Home Service MedTech at your service!

My mini homeservice kit 

In the laboratory, we offer home service. Yes, a patient can have his/her blood drawn in the comforts of their home. That means they could get a phlebotomist to do the venipuncture and shall be the ones to deliver the samples to the lab.

My first home service was memorable. At that time, I was assigned in the Clinical Microscopy and medtechs assigned in this section will be the ‘first call’ if there is any home service available. At around 10 in the morning, while I was processing urine samples, the lab encoder informed me that there would be a home service and I should prepare the phlebo kit since the driver was waiting.

After knowing the request, nervousness hit upon me and several questions popped out like, What if the patient is hard-stick? With fragile or collapsible veins? What happens if I can’t get a blood sample?

I always blame myself for being so pessimistic but I need to do this to keep my pride. Since this was my first time being a home service medtech, I decided to bring an intern as my assistant. As I prepared the kit, the driver was indeed waiting for us so after I made sure that my provisions are complete, we went with the driver to the parking lot.

Whoa, at first, I really felt uneasiness within as we were on our way to the patient’s house. Good thing the driver was talkative as I asked him questions about the patient. He said that ‘Sir’ is nice and there is nothing to worry about. They used to have an on-call medtech before (a former colleague) when that medtech decided to work abroad so they don’t have a choice but to get another one.

The patient lives at an exclusive villa and as we were near the place, I could say that he’s extravagantly rich as the gates automatically opened and the landscape of the house was breathtaking. I and my intern thought it was like a retreat house. Their house was so peaceful, the twits of the birds and the freshness of the wind welcomed us.

Panic started to crept when we were led by the caretaker inside. The patient was already there and I told myself that I will get the blood as soon as possible. I greeted ‘Sir’ and I figured he’s a nice man already in his 70s. I looked at his lab request, it was Executive Panel C. That would be 3 EDTA tubes, 3 Red Tops and 1 ESR. As I asked him to stretch his arms, what a big relief I had in my body as the man’s median vein was palpable! Thank God!

I decided to use Evacuated Tube System and I successfully filled the tubes. My intern helped in assembling the supplies and after I filled the last tube, removed the needle from the vein and applied pressure, the patient didn’t complain. I put the labels into its respective tubes and the patient gave me the homeservice fee or the professional fee. I just put it inside my pocket first and thanked him. I told him that all the results will be released in the afternoon.

Never did I expect that the man was gallant, when we finally returned to the lab, I realized he gave me a double of the suggested homeservice fee! I was thankful and gave the intern her share. I vividly recalled I treated myself a mouthwatering ‘sisig’ for lunch. Yum!

That marked the start of being the family’s medtech of a prominent business owner here in Cebu. I also had the chance to get the blood sample of his wife then time came when they recommended me to another generous family. The driver told me they were satisfied of my service. Since then, they always call me for monthly lab tests or when they feel ill and the doctor requests for CBC. I feel so loved by them and so are the drivers, they were ready to fetch me even from my home when need of blood extraction arises. I always receive a warm welcome from them.

Holy water given by Ma'am Marilyn from 
Lourdes, France

As I spent my days in Clinical Microscopy, I found homeservices enjoyable. It was not only challenging as a phlebotomist but through this, it saved me financially when I’m almost running out of money. Honestly, I was able to earn extra thru this. Although it’s inevitable to come across patients with difficult veins but butterfly is always on the rescue. Also, you couldn’t help to face strict patients or inquisitive family members when you have to try on the other vein since you are in their abode. Confidence is the key here! I always keep myself calm to each homeservice and I make sure that I return to the lab with the patient’s sample.  

Well, I’m gonna miss home service. I wonder if my new hospital offers this. My prayers to the families I’ve serviced for almost 2 years. Thank you so much, Ma’am and Sir. It’s a pleasure to work with you.

My Quarantine Diaries

Binge reading my favorite author's books

My days during the quarantine period have been very productive.

We never say we are bored staying in the house since there are lots of things to be done in the first place. It’s like every single day, we need to accomplish goals and I found myself planning what to do for the next day. Set aside tiktok and netflix for a while, here are the things that kept me busy:

1.       Household Chores

·         Having a two-story house isn’t easy to clean. With seven spacious bedrooms (dusting and rearranging furnitures and organizing stuffs) it’s impossible to finish all of it in one day. Also, it is not nature of our parents to just sit on the couch the whole day since they are always up to something, most of it cleaning. So as their children, we take initiatives to help. I need extra hand to get it done so I always ask my siblings to help me with the activities. These take the whole morning until lunchtime comes.

