[Histonet] Re: Basis for Quality Work in a Histotech

[Bruce Gapinski]

I agree with most everything said here. I'd like to add that I ask my staff to visualize the patient getting "accurate results in a timely fashion". In that order of importance. We really work for the patient, not the Pathologist or the company. If I don't tell them the good stuff, I can never address the bad.
Another mistake is using fear to motivate. In other words, I've messed up 2 times this month one more and I'm out of a job. There has to be little risk for mistakes. And an environment of working together to change should help people with Histological pride.
Here's how I do it. I call a meeting. I describe the problem, and give the person who did it, an "out". An out is an admission by me that the system needs tweaking. Blame is not going to get us the information we need. I say we, because my job is to exclude the ridiculous ideas, and choose the first one to try. It is a mistake for me to assume I have the answer. They do, the people doing the work. Now I observe and LISTEN. And as a group we agree on how to move forward. Sure they'll suggest stupid things, and I brush them aside. But if they make the rule, they will most likely follow it.
Yes, you're right this is very Pollyanna of me and  I know there are people we just can not reach. Problem people need extra prodding sometimes. But there comes a point when we just have to let them go. Documentation will help you move them on to another job that better suits their skill-set.
Good reading is the American Samurai  by William Lareau<http://www.amazon.com/William-Lareau/e/B001KIQWZS/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1>

Bruce Gapinsk HT (ASCP)
Chief Histologist
Marin Medical Laboratories
PathGroup SF


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