Histologist - HT - Bellingham, United States - Northwest Pathology, PS

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Histology Technician/Technologist assists in the processing of specimen samples for pathology examinations. Histology Technicians work under the supervision of the AP Laboratory leadership and/or Medical Director or a pathologist.

Northwest Pathology, P.S. dba Avero Diagnostics operates on a 24/7/365 basis; individuals may be required to work various shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Schedule flexibility with and without advanced notice is required.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Performs routine and special procedures as authorized by the department supervisor.
• Organize specimen samples for processing and testing to ensure proper patient specimen identification including labeling of all cassettes, slides and other containers as necessary.
• Utilize proper preparation and use of reagents, timing of processing, quantities of specimen, and techniques of processing for the various stages of processing.
• Accurately records incoming and outgoing work on appropriate logs.
• Accurately labels and loads cassettes onto tissue processors.
• Maintains processors according to schedule, and accurately prepares processing reagents.
• Performs specimen disposal.
• Accurately embeds and cuts tissue according to policies and procedures.
• Accurately maintains the file room, files blocks, and slides according to policies and procedures.
• Answers client questions when the question pertains to the gross room, specimen receipt, specimen collection and specimen discrepancies.
• Maintains cleanliness of histology area, including but not limited to gross room, embedding and microtomy areas, store room, etc.
• Maintains inventory and notifies supervisor when supplies are needed.
• Performs routine non-gyn cytology preparation, including description and cellblock submission.
• Adheres to QC procedures established in the department.
• Exhibits a complete understanding of policies and procedures within areas of the Histology lab.
• Complies with established departmental policies, procedures, objectives, quality assurance, cleanliness, safety and infection control procedures.
• Accurately calibrates selected instruments.
• Notifies supervisor of non-complying QC.
• Performs staining procedures as authorized by the department supervisor.
• Prepares and maintains staining reagents.
• Performs routine H&E stains.
• Performs special stains.
• Performs immunoperoxidase procedures.
• Maintains processors, stainers, coverslippers, and embedding equipment.
• Assists in receipt and processing of gross pathology. Assists pathologists on special procedures.
• Assist in training of new employees as authorized by department supervisor - correctly demonstrating procedures and use of equipment.
• Performs tasks of department supervisor in his/her absence - as qualified to do including operating the department within policies and procedures, delegating duties and appropriately communicating information within the laboratory.
• Via the computer, accurately orders patient requests, and additional tests, modify orders, order slide labels, print specimen logs, and look up patient reports.
• Improves technical knowledge and skills by participating in continuing education through pertinent seminars, in-services, and reading technical literature.
• Participate in training and other learning opportunities to expand knowledge of company and position.
• Attends and productively engages in designated team and/or department meetings, which may or may not occur outside of scheduled shifts.

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATION/LICENSE

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college degree is a plus
• Active and valid US State-Issued Driver's License with acceptable motor vehicle record as defined and approved by the company's vehicle insurance carrier.
• Certified HT (ASCP): NAACLS accredited Histo Technician Program OR minimum of 60 college hours with at least 24 hours of science: 6 must be chemistry, 6 must be biology and the other 12 can be any combination of chemistry, biology, and medical laboratory technology. HT (ASCP) certification is required.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 1 year of experience required:
  1. Histology laboratory experience
• Laboratory and/or healthcare environment experience is a plus.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to demonstrate rigid accuracy in the identification of specimens and recording of names and numbers, experienced in embedding, cutting, routine, and special stains, as well as immunohistochemistry staining.
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and discretion regarding patient and other confidential information.
• Willingly accepts responsibilities and schedules assigned by the supervisor and pathologists.
• Strong aptitude and interest in science preferred.
• Must follow the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting, and maintaining records of test examinations.
• Must maintain records that demonstrate that proficiency testing samples are tested in the same manner as patient specimens.
• Must adhere to the laboratory's quality control policies, and document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations, and maintenance performed.
• Must follow the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Must be capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the supervisor or director.
• Must document all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Must be able to utilize and maintain slide label printer and report printer.
• Adheres to preventative maintenance schedules on all equipment in the department.
• Exhibits patience and approachability, sets positive tone and example for team member behavior, work ethic & quality, abilities, skills, and overall performance.
• Demonstrates ability to maintain confidentiality at all levels; acts with high integrity.
• Establishes and maintains solid interpersonal relationships with team members across all levels of an organization.
• Demonstrates and facilitates professional communication skills; must be able to understand, listen, write, and speak fluently, professionally, and, effectively in the English language.
• Motivated, responsible, and organized self-starter who excels at time management, timely follow-up, meeting commitments, and, possesses a passion for continuous learning and improvement.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. Pro-active ability to identify, assess, improve/refine, and solve complex challenges, processes, and/or situations.
• Ability to successfully work collaboratively within a team as well as independently with minimal supervision.
• Flexible and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth, team-based environment while successfully handling competing and ever-changing priorities and responsibilities with frequent interruptions.
• Solid track record of taking responsibility and holding one's self-accountable for high-quality task deliverables within established deadlines.
• Effective facilitation, collaboration, negotiation, and conflict resolution abilities.
• Professionally exhibit personal presentation as it relates to appearance, communication, and actions.
• Proficient software/computer skills utilizing various applications which include, but are not limited, to the following: MS Windows, MS Outlook, MS Word, MS Excel, health care database/systems, etc.
• Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality.
• Focused on overall team success vs. solely on individual success.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• We share a collaborative obligation to ensure that we conduct ourselves in the utmost ethical manner and that we hold each other accountable to the values and standards of the organization. Every employee has the responsibility to ask questions, seek guidance, and report concerns and/or violations of company policy or ethical standards.
• The organization has several processes in place to communicate with leadership and expects that employees will commit to integrity and uncompromising values.
• This position works in a demanding, fast-paced office and lab environment with the need to meet daily workload requirements. Incumbents may be exposed to chemicals and require the use of personal protection equipment and universal precautions.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers/keyboards/mice, printers, phones, mobile devices, photocopiers, filing cabinets, fax machines, etc. The noise level in the office work environment varies from moderate to loud.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear; sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; grasp and/or reach with hands and arms; repetitive movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close visual acuity and the ability to adjust focus to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; reading reports, various forms of charts or records, transcribing; viewing computer monitor(s); extensive reading; and legally operate a motor vehicle.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties and/or work various shifts as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish an employment contract and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

Monday through Friday 2:00 AM - 10:30 AM