elkinscf

Hello all. Recently signed up for the form, actually completed validation today to complete registration. Started in the field in 1993 with the millitary. After just over 10 years in the military, I had accrued 6 years in Transfusion Service in a large military Medical Center in Washington State. I then worked for 2 years as a testing tech in a military Donor Center and moved to the position of civilian Supervisor for the next 8 years. Recently, within the last year, took a position as the QA Coordinator for the Transfusion Service in which I worked at while in the military - felt as if I was coming back home. I was fortunate to be able to work with my old supervisor at the Transfusion Service for about 4 months prior to her 30 year retirement - boy is she missed and her position is still pending hiring actions. Last month, I was able to successfully make it through our AABB/CAP inspection which boosted my confidence level for my current postion - I have been involved in numberous AABB/FDA inspection over the years as a tech/junior manager with the military and also as the supervisor at the Donor Center. To sum it up, just over 20 years in the lab field, with about 16 in Donor Center/Transfusion Service. I still remember my first night as a newly trained tech in the Transfusion Servcie working solo and just waiting for the Trauma pager to go off - PRICELESS. Another funny story was that night, I was afraid to leave the section to use the restroom just in case someone needed blood. I couldn't set down; had to constantly do the dance - my bladder was full. Each new position had its learning/confidence curve, but after a year or so, I felt pretty confident.