POPA

Hi Chelsie,
I've had my POPA visit, urine screen & both TB tests -- I'm through the whole process so I can try to explain how it all goes. The POPA visit is easy - you go into the employee health office in the Eisenberg building, let the receptionist know who you are, and go in with an RN who completes a "whisper test" (tests your hearing - the nurse whispers some numbers to you from across the exam room and you tell her what she said) and asks you a bunch of questions. It would be best to bring a copy of your most thorough vaccination record to this appointment - they want to see that you've had all your necessary vaccinations including MMR, HepB, and tetanus, etc. If you don't have a copy and you've grown up in Minnesota, there's an electronic state record the POPA nurse can check - sometimes vaccinations administered in Minnesota are entered there. Then there's some questions and paperwork for you to sign about whether you have a disability and/or need accomadations for any medical or mental health diagnoses in the workplace.

I don't see why you couldn't have your urine test & TB test done on different days. It would simply slow the onboarding/orientation process down. But because there is only orientation held once a month, doing the POPA visit and medical tests on different days shouldn't be a problem. Just explain to the POPA nurse that you need/want to have your urine test on a different day (you could let her know you're on your period - the POPA nurses are really kind and helpful - or you could just say you don't have time and need to do it a different day). The reason I'd suggest to tell the POPA nurse you want the urine & TB test on a different day is because that nurse puts the orders for the tests into the computer. If you just say "I'd like my urine screen after a few days, please," I'm sure they can enter the order for after your period ends. You could also ask whether being on your period would affect the urine screen - because it's testing for drug use, my guess is that it wouldn't matter whether you're on your period or not, but I'm not certain.

Also, I believe there's a whole list of places where you can have the urine & TB tests done -- the Baldwin building is one of the places, but there are 5-6 other labs where you can have them completed, too. The POPA nurse will give you a printed list of the locations at your POPA appointment.

Hope that helps answer some or all your questions! Feel free to ask clarifying questions, if needed.

Best,
Molly

I'm just wondering are you on the Arizona campus or In MInnesota, I found your review helpful because my POPA is on Monday in Arizona and I wasn't sure what building to got to.

Oh dear! Had no idea you're in Arizona! Unfortunately, I'm in Minnesota -- right now, it's 5 degrees outside, heading to the double digits below zero tonight, and tomorrow we're expecting at least 4-6 inches of snow! I'm guessing you've got much nicer weather there in Arizona than we have here in Minne-snowta! Sorry I can't be more helpful; I have no idea which building you need to find for your POPA in AZ. Be well, though, and hope your job at Mayo - Arizona is a great fit! 🙂

Oh no, it looks like the person that replied to your post has the same first name as me, I wasn't the one who replied to your post. I am sorry for the confusion. I am from Minnesota as well, I think the person who replied to your post with the same name as me is from AZ. Thank you so much for your help. I found your post to be so helpful and I truly appreciate your response. My POPA the other day went really well. Thanks again for your help and stay warm!

Hi,
I am sorry about the confusion bellow, it looks like you and I have the same name. Me and Molly are from Minnesota. I am so sorry we couldn't be of much help and I hope you are able to find what you need. I wish you all the best with your new job at Mayo Clinic!