The Critical Moment I Refused a Doctor and Its Consequences
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Pressure in Medical Labs
In my extensive experience as a Medical Laboratory Scientist, particularly in Transfusion Services, I learned a crucial lesson: never decline a doctor's urgent request. This principle guided me for 38 years. Whenever I encountered a problem with a physician, I would defer the call to my department head, allowing them to handle the situation.
However, what happens when you’re the sole lab technician in a moderately sized hospital during a hectic weekend, with the only assistance located in another department? On such a day, I found myself juggling no fewer than five emergency STAT cases when the phone rang yet again. I answered it, anticipating yet another nurse inquiring about lab results for a patient in the emergency room.
As expected, I prepared to inform them, “No, not yet,” since we sent results directly to the ER computers. If they hadn't seen the results, it meant they weren't ready. Surprisingly, however, the call was not from the emergency room.
It was an anesthesiologist from an active surgery, urgently demanding that I deliver two units of O Negative blood to the operating room immediately! I was momentarily stunned; in my decades of experience, I had never received such a request directly. Typically, the surgical team would handle blood orders. Not knowing the location of the operating room, I had to reply, “No, please send a nurse to the lab to collect the blood.”
The process of issuing blood is tightly regulated. It’s not as simple as just handing over two units of O Negative blood to an unknown person, even if they are a physician. Only authorized personnel can pick up blood, and they must adhere to specific protocols.
Before I could explain my situation, the doctor escalated his demands, insisting that I “grab two units of uncrossmatched O Negative blood and RUN to O.R. 6.” He wanted me to prioritize this request over the critical patients I was already tending to.
I realized I was in a tough spot. This doctor was clearly in distress, and I needed to act. I asked him for the patient's name, which he provided. To my relief, I discovered I had already completed the necessary workup for that patient, and two compatible units were ready for release.
After quickly alerting my lab partner in the adjacent room, I collected the blood and the sign-out register and made my way to the operating room. Upon arrival at room 6, I noticed a sign indicating that entry was restricted to surgical team members only. I knocked loudly, and a nurse appeared, signed for the blood, and the issue was resolved.
Or so I thought.
The following day, the anesthesiologist and surgeon met with my lab supervisor, and I was summoned to her office, bracing for termination. Instead, I was placed on “probation” until my “attitude improved.” Confused, I asked, “Did the patient survive?” and “What standards would I need to meet?” Throughout my career, I had consistently received excellent performance reviews.
My supervisor remained silent, leaving me uncertain about the patient's fate.
Unfortunately, the day after this incident, I received a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease. Compounded by my history of two ruptured discs in my lower back, I sought medical leave, which my doctor granted. I never intended to resign; I hoped for recovery. Yet, no physician felt comfortable allowing me to return to work. My health continued to deteriorate due to kidney failure alongside my other conditions.
I applied for and was granted government disability status. With my savings and this assistance, I managed to pay off our mortgage and car, leading to my retirement. My husband was already receiving permanent disability benefits due to his back issues.
The lesson from this experience is clear: “Never say NO to a doctor.”
For those interested in the dynamic field of Medical Laboratory Science, and to learn more about blood types and lab tests, continue reading!
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Chapter 2: The Aftermath of a Difficult Decision
In this video, Suzy Welch shares her perspective on a significant career mistake that nearly cost her everything. Her experience sheds light on the importance of communication in high-pressure environments.
Graham Kay presents a humorous take on job-related blunders, illustrating the funny yet serious side of workplace mistakes.