In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes for the second episode in a two-part series on skilled nursing facilities. Drawing on their experience managing outreach services, the group shares practical insights and real-world solutions.

• Collecting specimens (02:14): Key considerations for various options for specimen collection in skilled nursing facilities, including staffing, scheduling, and training across different care settings.
• Transporting specimens (09:28): How organizations have successfully managed specimen transport using couriers, laboratory staff, and skilled nursing facility personnel.
• Maintaining strong relationships (15:47): Strategies for sustaining partnerships amid ownership changes and other operational challenges.

You can get more on this topic in these resources:

• “Establishing Successful Relationships With Skilled Nursing Facilities,” the first episode in this two-part podcast series.
• “Discover the value of skilled nursing facility collaborations,” an article from Daigle outlining the benefits of collaboration.
• “Best practices for supporting lab testing in skilled nursing facilities,” an article from Hermansen.

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes for the first installment of a two-part series on skilled nursing facilities. The discussion explores how partnerships between hospital laboratories and skilled nursing facilities can deliver mutual value — and what it takes to build these relationships successfully.

• Mutual benefits (01:17): An overview of why hospital laboratories and skilled nursing facilities can benefit from working together.
• Engaging skilled nursing facilities (04:35): Practical tips for how laboratory outreach programs can establish and strengthen these relationships.
• Common service needs (08:15): An overview of the laboratory services most often needed by skilled nursing facilities.
• Elements of a successful contract (11:36): Key considerations to include in contracts to support long-term, successful relationships.

Get a full list of the value and benefits of these relationships in “Discover the value of skilled nursing facility collaborations,” an article from Daigle.

In this episode of the “Leveraging the Laboratory” podcast, host Jane Hermansen, outreach manager at Mayo Clinic Laboratories, is joined by colleagues Wendy Daigle and Ellen Dijkman Dulkes to discuss National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week and share ideas for celebrating across the organization.

• National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week background (00:25): A brief history and overview of the annual celebration honoring laboratory professionals.
• Celebrating in the lab (01:22): Tried-and-true traditions and creative activities the team has seen during Lab Week throughout their careers.
• Taking the message beyond the lab (08:52): Ideas for using Lab Week to highlight the impact of laboratory professionals in healthcare.
• Reaching off-site staff (11:52): Insights on engaging and celebrating staff who work outside the main laboratory.
• Educational opportunities (13:32): Thoughts on incorporating learning and professional development into Lab Week activities.
• Rapid fire question (17:14): The team shares what makes careers in laboratory medicine rewarding.

Get guidance for planning your Lab Week in “Plan a meaningful Lab Week with the three E’s,” an article from Dijkman Dulkes.