·         We take turns in washing the dishes as well. One has to sweep and mop the floor and another has to wipe the dishes before we watch TV.

·         As for the laundry, I and my sister do it every other day.

2.       Reading books

·         Being a bookworm, I made sure I allocate time for reading. I do this in the afternoon. I challenged myself to read as many books as I can. I’m more focused on books bought from Big Bad Wolf since I was impulsive in buying it last year. I just thought that this is the right time to make use of them. As of this writing, I am starting to read Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

Made finishing touches of my song compositions 

3.       Awakening my musical interests

·         I started tuning my guitar and doing song covers once again as my stress reliever. There’s always music whenever we wash our clothes too to take away boredom.

·         I completed my unfinished song compositions

·         I saw improvements in finding my vocal range. I want to be an opera singer!

4.       Rosary

·         Improving our spiritual life is essential. With the cases of COVID-19 rising, we seek intervention of our heavenly father with intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary to help us win this battle. We do this in the evening, when we’re done washing the dishes. I thank God that the whole family is participative where aside from reciting the rosary, we also offer our heartfelt petitions for humanity and for the whole world.

5.       Relax

·         Every once in a while we tend to rest and relax. Since I’m out of work, an eight hours of sleep is what I really deserve. With so much hatred and negativities in social media, I tend to cut down my internet usage and instead, I spend time with my family by watching movies or sharing jokes with them.  

·         Of course, I use Tiktok once in a while. I also watch Youtube and Netflix videos if I have enough mobile data. Of course, I’m reviving my blog site as well by writing drafts.

At the end of the day, I realized that things are worth it. Maybe this outbreak is an avenue to keep families closer together but again, I hope this pandemic will end soon and everything will be back to normal. After all, I still hope we can go to malls and enjoy outdoor activities before I fly to the US. I hope your quarantine days are as enjoyable as mine. Keep safe and stay indoors!

Ticket to American Dream: Documents that a medtech should have

Are you a medical technologist ready to achieve your goals in working to USA? This blog might guide you.

These are the documents that I secured to apply as a medical technologist in the United States. All fees may be subjected to changes so better check their official websites for updates. So brace yourselves for a number of documents, these are:

1.       ASCPi Certificate

·         PRICE: $200/10000 PHP

·         VALIDITY: 3 years

2.       IELTS

·         PRICE: 10250 PHP

·         VALIDITY: 2 years

3.       CGFNS/ Visascreen

·         PRICE: $540/27500 PHP

·         VALIDITY: 5 years

4.       JSILNY and Associates- for course evaluation and American grade conversion. You need to mail your original TRANSCRIPT OF RECORDS and a filled out application form from their website.

·         PRICE: $140 (8100 PHP) to be paid thru credit card  

                                                               i.      1460 PHP as courier fee (thru LBC) to be delivered to JSILNY Miami, Florida

·         DURATION: may take at least 3 months

·         Advantage: No expiry

5.       Passport- not expired of course.. J

6.       Birth certificate- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) authenticated

7.       Current employer (Philippines)

·         Certificate of employment

·         Job description

·         Payslips

8.       Future Employer

·         Resume/CV

·         Soft copies of all files

Once you’re hired by an American Employer, this is what you’ll need.

9.       H-1B VISA (to be processed by the employer)

·         Labor Condition Application

·         Offer letter from the Future Employer

·         H-1B petition draft materials

·         Approved Notice of Action Form I-129 by the USCIS

·         H-1B working Visa (approved by the US Embassy)

10.   POEA COMPLIANCE SHEET (I’ve made a detailed blog for this so please check it out)

·         POLO verified contract

·         Overseas Employment certificate

11.   PLANE TICKET TO USA J

·         To be shouldered by you or the company

Reminder: Please make sure to give your complete address most especially to your Visascreen certificate, JSILNY and Notice of Action to ensure that the documents will be delivered to you.

This might seem a very long and costly process but once you complete requirements number 1 to 7, you can now seek employers via internet or an agent. At first, I thought that the whole process was hilarious since I’m not from a well-off family. So I worked hard by taking part time jobs to earn the fees.

No matter what happens, hold on to your dream! You’re now up for visa sponsorship! Be patient and ask God’s guidance that someday you will get to the Land of the Free. Kaya mo yan!

