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.

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 explore the diverse roles and responsibilities of outreach leaders. Together, they share insights based on their own experiences and the work they do with clients.

• Common responsibilities (01:02): An overview of core duties that outreach leaders manage across programs of varying size and maturity.
• Ideal job description (12:07): A discussion of what the team believes should be included in a well-designed outreach leadership role.
• Time distribution (21:36): How outreach leaders balance their time across responsibilities, stakeholders, and organizational needs.
• Leadership highlights (23:02): Reflections on the most rewarding aspects of leading and supporting a successful outreach program.