Pathology Senior Tech

JOB SUMMARY

Assists pathologist in preparing specimens for histological and cytological examination; performs staining, tissue cutting; prepares stains, performs a full range of laboratory procedures. Organizes the pathology services to best assist the pathologists and accomplish specific departmental objectives as determined and defined by laboratory administration.

Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience.  Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care. 

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for all testing in the section.
   1. Solve technical problems related to the section.
   2. Responsible for daily operation of all instruments in the section.
   3. Responsible for validity of daily test results, quality control and other statistical reports.
   4. Assure correct and complete performance of maintenance on all equipment and instruments, and appropriate documentation of such.
   5. Maintain records and assure performance of all quality control procedures.
   6. Work closely with the administrative director in the selection of new equipment and procedures, submitting a written report with recommendations to the Laboratory Manager.
   7. Closely supervise and/or conduct testing for verification of new equipment and procedures.
   8. Perform weekly inventory count and maintain adequate inventory of expendable supplies for immediate use of the section.
2. Perform all professional activities related to anatomic pathology. 
   1. Operate current instrumentation.
   2. Perform manual staining.
   3. Perform and report STAT tests.
   4. Use computer to order tests, determine test ordered, and report results in an appropriate timeframe.  An appropriate timeframe will be based on clinical diagnosis, priority expressed by order, and normal values for patient's age and sex.
   5. Compiles data for special reports and quality improvement activities.
   6. Answer the telephone, using good communication skills.
   7. Make reagents.
3. Able to resolve highly complex problems in all laboratory sections.
4. Take responsibility for resolving client problems to their satisfaction.
5. Able to work alone in section for complete shifts.
6. Observe and monitor proper safety practices in performance of job duties of coworkers and subordinates.
7. Follow hospital policies and procedures.
8. Responsible for the timely effective communication, training, and operational verification of technical, procedural and professional duties performed by laboratory staff.
9. Maintain knowledge of CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, and CLIA 88 regulations.
10. Document daily, all employee/instrument issues that are relative to performance and the evaluation process.
11. Grosses, processes, embeds, cuts and stains surgical biopsy and anatomical tissues for light and fluorescent microscopic slide review.
12. Assist pathologists in cutting of surgical specimens and autopsies, and prepare tissues submitted to Pathology for staining, including special stains for review to the pathologists.
13. Generally assist pathologists in histological procedures.
14. Maintain workload recording within Pathology.
15. Ensure specimens meet acceptance criteria for accessioning into the LIS (per policy)
16. Maintains and establishes the standards of performance, quality control, quality assurance for the Anatomic Pathology Department on a daily/annual basis, i.e., staining, cutting, slide count, and other procedures.
17. Assist in identifying problems related to the functioning of the Anatomic Pathology section, recommending solutions, and taking corrective action to resolve them.
18. Assists cytologist with staining/preparation of FNAs and Non-GYN specimens.
19. Maintains records and documentation related to daily workload, daily individual performance reports, and Pathologist discrepancy reports.
20. Observes patient and employee confidentiality as described by the privacy policies of this institution.
21. Demonstrates job related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
22. Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports hospital mission, vision, and value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
23. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on his/her assigned unit.  Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures. 

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Filing of reports.
2. Entering, labeling, filing and storage of tissue specimens.
3. Able to present and explain section activities to federal, state, and professional inspectors.

            Help other departments when time/workflow permits and assisting patients.

4. Evaluates patients for any special approach or procedural needs based on age, sex, and cultural values, and psychosocial status.
5. Store and order supplies.
6. Perform special projects in a timely manner by meeting deadlines set by the Administrative Director.
7. Perform other necessary duties as requested by the Laboratory Medical Director, Director of Laboratory Services, and Laboratory Manager.
8. Support the Laboratory Manager, Administrative Director, Medical Director and other supervisors in dealing with employees regarding disciplinary action, workload redesign, or other work-related areas of the laboratory that may cause personnel conflicts.
9. Provide and complete Continuing Education (CE) for Anatomic Pathology Department.
10. Monitor Quality Improvement (QI) projects and supply data for QI council by deadline set by the Lab Manager.
11. Other duties as assigned

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

1. Minimum of Associates degree required.
2. Training in an accredited hospital with certification or registry as HT(ASCP), HTL(ASCP), MT(ASCP), CT(ASCP) or PA(ASCP).

EXPERIENCE

1. Complete requirements for registration by American Society of Clinical Pathologists as a Histology Technician, Cytotechnologist or Pathology Assistant.
2. At least three years prior related work experience in Anatomic Pathology

JOB KNOWLEDGE

1. Basic anatomy. 
2. Understand equipment and techniques for handling tissues, including special staining.
3. Knowledge and proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheets and laboratory/electronic information systems.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

These physical requirements are not exhaustive and additional job-related physical requirements may be added on an as needed basis.  Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

1. Sedentary Work:  Frequently required to stand, kneel and crouch.  On a daily basis may be required to move about, sit, climb stairs and bend.  Is frequently required to lift and carry up to 20 lbs.  May be required to push/pull/carry items between 20-100 lbs.
2. Vision:  Requires the ability to perceive the nature of objects by the eye.  Near acuity:  Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less.  Midrange Acuity:  Clarity of vision at distances of more than 20 inches and less than 20 feet.
3. Motor Coordination:  While performing the duties of the job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms.  Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
4. Speaking/Hearing:  Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipmentas used by Memorial Healthcare.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to hear for work-related purposes.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.