Tips?

[jdub6]

Someone recently posted on a thread to someone who got their first job in monitoring to be sure they found a 24 hour testing site in case they had to work late.

That made me think of my own experience having to drive 2 hours to a 24 hour site at 10pm only to be told they couldn't do the type of test i needed (despite being on the Firstab list). I found a different site after calling my program. But what tips do people have that you have learned the hard way (or any way? ) for those just starting out or less experienced and trying to navigate the terrifying first months of monitoring?

I am running late for work and will post most of mine later but off the top of my head- if you use Quest testing centers download their app and make an appt-you can do this a few hours ahead and it can get you in much faster. If the testing center you are using (esp for observed tests) charges a collection fee shop around. You will get charged a test fee by Firstlab, RecoveryTrek or whatever testing service your program uses but collection fees can vary from 30 to 50 bucks (common at urgent care centers) to nothing.

OH and read labels of your favorite foods! I was shocked to find my "berry bran muffins" had poppy seeds as the 5th ingredient (after i had eaten 2 a few days prior! ). I immediatly called my case manager freaking out with the brand and label info of the muffins (you would not have thought from the name that they had poppy seeds and you couldn't see them at all). Thankfully it was a non issue as i tested negative. But i learned to never assume and anyways scan the label!