your laboratory career – this podcast is for you! 

Also, revisit episode 10 of this podcast, “Should You Pursue an Advance Degree or Certification”, for more information on how to take your laboratory career to the next level! 

Be a Supporter! 

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode! 

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

Co-Hosts Tywauna Wilson, Lona Small, and Stephanie Whitehead discuss surviving your first regulatory inspection and ways to prepare for a successful experience.

Key Takeaways from the show:

• Description of the inspection process
• Pre-survey prep
• Pro-Tips
• How to become an inspector
• Benefits of participating in the inspection
• Opportunities that you can learn the regulatory process

CAP Inspector training

• Log on to CAP.ORG
• Click on Laboratory Improvement
• Then Accreditation
• Look for Inspector Training and Resources near bottom in the body
• Click on Become An Inspector
• Click on Complete A Mandatory Inspector Training Course
• Under Inspector Training Options
• Click on Team Member Inspection Training
• Then Register
• Create an Online Account ( personal account)

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

Co-Host Tywauna Wilson and Roger Nutter discuss job searching during the pandemic.

Roger Nutter is Founder & President of Nutter Group, LLC. He has spent much of his career conducting executive search in healthcare.  Roger’s earlier career was in human resources leadership roles.  Later, he began a successful career in executive search, serving clients nationally. In 1988, Roger founded the Nutter Group, with a mission to provide Never Compromising Service® to the client consulting engagement. Roger is recognized as a trusted and professional advisor in the search process for C-suite and senior-level leadership searches. 

Roger received the Chester A. Minkalis Service Award, awarded by his peers for his contribution to the consulting profession.  Roger has served on multiple local, regional and national boards providing oversight and developing strategic initiatives, including participating in the recruitment of key leadership for these organizations.  He is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Human Resources Administration, the ACHE, the Consultants’ Forum and other regional and national professional organizations. He serves his profession by “giving back” to early careerists launching their careers, mid-level professionals navigating job transitions, to senior-level executives considering encore careers.  Roger’s innovative development of Videoview® has distinguished him among executive search professionals.  

Show Notes:

Are you prepared to search for a new career opportunity during the pandemic? Do you know the right questions to ask a recruiter during an interview? Having you conducted a video interview before? Would you like to know behind the scenes information for how recruiters look for emerging talent?

Roger gives insight into how recruiters utilize LinkedIn to source candidates. He also discusses ways that you can prepare for a virtual interview. Using a search firm such as the Nutter Group is another way to look for opportunities outside of applying with a company directly. If you are looking for a laboratory leadership role, working with a search firm may be the way to go! 

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

A Talk with a DCLS student: What is Doctorate of Clinical Lab Science and how can it elevate the role of laboratory professionals?

Carlo Ledesma, MS, SH (ASCP) QLS, MT (ASCPi), MT (AMT)

Born and raised in the Philippines, Carlo Ledesma, SH (ASCP) CM, MT (ASCPi) CM emigrated to the United States armed with a bachelor’s degree in medical technology from the University of Santo Tomas, in Manila. He went on to become one of the first individuals to receive the ASCP International certification established by the ASCP Board of Certification.  

He earned a master of science in clinical laboratory science from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences, North Chicago, IL, and is working toward a doctorate in clinical laboratory science at University of Kansas Medical Center

Over the years, Mr. Ledesma has worked in a university hospital and reference laboratories, and as an educator for laboratory programs. He shares his passion for hematology with students at local high schools through his volunteer role as an ASCP Local Representative. He has been recognized as an ASCP Local Representative of the Year and has served on the ASCP Council of Laboratory Professionals and the Choosing Wisely Advisory Board. 

Today, he is certified as a specialist in hematology, international medical technologist, and he holds a qualification in lab safety. Currently, Mr. Ledesma is a program director for a medical laboratory technology and phlebotomy program at Rose State College in Midwest City, OK. He also serves as a resource for regulatory compliance in laboratories across Oklahoma and Texas. 

Carlo discussed his journey moving from the Philippines with a bachelor’s degree and his learnings, contributions and involvements in laboratory community here in the US.

As a current student of the doctorate in clinical laboratory science (DCLS) at the University Of Kansas Medical Center, Carlo discussed

• How to get into a DCLS program
• Some challenges and some great experiences
• Roles a DCLS professional could fill 

Listen to the full podcast to get all the great information and value that Carlo shared.

You can always connect with Carlo on LinkedIn to at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-ledesma-5756a630/  to share or get additional questions answered.

Co-Host Stephanie Whitehead sits down with Kristine Talamante to discuss the hidden struggle of frontline workers. 

Kristine Talamante is currently working as an Assistant Director of a Palliative Care team for a large hospital. In her role, she is responsible for providing guidance, leadership and direction to a team of physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary staff. Kristine started her career as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). She then earned her BS in Nursing from Incarnate Word and a MS in Nursing Leadership from Grand Canyon University. As a well-known speaker, the National Clergy Symposium (National Kidney Foundation) and RL Solutions (“Second Victim) have both featured Kristine to speak in various forums. She also enjoys mentoring medical students about medical errors and the ethical duty to recognize and report errors in healthcare.

Kristine is a strong advocate in Self-care, team morale and ensuring that staff feels safe. She has focused her passion on working with healthcare professionals and teams about compassion fatigue and burnout, moral distress, and most recently, Trauma Informed Care. Listeners can reach out to Kristine at [email protected].

Show Notes:

Have you ever felt personally responsible for an unexpected patient outcome? Have you ever second-guessed a technical or clinical decision you made? Are you experiencing feelings of guilt, anxiety, worry or reduced job satisfaction due to the increased stress of working in healthcare? Are you struggling with the many “unknowns” of the COVID 19 pandemic?

The “2nd victim” experience is a hidden struggle for many frontline workers. Listen as keynote expert, Kristine Talamante, offers helpful tips to help identify symptoms of the 2nd victim Syndrome. This podcast offers actionable advice for your mental health and stability, for those who may be suffering (physiologically or emotionally) during this very challenging time.

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so you never miss an episode!

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

Co-Hosts Tywauna Wilson, Lona Small, and Stephanie Whitehead discuss the pros and cons of advance degrees and certifications for medical lab professionals.

Key Takeaways from the show:

• Common degrees and certifications obtained by laboratorians

Advantages

• Proof that you have competency in a particular field
• Exposure to new field of interest.
• Specializing in a particular field of interest.

Down Side

• Sometimes no pay increase
• May not have the opportunity to use in your role
• May not be known or recognized by your employer
• Difficulty finding career advancements

What Advanced degrees or certifications do you have? What has been the benefits in having them? 

Be a Supporter!

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iheart radio or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so that you never miss a show!

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professional!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please submit the guest interest form on DirectImpactbroadcasting.com located under the contact tab. 

This episode of the “eLABorate Topics” podcast,  “Engaging and Productive Meetings!”  Tywauna Wilson,MBA, MLS (ASCP) discusses the  importance of having engaging and productive meetings.

This podcast covered:

• Overview of different types of meetings
• Importance of having the right people at the table 
• The compounding value of shared thinking

What are some of your meeting best practices?

Be a Supporter!

1. Listen on Directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iheart radio or your favorite podcast platform
2. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so that you never miss a show!
3. Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professional!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please submit the guest interest form on DirectImpactbroadcasting.com located under the contact tab. 

This episode of the “eLABorate Topics” podcast,  “Laboratorians stepping up and Stepping Out!”  Lona Small, MBA, PMP, CPBPM, MT (ASCP) discusses the importance of the Laboratory collaborating with other healthcare groups to solve healthcare issues affecting labs and healthcare as a whole.

Lona shared that she learnt that,

“When we contribute to positive outcomes, in a collaborative environment, we gain influence, demonstrate our value and make an impact!”

From Lona’s experiences in collaborating to implement hospital-wide and organizational wide improvements, Lona shared the 8 Must Do’s in order to have effective collaboration and demonstrate your value and impact.

1. Grasp The Opportunity
2. Involve relevant Stakeholders
3. Agree on A Common Goal
4. Select champions
5. Communicate Changes
6. Sustain Changes
7. Demonstrate the value of Improvements or Changes
8. Report Improvements and Changes

A next level impact would be Laboratorians collaborating among ourselves. This creates strong coalition and a stronger voice for advocacy and shining the light on the lab as we take our place as an important part of the whole.

Connect with Lona on LinkedIn, follow #YouAreAnImportantPartOfTheWhole  start and continue the conversation how we can be “Stronger Together”.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonasmalllabopex/

Grab free guide for “5 Baby Steps Out of the Basement” to help you with starting out your journey in collaborating with other healthcare groups. https://www.lonasmall.com/pl/133013

Joycelyn Jones, MSHRM, PHR, SHRM-CP is a Certified Human Resource Professional with over 15 years of HR Management experience in a variety of capacities, demonstrating a track record of leadership, change management, and performance development. 

She serves as an expert in consulting, executive coaching, employee relations, and conflict management with advanced knowledge of HR policies and employment laws.  Prior to joining University Health System, Mrs. Jones served 10 years with a Fortune 50 Company as the Human Resource Manager.  During that time she was responsible for supporting the organizational mission and strategy to ensure optimal results. She played an intricate role as a business partner, catalyst for change, and an agent to improve employee engagement scores.     

Joycelyn, an ATD Master Trainer provides HR insight and innovative solutions for learners as a Sr. Learning Performance Consultant with the Center for Learning Excellence.  She received a B.B.A in Human Resource Management with Honors at UTSA and Master of Science in Human Resource Management at Texas State in San Marcos.

Listeners can reach out to Ms. Jones using Facebook at “Joyce Jones” or Instagram at “1ladyjones”. She also has a Facebook Group entitled “Virtuous Women”.

Key Takeaways from the show:

• The book “The Secret” by Ken Blanchard and Mark Miller offers strong leadership tips and advice that helps readers get to the heart of what makes a successful leader. 
• Know who you are as a leader and a person! Always understanding where you are personally helps you to also understand how far you’ve come and how you can improve yourself. 
• Believe in yourself, invest in yourself and trust you!

Be a Supporter! 

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favorite podcast platform

Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook and so you never miss a show! 

Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professionals!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please reach out to us at [email protected] or Direct Impact Broadcasting on Social Media.

Co-Host Tywauna Wilson shares the benefits of Mentorship and transitioning from mentee to mentor.

Key Takeaways from the show:

• What is mentoring/mentorship? 
• Formal versus Informal Mentoring
• Mentorship Benefits
• Finding Mentors
• Transitioning from mentee to mentor

What have you gained from having a mentor? What have you gained from being a mentor? Share your mentor story!!

Be a Supporter!

1. Listen on Directimpactbroadcasting.com, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iheart radio or your favorite podcast platform
2. Don’t forget to subscribe to the show on your phone, tablet or notebook so that you never miss a show!
3. Be sure to leave a comment, and share with a fellow medical laboratory professional!

Be a Guest!

If you have a leadership or laboratory message to share and would like to be a guest on the show, please submit the guest interest form on DirectImpactbroadcasting.com located under the contact tab.