Histotechnician-Casual Rotating Shifts

About the role

This is a casual / as-needed Histotechnician position located at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. The Histotechnician reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures, resulting in stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the Pathologist. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators/supervisors regarding specimen problems and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program.

Responsibilities

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation.
• Initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors.
• Recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
• Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, if applicable, per SOP.
• Recognizes adequacy of processing, identifies and orients tissues correctly, and documents tracking and quality issues on embedding log.
• Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation and prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
• Operates microtome per SOP, determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances requiring deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections.
• Ensures appropriate documentation including specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes in the laboratory information system, cassettes, slides, and logs as required by regulatory compliance.
• Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides; performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
• Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results, and/or instrument failure.
• Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods; identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls and evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
• Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissue, identifies and corrects staining deficiencies, and documents stains and quality issues.
• Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimens, if applicable by site.
• Resolves discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalates to supervisor or Pathologist when necessary; utilizes dictation equipment to document description per procedure, if applicable.
• Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
• Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities; responds effectively to changes in workflow, adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times.
• May perform required Quality System responsibilities including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports,” if needed.
• Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements; cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP and performs minor spill cleanup when necessary.
• Notifies coordinator promptly of any supply issues.
• May participate in Safety and Infection Control activities; follows all required safety procedures and assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety.
• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
• May participate in the training or teaching of students and staff in the department.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including assisting in specific process improvement projects and problem resolution regarding patient specimens, including root cause analysis.

Qualifications

Required:

• Associates degree (if hired after 1/19/2025) with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry OR must have successfully completed 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry, qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam.
• Must provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
• Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must meet requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC, CAP).

Preferred:

• Associate degree as Histotechnician.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Benefits include:

• Tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• Lifecycle benefits