Ways to apply as a medical technologist in the USA

While I was still working on my documents, I already started looking for jobs in the US. At that time, I was really determined to look for some ways to pass my resume. I thought seeking employment abroad is easy when there were times I felt like giving up because I see no positive responses. But you know what, what kept me going on submitting my application is to help my family.

Of 3 years working in the hospital, here are some of the ways that I tried in hopes I could get a job offer abroad. Who knows one of these options might work for you so don’t be afraid to try. Your bright future awaits you!

1.       Thru referral

-          Good for you if you know of someone who is already working in the US, maybe a relative or a friend.  You might ask him or her if there is any job vacancy in the company that she’s working and if you’re lucky enough, submit your application right away. You might put the person in your character references. This will be an advantage since you let the recruiter know of someone working in there. In my case, I don't have a relative who could petition me and even though I have friends who are already working in there, they are not yet confident in referring other medtechs since they're still new in the company and they come from an agency so I undertand them.

2.       Obtaining international experience first by working in other country

-          I’ve heard that some American companies prefer medtechs who already have international working experience. I thought of applying to Middle East countries like Dubai, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi since they require few documents. By working there, this would be my stepping stone to America but unfortunately I received no responses from them.

3.       Seeking help from agencies

-          There are pros and cons in seeking help from these agencies. There are agencies that even though you’re not yet complete with your documents, they are ready to assist you, but once you complete your requirements you still have to undergo visa lottery. Lucky for you if you’ll be picked first try but if not, you will have to apply again for the next fiscal year. Also, there are agencies that only considers your application if you’re already complete with the requirements. You need not to worry for visa lottery anymore since they will look for CAP-exempt employers. The company will be the ones to sponsor your working visa. Although sounds promising but the agency’s service costs an arm and a leg. I am so sorry I didn’t have that sum of money so I remained in their waiting list.

4.       Sending applications online

-          My last resort. Although I thought that the chance of getting my resume noticed by employers is low, I still gave it a try. Nothing to lose. God only knows how many online applications I submitted to various websites for 3 years.  What I did is that I listed all the hospitals in each state and started filling out application forms in their careers portal and uploaded pertinent documents that could support my eligibility to practice my profession. Even though I get discouraged because I kept on receiving numerous rejection letters but I still kept on sending resumes. Also, I polished and revised my resume from time to time. Honestly, I was interviewed by three employers but unfortunately some of them declined because they couldn’t sponsor foreigners for a working visa. Until September 2019 came and a certain recruiter emailed me. He told me that the company is willing to sponsor visa since they are in utmost need of medical technologists and asked me when’s the best time for me to have the interview. After reading the email, I was glad and replied immediately that I’m ready to have the interview at the soonest time at their convenience. Fast forward, the interview went smoothly and 2 weeks after, the recruiter told me that I’m already hired and gave me the offer letter to sign. At that time, I cried for joy and so I thanked them and that started our H-1B working visa petition.

I thank God for giving me this opportunity. I’m so blessed. I don’t have that large sum of money to pay the agency but he was generous. Truly, if you will just be patient then it will be given to you in the right time. When I think that the future is bleak, I always turn to God for consolation. I always hold on to his promises and always put my family as my driving force.

My advice to you is to never give up. Try what works best for you.

Platelet apheresis donor experience

Blood bank medtech and blood donor at the same time.

I didn’t expect to be an apheresis donor until June 2018 came and a patient desperately needed an aphe donor to replete his very low platelet count. The patient’s blood type was A positive and I happened to have the same blood type as his. They looked for donors but to no avail. Because of the urgency and the family was already crying and desperate, as a medtech, I felt the urge to help so I decided to give it a try and willingly offered to donate my platelets.

SCREENING BEFORE THE APHERESIS PROCEDURE

The platelet apheresis procedure costs a lot of money. The apheresis kit is expensive. In our hospital, the apheresis price is 25000 pesos so everything has to be made sure starting from the screening of donor up to the processing of the platelet concentrate.

I had my colleague who is the apheresis operator to check my veins. Since I’m a whole blood donor already (I was able to donate whole blood twice in our blood bank), she said that my veins qualified for the procedure. First, I filled out the screening form and submitted to interview right away. When I passed the interview, they took my pulse rate, temperature and blood pressure. Luckily, my vitals were okay then they extracted a blood sample for screening.

