Cytologist - Lab-Histology/Cytology

Lakeland Regional Health is a leading medical center in Central Florida with a century-long legacy of excellence in healthcare. As the only Level 1 Trauma Center for Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties and the second busiest Emergency Department in the U.S., we serve a diverse patient population. Our facility is licensed for 910 beds and handles over 200,000 emergency room visits annually, along with 49,000 inpatient admissions, 21,000 surgical cases, 4,000 births, and 101,000 outpatient visits.

About the role

Responsible for working within the scope of practice in Cytology to ensure specimen integrity and adequacy, reliable testing to detect cancer and other pathologic conditions, and accurate reporting of microscopic findings. Assists radiologists, physicians, and other healthcare providers in collecting diagnostically adequate needle biopsy samples while maintaining compliance with all accrediting agencies, regulatory standards, hospital, and laboratory policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Fosters an inclusive and engaged environment through teamwork and collaboration.
• Ensures patients and families have the best possible experiences across the continuum of care.
• Communicates appropriately with patients, families, team members, and the community in a manner that values all people as uniquely created.
• Behaves in a mindful manner focused on self, patient, visitor, and team safety.
• Demonstrates accountability and commitment to quality work.
• Participates actively in process improvement and adoption of standard work.
• Demonstrates responsible use of LRH's resources, including people, finances, equipment, and facilities.
• Knows and adheres to organizational and department policies and procedures.
• Performs technical bench work, including specimen receiving, accessioning, and processing.
• Microscopically examines specimens to detect cancer and other pathological conditions, reports findings for finalization by the Pathologist, and performs related troubleshooting tasks.
• Assists with EUS, ERCP, EBUS, Navigation Bronchoscopy, Bronchoscopy with Fluoro, FNA, and Core Biopsy procedures performed in GI, Cat Scan, US, IR, bedside, and OR areas.
• Prepares specimens for adequacy or rapid on-site cytologic exam (ROSE) and recommends ancillary testing techniques when indicated.
• Performs proficiency testing and educational assessments in compliance with laws, regulations, agencies, and accrediting bodies.
• Assists in writing/updating Cytology policies, procedures, and forms, maintains the Cytology Procedure Manual to assure compliance with regulatory and accreditation agencies, and monitors Laboratory Information System performance related to Cytology accessioning, processing, reporting, and billing.
• Follows established safety, biohazard procedures, and standard precautions at all times, including proper disposal of biohazardous waste.
• Supports professional development by assisting with training and/or competency assessment for coworkers, new employees, and students.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science or higher from a regionally accredited college/university.
• Successful completion of a minimum 12-month CAAHEP-accredited Cytotechnologist program (as defined by the American Society for Clinical Pathology).
• Florida Department of Health license as a Technologist in the specialty of Cytology (active status required).
• National Certification in Cytology by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) (active status required).
• One to three years of experience with predominantly Non-Gyn and FNA workload and performance of adequacy assessments.

Skills

• Professional level of clinical, interpretive, and analytical skills.
• Extensive knowledge and microscopic recognition of non-Gyn/needle biopsy malignancy and benign disease process patterns.
• Exceptional communication skills and knowledge of ancillary testing requirements to ensure efficient and effective patient outcomes.
• Experience assisting with FNA and Core Biopsy with touch prep procedures.
• Experience assisting with EUS, ERCP, EBUS, Navigation Bronchoscopy, Bronchoscopy with Fluoro, FNA, and Core Biopsy procedures (preferred).

Pay

Pay Rate: Min $90,646.40 – Mid $113,318.40

Schedule

Work Hours per Biweekly Pay Period: 80.00

Location: 1324 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL