April 19, 2018
Under the Scope Award winner: Brittany Olson
Brittany’s nomination: Brittany is the pediatric trainer for inpatient phlebotomy. In this role, Brittany helps our staff become acclimated into one of the more sensitive areas that phlebotomy services. But through her patience and guidance staff eventually become much more comfortable and get the outstanding training that they need so that they are better able to help those patients. Brittany has shown herself to be a reliable, hard-working team member that the rest of the staff can come to for help and guidance. She is a highly valued member of the team and phlebotomy is glad to have her!
What is your role and how long have you worked in Pathology?
I’ve been working in Pathology for a little over a year. I perform draws on pediatric patients and also mentor and train new staff.
What do you enjoy about working here?
I really enjoy my supervisors. I also like the interaction with pediatric patients and being able to go from room to room instead of having to stay in one place all day.
What are some of your hobbies outside of work?
Playing volleyball, playing with my kids, horseback riding
What is your dream vacation?
One of my best friends lives in Germany and would love to visit there.
What is your favorite movie?
Step Brothers
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Being able to read minds
What are you most likely to become famous for?
Being a comedian
Is there someone you would like to recognize for their achievements or for being an overall great co-worker? Find the nomination form for the Under the Scope award on the left-hand side of the Pathology Intranet.
Recent recipients of a Making a Difference Award
Craig Fobian, Phlebotomy – Craig had 100% perfect attendance during the 2017 calendar year! Every day, he utilizes the hospital’s extra inch philosophy not only to the patients he helps, but to his team. He is a great value and we are lucky to have him!
Natasha Guseva, Jason Hackman, Jon Pruessner, Jodi Rabedeaux, Aaron Stence, and Matt Zubcic, Molecular Pathology – This nomination is to recognize the hard work and dedication of several members of the molecular pathology laboratory staff. They all worked diligently to maintain all clinical patient testing under unexpected circumstances of being without 2 staff during a 3 month window last year. They all pitched in to make sure no patient testing was delayed, often working overtime and even helping to add new molecular testing during that time. Their efforts are greatly appreciated.
Alexis Duensing, Blood Bank – Lexi is very helpful to everyone in the blood bank. She is very intelligent in her blood bank knowledge and especially with our computer systems. She takes time out of her assigned duties to help anyone that needs help. She is a great teacher and trainer to those of us that are so computer savvy. Lexi will also come in early when night shift is super busy and needs help. I have had to call her several times to come in during the wee hours of the morning to help me. She doesn’t complain and she gets here quickly and helps out tremendously. I feel that Lexi deserves special recognition for her continued help to all of us here in the blood bank. I also know she helps out our supervisors with computer upgrade validations, in addition to training new employees and teaching students. Kudos to you, Lexi! We are a better team with you on our side.
Julie Wardenburg, DeGowin Blood Center – On April 4, I donated platelets at DeGowin Blood Center. Julie Wardenburg checked me in and helped set up my collection. She did an outstanding job and was very personable through the whole process. Please pass along my thanks to her and all of the DeGowin staff.
Other Achievements
Congratulations to Kate Ties, Staff Nurse in DeGowin Blood Center for recently completing the Qualification in Apheresis exam through the American Society of Clinical Pathology. Kate can now show that she is an expert in apheresis!
Congratulations to David Nelson, Lab Tech IV in Core Lab – Dave was recently nominated for the University of Iowa Student Supervisor of the Year award. Many thanks to Dave for his ongoing leadership and mentoring of staff!