The donor’s blood sample is used to:

·         confirm my blood type

·         check my hematocrit

·         screen for malaria

·         screen for Hep B, Anti-HCV, HIV (PCR-based)

·         see if my platelet count meets the requirement of at least 200,000 (I remembered my platelet count was 342,000)

After I passed all the screening, I needed to do fasting first. It should be at least 4 hours. When the time has come, my colleague (the operator) set up the Haemonetics apheresis machine. I was glad to observe how it was done since I’m a blood bank staff too. Who knows, I could be an apheresis operator someday? Haha. While waiting, I took a tablet of Caltrate plus and drank Chuckie, a chocolate milk drink. Fresh milk will do if Chuckie is not available. It is really recommended to drink it prior donation since this will replace the Calcium lost during the donation. That’s why we remind the patient’s significant other (S.O.) to buy 2 tablets of Caltrate and 2 chuckie or fresh milk after the donor passed the screening.

All was set. I sat on the comfy phlebo chair and relaxed. I conditioned myself that this will be the same as whole blood donation. After my colleague cleaned my arm, she inserted the 16-gauge needle to my vein. So glad the pain was bearable and the drawing of blood started.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

The apheresis procedure consists of cycles. The number of cycles depends on the donor’s platelet count. A higher platelet count means fewer cycles and few cycles entail faster time of donation. The donor’s hematocrit could be a factor on the number of cycles as well. Each cycle has two stages: the drawing and returning of blood. It is really recommended that the donor should be oriented first about the whole procedure and to raise any concerns if there is uneasiness felt during donation. Take note that the machine processes the blood. The platelets are only harvested in here and the red cells are being returned inside the body.

During my first aphe donation, I had 6 cycles. I didn’t feel anything on the drawing of blood part but there was this cold sensation by the time the machine returned the blood into my body. In returning stage, the blood is mixed with the anticoagulant ACD (Acid Citrate Dextrose) to prevent blood from clotting. It was as if I could feel the ACD penetrated into my knees and I felt a little bit nauseous but it was manageable.

I never felt bored as the television was turned on. What I was worried about every cycle was my vein. What if it collapses in the middle of the procedure? While I was squeezing the pumping ball during the drawing stage, I couldn’t help to think of collapsing vein and needle dislodge but my colleague was considerate, she adjusted the pressure to around 85.

I kept on praying that the procedure would be successful when the returning of the 6^th cycle came and the machine beeped that the process is done. It was a relief when my colleague took the needle out and I applied pressure to the puntured site. The whole procedure took 2 hours.

AFTER CARE

Since I lost a considerable amount of platelets, I needed to replenish it as well. I would like to thank another co-worker for recommending Mott’s apple juice for me to drink after the donation. In one week, my platelet count went back to 300,000. I also drink milk before bedtime to replace the Calcium lost.

COMPARISON

Being a platelet apheresis donor is okay as compared to being a whole blood donor. I didn’t feel anything after the procedure! For the first time, I saw my precious platelets ready to extend another person’s life. The bag of platelets was transfused to the patient right after and when there was considerable increase of the patient’s platelet count, the family returned to the blood bank to see me. What a joy to see the patient’s mother smiling as she thanked me for helping her son.

After that successful procedure, I felt the need to help more people and decided to include myself in the roster of donors. Since then, my platelets have helped several patients with dengue, cancer, and those who undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Over time, I got used to apheresis procedure. I prefer the drawing stage, honestly.

Donating platelets is fulfilling. When families contact me for help, I’m always ready to have my blood screened provided that I’m in good health also. Who would have thought, I could be an apheresis donor. I don’t have much money in my pocket but I’m so thankful to God for giving me such an opportunity to help my brothers and sisters in need through my platelets.

Resume of a medical technologist

To get noticed by employers most especially when you apply abroad, you need to have a presentable resume. Not too flashy and long, but just enough for employers to get to know about your work experience as a medical technologist.

Note that recruiters won't take much of their time reading your resume so it must be SHORT BUT CONCISE, 2-3 pages would suffice.

Here are some tips on what to put in to your resume:

1. HEADER
The header should contain your complete name with your professional titles (RMT, MLS(ASCPi), MSMT, MPH), followed by your current address below and the most important, your EMAIL ADDRESS and CONTACT NUMBER.

Remember: Your contact details should be active. This is a MUST since this is where your potential employer might contact you for an interview. Make sure to have your phone with you at all times.
Also, have a formal email address. An email ad of your name would be better for the employer to recognize easily.

