Surgical Pathology Technician

Fairview is looking for a Surgical Pathology Technician at M Health Fairview University of Minnesota Medical Center - West Bank.  This is a full-time, benefit eligible position, 80 hours/2 week pay period, supporting the pathology laboratory. This opportunity is on the Day shift, Monday-Friday (6:00am - 2:30pm; 7:00am - 3:30pm; 8:00am - 4:30pm; 9:30am - 6:00pm).

The Surgical Pathology Technician (SPT) performs all work processes necessary for the preparation or procurement of specimens (blocks, slides, tissue, other) used for high complexity testing as defined by CLIA'88. The SPT possesses knowledge of the pathology/clinical laboratories (Cytology, Cytogenetic, Hematopathology, Molecular, Histology, or other), recognizes problems, identifies basic causes, and makes corrections using established protocols. The SPT processes data based on knowledge of technical conditions affecting diagnostic test results and performs procedures within established parameters. The SPT collaborates with the customers of the laboratory to promote patient and provider experience. The SPT works independently under general supervision.

Responsibilities

• Identifies and processes samples
• Obtains appropriate specimen from lab or storage areas.
• Assesses integrity of all specimens for testing/ processing.
• Verifies correct identification of specimens/tissue before testing/ processing.
• Interacts with providers/pathologists to determine orders.
• Routes samples to the appropriate pathologists.
• Maintains tight inventory control of samples to assure custody of irretrievable samples.
• Accession/order enter specimens/tests into the computer system
• Reviews and submits orders for provider approval. Enters required information in Epic Beaker computer system for in house and reference laboratory testing.
• Verifies patient identification, demographics, ordering physician and tests ordered.
• Performs reception duties for the Pathology Laboratory.
• Maintains a clean and organized working environment.
• Performs technical work processes
• Operates laboratory equipment and information systems according to written procedures.
• Edits electronic test reports as needed and routes to pathologists for sign out.
• Determines appropriate reference test based on provider order.
• Tracks specimens to ensure results are received and resulted in a timely manner.
• Enters and analyzes data effectively and accurately.
• Recognizes problems and takes appropriate measures to resolve them.
• Identifies problems and makes corrections using established protocols.
• Initiates proper safety or emergency responses.
• Obtains assistance from supervisor or others if unable to resolve issues.
• Conducts and tabulates quality audits.
• Documents deviations and actions taken.
• Works independently under general supervision.
• Produces data for quality review and quality improvement.
• Regulatory and compliance
• Provides feedback for procedures to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Maintains logs of quality functions, e.g., autopsy billing.
• Maintains complete and orderly inventory of historical slides.
• Verifies billing for accuracy and enters corrections per protocol.
• Trains staff, residents, fellows as needed.
• Completes competency assessments.
• Contributes to a positive patient and provider experience
• Is respectful to all internal and external customers.
• Responds to questions from families regarding autopsies.
• Responds to questions from nursing staff and providers regarding send out testing and result status.
• Communicates with pathologists to identify appropriate sample for testing and appropriateness of order.
• Responds to special requests from pathologists.
• Demonstrates ability to provide care or service adjusting approaches to reflect developmental level and cultural differences of population served.
• Additional requirements:
• Knowledge of anatomy.
• Medical terminology preferred.
• Demonstrates the ability to work under stress in a variety of situations.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Demonstrate manual dexterity.
• Basic computer and keyboarding skills.

Required Qualifications

• 24 credits college coursework with at least 12 credits in chemistry or biological sciences • Transcript must be provided or
• 24 credits college coursework plus 2 years of clinical or anatomic laboratory experience • Transcript must be provided
• 0 to 1 year experience in a clinical or anatomic diagnostic laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree • Diploma or transcript must be provided or
• Medical Assistant degree • Diploma or transcript must be provided
• 2 years experience in a clinical or anatomic diagnostic laboratory.