[5s training]

I downloaded a free booklet on 5S from a US company that sells supplies for implementation, to get the basics. It looks like it would be a great help in lab management, but this version is geared towards plant operations. While I can make adjustments to apply to the lab, it may be difficult to sell to my colleagues, and will be particularly difficult to pitch to non-technical administrators. ('So why should we spend time, effort, or money on something that works in a Toyota plant but hasn't been used in a lab??")

Can you direct me to a good reference for 5S in the laboratory?

[Just For Fun]

Malcolm, Blood Banker by day, Crime scene investigator by night, diaper-blood examiner in-between.

My worst-ever diaper had varmints in it. The thing was full of Ascaris - you'd think that might have been a clue as to the baby's problem. The doc ordered a culture and O&P, but it was impossible to determine the presence of other parasites with such a heavy roundworm infestation. Worm that baby STAT!

Evidence-based medicine: Hah!

[Just For Fun]

This reminds me of my very first job when I was a lowly generalist and spent a good deal of time in the Blood Bank. Our process was to deliver (?!) blood products to the unit and check what the RN had hanging (NO LACTATED RINGERS!!!!) as well as provide a third check for the patient ID. They called for a unit of blood around lunch time and had a difficult time finding a second RN for the ID check. She finally found one and called to me where I was waiting patiently at the desk: "Lab Person, COME!" I was speechless for a heartbeat and then responded "Woof Woof!" She was very embarrassed and apologized profusely for her terse command. Of course she then proceeded to puncture the bag of te only P1 negative red cell we had in inventory (we still worried about those back then). Sigh!

Margaret W.

A similar thing happened to a coworker - she had gone to the floor to collect blood, and a nurse yelled 'Hey, Lab!' at her to get her attention. She calmly answered 'Yes, Bedpan?' The flustered nurse said 'well, you know who I"m talking to....' as if that made it okay.

[Just For Fun]

ALthough I haven't heard it in awhile, nurses used to call for the bun results on **** in room xxx. I always wanted to ask if that was a hamburger or hot dog bun.

:imslow:

One diagnosis I remember is "arm don't work". I've been told that the ER registration personnel have to enter it exactly as they hear it!

I also love the fact that I should know who is in room 432B. But I digress.....

One of our techs was answering a call for stool results and the nurse just flatly refused to give the patient's name, insisting that we should look the patient up by room number. The tech replied that unless there was poop running down the wall, that ROOM didn't have a stool specimen in the lab!

[The passive learner!]

I think Pat had a good idea with asking students for anecdotes that relate to the topic. I try to tell funny anecdotes (carefully selected and 'masked' for privacy) to get the audience thinking of their own unique experiences. Of course the work is serious, but there's always an oddity or a light bit that you can use to loosen everyone up a little.

It seems to me that, when it's clearly acceptable to introduce a humorous incident into the discussion, people don't take themselves SO seriously that they avoid asking questions or making comments for fear of embarrassment or indignity. At least that is what I strive for - a relaxed atmosphere that allows for an occasional laugh.