Example:
RICARDO MARTIN DALISAY, RMT, MLS(ASCPi)
34 Pulang Araw St., Sampaloc, Manila
Phone number: (+63) 912-345-6789
Email Address: ricardomdalisay@gmail.com

2. CAREER PROFILE
What is this?
A career profile is a summary of your resume. Your strengths and advantages

Example:
• A medical technologist with 3 years experience as a generalist in a tertiary hospital.
• Skilled in Phlebotomy both in pediatric and geriatric patients....

3. PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
This is the part where you put all your relevant work experiences (just related to Med Tech) with your job position, duration, and your responsibilities)

For fresh graduates, simply put the affiliated centers where you practiced as an intern.

4. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
No need to include your primary and secondary education. Instead, indicate the school and degree that you graduated from college. In my case, I have a Bachelor's degree in Medical Technology at Southwestern University. I also put the date of graduation, that was May 2015. If your pursue a Master's degree, include it in here as well.

5. SEMINARS and TRAININGS
- Indicate the title of the certificates you have received. It could be a Basic Training of the machines that you have in your lab or the CPD seminars that you attended. This will tell the employer that you are fulfilling the continuing education for medical technologists.

6. MACHINES HANDLED
- Good thing to add in your resume for the employers to have an idea if you already have knowledge on the machines that they have. It is an advantage if you have the same brand as theirs. Make sure that you can operate the machines not just for the sake of putting it to make your resume look promising.

7. CHARACTER REFERENCES
- It could be the pathologist, chief medical technologist or the section head in the laboratory where you're working. If the employer wants to know your job performance, they are the right people to consult with. Also, it could be a former colleague that is already working in the United States. At least they will have an idea that you know of someone working in the US. Limit your references up to three people and inform them firsthand before you put their phone number and email address.

How about Bio Data (birthday, Age, Gender, Height)? Will these matter?
Answer: Nope. Not needed.
Many of you might wonder where to put this portion in your resume but the truth is, it doesn't matter. What matters most is your experience. This will just eat up space in your resume. Anyway if they want to know about your personal information, they can ask you from the interview.

All in all, be honest. Polish your resume every now and then. If you lie in your resume and when the employer knows about it, this will jeopardize the opportunity. You might lose your job. Be yourself

A message to my fellow frontliners; colleagues in profession

To my fellow medical technologists, I know the feeling of not getting recognized while we’re still out there in the frontlines fighting against this menacing virus. We are behind every testing and we keep telling ourselves that we are integral in research, patient care and diagnosis.

It’s true that we must use our voices often to hear our cries and woes, including higher salary wages, call for more testing supplies and personal protective equipment.

We tried as best as we can to persuade them that we are also essential in this battle since we are the ones exposed to the virus.

Attempts are made but I just want to ask, When is too much? It hurts to see some of our colleagues asking for attention but still being ignored.

'I think that’s enough my friend'.

Let’s stop asking for sympathy, guys. In this crisis, with or without acknowledgment, let’s continue to love our profession. We can’t force them if they don’t know us and what we really do in this so-called 'healthcare'.

Let us work together, sign a petition, and let our actions speak louder for us. God is watching us. He knows our dedication and hard work to serve humanity.

I know that someday all of our sacrifices will be worth it. To every medical technologists in the lab whose time and dedication are offered…I want to give all of you a pat on the shoulder and say: You’re doing a great Job! Keep up the heroic work!

My random thoughts about COVID 19

In this vulnerable time where we face this catastrophe against COVID-19, we, as frontliners in this scenario are asking for your full cooperation in this matter. We can’t completely control this without doing your part. You should be part of the solution, not a burden.

It’s risky in our lives. While you were asked to stay at home, we healthcare workers are still reporting to duty, exposing ourselves, and testing the samples of what might be positive to the virus. It is our oath to use our profession to serve the humanity. We work in silence even though it goes unnoticed; no matter how infectious or deadly it may be.

Test kits may be limited but the government is exerting their efforts to order PCR-based and FDA-approved kits from other countries to facilitate nationwide testing.

Honestly, it’s new to my ears hearing these words such as self-isolation, extreme enhanced community quarantine, and social distancing, but it’s strictly imposed now and thus it should be practiced in our community to mitigate this disease.

I consider panic buying of surgical masks and hoarding of alcohols greed. Carts full to the the brim with hand sanitizers, soaps seem to be insensitive. Some don’t have consideration that others need it too.

Fake news is circulating everywhere so we should do fact check to credible sources such as DOH, WHO or CDC.

Elderly and immunocompromised persons are usually affected so it’s our priority to protect them.

Death tolls have increased worldwide resulting to lockdown of airports to help prevent spreading the virus. Thermal guns and scanners are so useful these days for checkpoint.

