Histotechnologist, Full Time, 1st Shift

Job Summary

Provides technical support to the Pathologists and guidance to the Histology department by performing high volume, repetitive procedures in anatomical pathology; receiving specimens and requisitions; maintaining and operating highly technical automated instrumentation; responding to phone/verbal requests by the Pathologists according to standard operating procedures and related duties that are necessary for the accuracy and completeness of the patient’s Pathology/Autopsy reports. Performs secretarial responsibilities and other duties as required by Lab Management and the Pathologists to carry out the hospital’s mission.

Responsibilities

• Performs, with proficiency, medical laboratory tests, procedures and analyses to provide data for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.
• Demonstrates acceptable understanding of established policies and procedures within the department as outlined in the procedure manuals and performs the procedures accurately and precisely.
• Takes responsibility for procedure manual updates.
• Demonstrates competency in performing the appropriate type and complexity of the laboratory services provided by Decatur General Lab.
• Provides technical direction and oversight to Histology Specialists as required.
• Receives specimens and verifies accurate identification and acceptability of samples.
• Maintains accurate and legible specimen accession log.
• Labels cassettes with appropriate accession number legibly and accurately.
• Processes cassettes in tissue processor at designated times and following established procedure.
• P Practices infection control procedures for protection of self, patients and others.
• Adheres to laboratory polices regarding safety, i.e., policies governing personal protection equipment and engineering controls and disposal of contaminated equipment.
• Performs daily and routine maintenance as required and notes any corrective action taken or problems encountered.
• Documents any unscheduled maintenance and notifies supervisor about it.
• Accurately embeds specimens in appropriate embedding media and orients each specimen according to established procedure.
• Using microtone, correctly cuts blocks and prepares slides according to established procedure.
• Logs reagents as they are received and opened.
• Discards reagents and supplies at expiration dates and notifies supervisor.
• Rotates stock routinely to minimize waste.
• Keeps work area clean, neat and disinfected daily.
• Prepares reagents, stains, fixatives, etc., according to written protocols.
• Films and retrieves slide/blocks as needed.
• Verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedures.
• Judges the adequacy of submitted specimens.
• Regularly demonstrates the ability to coordinate a simultaneous series of tests with accuracy and demonstrates the flexibility to adjust schedule in response to Stat orders and fluctuations in patient workload.
• Organizes work so that procedures are performed within established turnaround times.
• Applies knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and English language rules to transcription.
• Clarifies diction that is unclear or incomplete, seeking assistance as needed.
• Accurately compiles data for QI reports in a timely manner.
• Assists pathologists in the preparation for Tumor Conference and other presentations.
• Demonstrates the ability to assess a situation, consider alternatives and choose an appropriate course of action.
• Mails, receives and tracks all consultation documents as necessary.
• Is proficient in all of the computer functions in the Meditech LIS and HIS necessary for performing the duties of a Histotech.
• Recognizes and immediately reports any computer malfunction to supervisory personnel or follows the established protocol for reporting and troubleshooting computer problems.
• Charges and/or credits procedures as needed.
• Strives to remain current with technology of the job and the profession by undergoing retraining, in-services, continuing education programs and independent reading and learning.
• Participates in training new employees.
• Follows required regulatory guidelines and acceptable practices.
• Is aware of Patient Safety Goals and strives to meet them.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate of approved Histotech program with HT or HTL (ASCP) registry certification.
• Skills: Learned must include knowledge of anatomic, physiologic, pathological procedures and medical terminology. Above average typing and computer skills desired.
• Experience: Experience in histopathology, under the supervision of a pathologist, preferred. Experience with dictating machines, computer, and word processing programs (prior).