by Scott McIntyre on Tuesday, August 10, 2010
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Denise Smith
Denise Smith, MLT (ASCP)
Medical Laboratory Technician
Lucas County Health Center, Chariton
Why did you choose this as your career? I was working in a long-term care environment and wanted a change. I loved working with the residents, but wanted something more. I learned of an opening at Lucas County Health Center and was hired as a phlebotomist. It didn’t take me long to realize I wanted to be the person doing the testing and working with the technology. I had to get additional schooling, but now I love my job.
What are the challenges and rewards you experience in your work? There are so many wonderful aspects of my work. Some people present particular challenges in simply drawing the blood. The most challenging part of the job is taking call and working a regular shift, the long hours. It is very rewarding. The best thing about my job is everything. I like everything about my job. I don’t see patients all that often any longer, but I recently was called to assist with a draw for a tiny, elderly woman who was difficult to draw. When patients ask for you specifically…that is my favorite part. I learn something every day.
What are your plans for the future? I would like to return to school and get a bachelor’s degree in laboratory science or general biology. I’m not sure yet how I would use that education, but I love learning and knowing more about the science behind my work.
How has the hospital supported your career? It all started with my supervisor asking if I would be interested in pursuing an MLT education. Our hospital had a forgivable education loan program for hard-to-fill positions and MLT was in the hard-to-fill category. I was able to take full advantage of LCHC’s generosity. The Health Center worked with me and supported my pursuit of education while I continued my full-time career at LCHC. Additionally, they offered tuition reimbursement assistance and a short-term loan program all related to educational needs.
About Denise Smith:
Education: Associate of Science Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology from Southwestern Community College in Sylva, North Carolina
Years with hospital: 10 years in October
We are so very proud of Denise and all she has accomplished!
We’re happy to have Denise working at LCHC in our laboratory. She’s a great employee and has worked hard to achieve her goals of becoming an MLT. Great job, Denise!
Nice article. Congratulations on all you have accomplished, Denise.
Denise is a good example of beginning a job and turning it into a career. LCHC is very supportive of employees reaching higher and attaining their goals! Denise, you rock!
Denise is a joy to work with & always very helpful to our department. You go girl!!!
Denise is an assist to our facility. We are all very proud of wha she has done with her career
Well done!
Congratulations on setting a goal and reaching it! Congratulations!