Sad to say, it has not only affected the health of others but the livelihood of Filipinos because most businesses are closed. Some do skeletal staffing which is hard for those people who are breadwinners.

I appreciate the country’s efforts in putting the people’s welfare by suspending classes and work and National Telecommunications Commission sending constant texts reminding proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette.

I just saw Bayanihan in this country, working hand in hand to reach out for those affected. I truly appreciate those companies who recognize our efforts by giving food packs to frontline health workers.

Churches are closed. It saddens me that masses are temporarily suspended on Sundays but in the midst of this pandemic, let’s pray that there would be fast discovery to cure.

Now isn’t the time to blame the government or worst, oust the president. Although, we are a nation with different perspectives, now is the time to show unity and solidarity. It is so dismal to see people rallying for delayed relief goods and aid. 

Stay at home and practice social distancing. Keep updated to the news and be informed to updates.

As a medical technologist, it’s an honor to serve. This is my profession. I’m no longer calling for hazard pay but donations such as the PPEs are appreciated to get through every single day. I believe we could put an end to this sooner. We fight for you, so please fight for us by preventing the spread of infection.

VisaScreen Application Process: What you need to know

According to CGFNS International, the VisaScreen® certification is a federal screening program intended for professionals born outside the US. The International Commission on Healthcare Professionals is a division under CGFNS that administers the VisaScreen®. This is valid for 5 years. For healthcare professionals, this is an essential document to prove that your credentials are legit and you are eligible to practice the profession. This is one of the requirements needed to start on processing your working visa (H-1B) petition to USCIS.

The screening includes:

·         Assessment of educational credentials to ensure that it is equivalent to that of a US graduate

·         Verification of professional licenses

·         English language proficiency

                 You can ask help thru an agency for this, but in my case, I applied on my own. I started my application on March 2019.     

                 Reminder: Never attempt to send FAKE DOCUMENTS. VisaScreen® will surely revoke your application and you’ll ban to apply for VisaScreen forever!                                                                                                     

Let’s get you through the application process:

1.       The most convenient way to complete the application is thru online. Create your account at http://cgfns.org/cerpassweb/intro.jsp This account will keep you updated about the status of your application.

a.       You are given 30 days to pay for your application

b.      The application fee is $540 thru credit card.

c.       Once the payment is made, you will be given 1 year to comply all the required documents

2.       Complete the application form

a.       Double check the spelling of each information (name, birthday, gender, mailing address, citizenship, education)

b.      Select H-1B as occupation visa information (for medical technologists in the Philippines)

c.       Select ICHP Visascreen Certificate as VisaScreen category

d.      Upload your Passport size ID Picture with white background. This is the same photo to be applied to your certificate.

 

3.       The documents to be reviewed:

                Note: There are downloable forms to each document that you need to include, so please fill out the required forms (applicant) as well.

·         IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test result- the USA sets a standard for medical technologists: a candidate must take the ACADEMIC MODULE and have at least a total band score of 6.5 with a speaking score of at least 7.0. It’s better if you take IELTS before VisaScreen.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 10000 PHP

                                                             ii.      VALIDITY: 2 years

                                                            iii.      Once you pass IELTS, you can ask for an ADDITIONAL TEST RESULT FORM from your test provider (in my case, IDP) to send the result to CGFNS. Just fill out IDP’s form of ‘Request for additional TRF’ for electronic sending. The service is free for 2 weeks after you pass. After that, you’ll pay 200 PHP.

·         Highschool Diploma with English Translation- Must be a ‘certified true copy’ from your high school registrar. This doesn’t need to be sent thru a courier. You can upload the diploma into your account.

·         College Requirements – This might take 1 to 2 months of processing depending on your school so it is advised that you go back to your college as early as possible. Give the form to be filled out and sealed/stamped by the registrar. The school will be the ones to send the educational credentials to CGFNS, otherwise they won’t accept it even if unopened.

                                                               i.      PRICE: 2500PHP including mailing fee (price varies depending on your school)

                                                             ii.      Transcript of Records with remarks FOR VISASCREEN PURPOSES ONLY

                                                            iii.      Course Description- a summary of all the subjects you’ve taken from the first year to final year of your bachelor’s program

                                                           iv.      Completely Filled out form of Request for Academic Records/Transcripts from CGFNS website by the applicant and the university registrar’s section

·         The registrar should include the clock hours of Clinical Internship

·         Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) Certificate of Good Standing.

