Sabrine Aakil
Medical Lab Techician, Marlborough Hospital, 11/11/20
I am really passionate about what I do. I already have my two-year degree and currently work as a medical lab technician, but I am also in school to continue my passions. I work in the lab in Chemistry and Hematology at UMass Memorial, where I process specimens and review the result.
In the beginning of COVID-19, it was overwhelming for all the hospital staff when the cases were really high. As lab techs, we worried about not having enough supplies to run COVID-19 tests. We used to wonder what will happen if we run out. However, now, we have enough supplies and are not worrying as much. Due to COVID-19, we just have to remain really sharp. We need to engage in proper protocol and PPE usage in order to make sure that we don’t get sick. It is extremely important that we maintain that.
During COVID-19, many patients call about results for their COVID-19 tests. They often have to get tested in case they are traveling or due to their jobs. We would let them know when their results would come in, but many of them are on urgent deadlines due to travel dates. In the lab itself, we only process rapid tests for patients who come through the emergency room. Most of the Covid-19 tests are sent out to another lab to be processed.
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I love working with my coworkers. We communicate well — we make sure that things are working effectively and the timing is right. We are really good at helping each other work on things that require teamwork. My coworkers are super caring and nice, but also so smart. They have so much knowledge and I love to learn from them. I have learned how to work calmly and to figure things out. We are always learning new procedures and are needing to adapt within the lab. Thankfully, we are always receiving the best training possible. My coworkers also have a great work ethic and it has made me realize how important it is to be working with people who I can look up to.
At work, everyone is always complimenting each other and that makes the energy so nice. During our breaks, we talk to each other more on a personal level. Before COVID-19, we used to always have baked goods on our table. We always have shared food, goals and ideas for our department. We are always working together to make it a better environment for all of us. Since Covid-19, things have changed. We don't have the option to bring things, but we always talk about what we will do when this is all over. Hopefully, we will be able to break bread together soon.