Applied Practicum Experience

My APE allowed me to lead testing implementation of an Enzyme-Immunoassay test in the microbiology department at Reading Hospital – Tower Health. The test is designed to detect toxins A and B produced by C. difficile during infection.  If one or both of these toxins are present that means the patient is infected with C. diff and can be properly treated.  If the toxins are not present that generally indicates that the patient is colonized instead of infected. In addition to providing better patient care, this distinction allows us to better understand our hospital-acquired infection reporting which aids the hospital system’s Center for Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. Leading this project allowed me to work on my communication through training staff, efficient workflow, and listening to concerns. It also taught me more about relationship building through collaborative efforts to implement the testing by needing resources from information technology and infection prevention.

Blood Bank Supervisor Promotion

Since the start of this program, I have gone through a few promotions at my job, leading towards a more fulfilled career each time. I have been able to make these career steps as I have shown initiative in taking projects on and leading our team through times of change. I have demonstrated adaptability by working on every shift available while holding competencies in each department of the laboratory. Over time, I began to specialize and led me to my most recent position of Blood Bank Supervisor. This step-wise fashion of career building has offered an opportunity to grow my confidence and decision making.

CAP Auto-verification Project

The College of American Pathologists (CAP) is the accrediting agency for the laboratory I am employed at. Performing testing on our auto-verification rules for each and every test that has the capability to auto-verify must be evaluated yearly. As I was working as a generalist on off shifts, this is one of the first projects I took on to advance my career in Fall of 2020. I test roughly 100 tests and their normal ranges to ensure patient values are being released to the chart if they are within the range, and that our system withholds the result if it is abnormal and needs reviewed. This project adds to our credentialing process and allows us to uphold the highest standard of patient care. Performing this work earlier in my career gave me the opportunity to practice time management and prioritize problems at hand. I learned these skills by balancing additional projects and normal job expectations.