- CGFNS ICHP validates your license to confirm if you have completed the requirement by passing the board exam and to check if your registration has not been suspended or revoked. Also, the licensing authority should be the ones to send the documents, not from you or a third party on your behalf.

                                                               i.      Submit a photocopy of your Transcript of Records and the filled out form Request for Validation of License/Registration/Diploma from CGFNS website

                                                             ii.      PRICE: 2100 PHP including FEDEX

                                                            iii.      PROCESSING TIME: 1 week

Remind the university and the licensing authority to send the documents to CGFNS mailing address:

CGFNS/VisaScreen: Visa Credentials Assessment

3600 Market Suite 400

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104-2651 USA

I finally got my certification on June 2019, so my processing took 3 months. So update your CGFNS account frequently to check the status of each document. If everything is complete, CGFNS will issue the IHCP VisaScreen Certificate. You will be given a FEDEX tracking number to trace the mail. If not, they will notify you about insufficient or lacking documents.

References:

CGFNS International Application Handbook

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My US Embassy Interview Experience: How did I get my H1B working visa approved?

My face after the interview😂

In the start of 2020, I prepared myself for a wonderful step that I’m gonna take towards my American Dream and that is going to get my US Working visa.

With my H1B petition approved and the Notice of Action in hand, I was so much ready to book my appointment at the embassy. I immediately completed my DS160 online application and paid the appointment fee of 10160 pesos to the Bank of the Philippine Islands.

My scheduled appointment was on January 17, 2020. I gathered all my documents in case they want to see it. Since I was not familiar in Manila, I asked my father to accompany me. We stayed at Uncle Jimmy’s place in Pasay.

We woke up at 5 o’clock in the morning to prepare. I wore a casual outfit: it was a dark blue dress and I paired it with a black blazer.

I was scheduled at 9AM. Uncle Jimmy accompanied us to the embassy by taking a jeep and a tricycle. We arrived at around 8am so we stood there waiting at the vicinity. While waiting, I kept calm and recited a silent prayer. I told my father that I will do my best to get approved.

The time came when we can now enter the premises. I left my father behind and I brought my documents with me. I submitted myself to security checks and seated at the waiting area until we were called to enter the building. There were personnel/ushers to assist you at the entrance so I went straight away to Step 1 in which my passport and Form I-129 were checked, then I proceeded to Step 2 for finger scanning, then came step 3 in which I felt nervous, the interview with an embassy officer.

There were many interview cubicles and again a personnel will tell you which cubicle you should go so you can’t choose an interviewer. We were in queue and as I waited for my turn, I heard questions asked by officers to other applicants. You would know right away if the applicant is approved or denied after so much interrogation. I felt so sad for those people who didn’t get the visa. When my turn came, I greeted the officer good morning. She’s in her fifties I suppose. There was an exchange of questions and answers. She just asked me few questions about my job, my years of experience as a medical technologist, and my workplace in the US. She checked my Labor Condition Applicaton or LCA as well. After that, she gave me a pamphlet of USCIS and said ‘Okay, I intend to approve your visa!’

Upon hearing those words, a smile was formed on my face. This is it! I got approved! Thank heavens!

Before the officer got my passport, I needed to pay the newly implemented reciprocity fee of 540 USD or approximate 26000 pesos. Kinda pricy but they won’t take your passport for stamping if you woudn’t pay for it. I went to the cashier located at the second floor and returned to the officer to give my receipt. That’s the time she congratulated me and advised it would take one week for my passport to be delivered in Cebu.

I went out of the embassy to see my father. My heart was so excited to tell him. As I saw him waiting outside, I felt like crying but I just held back my tears and told him the wonderful news. We went back to Uncle Jimmy’s place to celebrate.

That was it! I got my passport back after one week. I realized that as long as you know all about your employer and you bring all the necessary documents relating to your H1B application, there wouldn’t be any problems in applying for the visa. Also, keeping a composure and confidence in answering the officer will help.

Another milestone has achieved, now I’m getting closer to my dream. Up next, my contract verification to POLO !

Drug Analyst Tagging Requirements

When I applied for a drug analyst position in an LTO-accredited, freestanding-based, drug testing facility in Mandaue City, I was asked to submit a couple of requirements for tagging.

A drug analyst must be tagged by the Deparment of Health to have an IDTOMIS account. The IDTOMIS (Integrated Drug Testing Operations Management Information System) is a software where you verify the client/donor’s information, take a photo and fingerprint then finally release the drug test result. You only have 1 account registered for 1 facility.

