Dear Terri,
In regard to your question of how long does it take to staff your department:

I have had both a PT and FT position open in my department since August 1998.
I am actively trying to recruit a Full Time HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) to start
ASAP.  My hospital is:  

River Oaks Hospital
1030 River Oaks Drive
Jackson, MS  39208
100-150 bed
Suburban areas of Jackson:  Brandon, Flowood, Pearl (Rankin County),
Mississippi.

I think the problem is lack of qualified and registered techs.  Every person I
have worked with at River Oaks were people that I myself have trained to be
HT's.  They all started out as phlebotomists, lab assistants, or nurse aides.
I LONG for someone who is already registered and experienced.

Hope this helps....

Debra Flynn