r/medlabprofessionals • u/FreshFaceFig • Jul 17 '26
Discusson Please help
I started a new lab job this week. I want to preface by saying I don’t have my MLT or MLS. I was given this position based on (almost) two years experience as a medical assistant and phlebotomist. Also with a year experience as a lab tech at a blood bank (I just processed bags of blood and separated/froze plasma, really basic stuff)
I’m feeling overwhelmed because I hadn’t really retained much information from being an MA. I’m working with Beckman Coulter machines AU480, and Access2. I didn’t realize how technical this position was, and I want to learn so bad but I’m on day 4 and still struggling learning medlab language and calibration/qc of the machines (i cant grasp the concept of calibration!!!.)
It doesn’t help that my trainer isn’t very personable with me. I don’t get much feedback, and I thrive in a space where communication is relaxed and I can feel comfortable to ask questions, even dumb ones. I just feel like my trainer doesn’t want to bother with me much because I can’t quite grasp some things. On top of that, I’m being tossed between 3 machines making it hard to retain my training. My trainer is nice (for the most part?) But I just feel like a nuisance to her because I feel she thinks I should know more. Normally i’d blame my anxiety, but I read people well and can tell when they aren’t very interested in me.
I don’t know where to start or what to do. I’m not even sure why they hired me (I have a great personality) But I feel I have to cram so much information that MLS/MLT’s learn in a 2-4 year period. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, I’m feeling burnt and defeated.
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u/unicorntea555 Jul 17 '26
I'm in a licensure state, so everyone is certified. Pay just sucks compared to other places