Here are the primary requirements:

1.       Professional Regulations Commission (PRC) license photocopy

2.       DOH-issued training certificate - Seminar/Workshop on the Manual of Operations for Screening Drug Testing Laboratories

3.       Email Address

4.       Resignation letter from precious employer (I used to work as a drug analyst in an institution-based facility. This is useful so that you’ll be untagged from the previous facility.)

5.       Drug Test Result – I had my drug testing in another drug-testing lab to avoid bias.

6.       Medical Certificate – they required a Government-issued med cert so I went to Cebu City Health Office to ask for the medical certificate.  I brought my CBC, Urinalysis, Fecalysis and X-ray result.

7.       2x2 ID picture – for employee profiling

On the employer’s end, they will submit a letter to be addressed to Department of Health together with the credentials asking for the tagging of the drug analyst. The approval may take as early as one week. Once approved, the drug analyst must submit to the Deparment of Health Regional Office- IT Deparment for confirmation and fingerprint scanning. You’ll be given your USERNAME and PASSWORD so make sure you take these correctly.

The tagging is as simple as that. Welcome to the world of drug testing!

Part-time drug analyst

When you realize that you need an extra money to get through each passing day, one job isn't enough. Much more you got bills to pay, you need to have an extra source of income. Just when I lost hope and nearly quit my job as a medical technologist at a hospital I suddenly found hope and got an opportunity to maximize being a drug analyst. So here I am, getting myself another part-time job being a drug analyst!

I left my previous part-time job because of many reasons: one is it cuts my budget. Going to and fro costs me 100 pesos so it's like that a considerable portion of my daily wage just went to fare. Also, it is a distance away from home. I need to get on a habal-habal, tricycle, and jeep to the clinic which is stressful. And one more thing, I'm just an on-call medtech. Meaning, I just get to work there when the medical technologist decides to take her day off.

I got this drug analyst opportunity when I and my friend went to LTO office to get a student permit. To obtain such, one must secure a medical certificate so we went to the nearest LTO-accredited medical/drug testing laboratory to get ours.

The process went smoothly, we easily got our medical certificate without a hassle. And just as we were about to leave, I asked one of the staff if they are still in need of a drug analyst when they said they do1

And that's when my drug analyst career started. 

I get paid hourly. My work schedule in the drug testing facility starts from 8AM till 12NOON so I work additional 4 hours in complement with my regular 2PM-10PM in the hospital laboratory. Sounds pretty stressful? Well, I just handled it for almost 7 months already and still coping up.

BENEFITS

Having a part time job helped me to stay on my budget for a month. With my regular job paying on a 15th-30th scheme, my part time  pays on the 5th and 20th so I get to allocate what needs to be paid first. Not to brag but I can really say I don't feel much of the 'tingbits' times (that's when you're running out of money but you're trying to make ends meet). It somehow helped me to save money in various saving vehicles and treat my family to dinners as well.

DISADVANTAGES

As mentioned, I get to work 12 hours a day so usually I get home around 11 pm and wake up at 5AM to get ready on things. I got only few hours of sleep. True, it's stressing me out but I have no choice so I get sick sometimes. Because of this, I never forget taking multivitamins to boost my immune system and invest on affordable beauty regimens for me not to look haggard.

For me, being a part-time drug analyst is somehow a blessing. I got the opportunity to make use of my certification at the same time I'm well-compensated. I thank the management for considering me to work even just half a day. Also, I'm grateful to have such outgoing workmates in the place as well. Truly, a worthy experience!

It's LOVE through the microscope

monocyte

Sometimes, when life in the lab is pretty stressful, I see these simple things as some kind of the fun part of being a medical technologist. I vividly remember when I was quickly doing my differential count before I take my lunch break, I saw this cute cell. Even though I was in a hurry, I took a quick break and borrowed my colleagues phone and captured this monocyte as beautifully as I could. Then I said to myself, it's the simple things that make it more fun and exciting!

When Hematoma happens...

This is what happens when you don't hit the vein of your patient. This is the first time I've got my arms swollen as I donated platelets via apheresis.

I applied cold compress on the swollen area for 2 days and hot compress for the succeeding days.

I should have requested to have the needle transferred to the other arm but I chose to tolerate the pain instead. It's excruciating by the time the machine returned my red cells. Well, this may be a lesson for our fellow phlebotomists out there to do aftercare for their donors to avoid these mishaps.