Spotlight on Plymouth: Diane Meister, Medical Lab Technician

Diane Meister, Lab Tech

As a Medical Lab Technician at SJRMC - Plymouth for the past 15 years, Diane Meister truly believes she has the best of both worlds.

Every day she has the chance to talk with patients, ease their fears and help put them on the road to recovery.

“My job is to turn your negative event into a positive one. Nobody wants to be in a hospital,” she said. “And after that? I get to use all types of really cool technology and equipment.”

It’s not a surprising comment coming from someone who built lawn and garden tractors for 12 years before getting the itch to go to nursing school. But Diane was never meant to be a nurse.

“I jumped into the lab tech program, and I’m so glad I did,” she said. “There is so much diversity in my job. I get to work with every department and move between a lot of different areas.”

At the Plymouth Cancer Institute, Diane is proud to be able to provide her patients point of care testing. The ability to do draws and run tests in one location provides patients with even more convenience.

Every month when rounding with Lab Associates, Diane is the number one person recognized by the staff for going above and beyond.

“Diane staffs the Oncology Laboratory, where her compassion for our sickest and most complicated patients is truly a gift,” said Barb Holcomb, Lab Manager. “Patients and her co-workers often request her abilities and assistance – and she is always there with a smile on her face.”

In addition, Diane is the Lead Tech for Coagulation, where her responsibilities include maintaining The Joint Commission standards. She also serves as a lead person for Chemistry and assists with reporting proficiency testing to the College of American Pathologists.

Diane is proud to work for an organization that works to improve the health of the community.

“I feel like I have a vested interested. Every patient who comes in could be my neighbor, or my mechanic or someone I will end up seeing at the grocery store. I don’t want them to remember me at the one who stuck them,” she laughed. “I want them to remember having a good experience.”