Histo Tech II

JOB SUMMARY

Assists pathologist in preparing specimens for analysis; performs staining and tissue cutting; prepares stains and solutions; organizes the Pathology service to best assist pathologist. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient, family or employee experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Grosses, processes, embeds, cuts and stains surgical biopsy and anatomical tissues for light and fluorescent microscopic slide review.
• Performs histological procedures as defined by medical director, analyzes and corrects problems using scientific principles.
• Assist pathologist in cutting of surgical specimens and autopsies.
• Perform all professional activities related to anatomic pathology.
• Operate current instrumentation.
• Perform manual staining.
• Accessioning, labeling, filing and storage of tissue, slides and paraffin blocks.
• Maintains quality control of all staining, cutting and other procedures.
• Generally, assist pathologist in Cytological and Histological procedures.
• Assists cytologist with staining/preparation of FNAs and Non-GYN specimens.
• Assist in necropsies: setting up, cleaning and taking notes.
• Retrieves specimens from Surgery and patient care areas.
• Prepares Pathology solutions.
• Maintains Pathology equipment.
• Participates in recording workload documentation for Pathology.
• Assures timely result reporting.
• Is on call for pathology needs; including occasional weekends.
• Answers Anatomic Pathology telephone in a courteous manner.
• Uses time wisely and works efficiently.
• Able to load patient specimens into the tissue processor.
• Observes patient and employee confidentiality as described by the privacy policies of this institution.
• 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.
• Demonstrates knowledge of, and supports hospital mission, vision, and value statements, standards, policies, procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service
• Standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• 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. (See attached for specific age ranges of patients served).

DEPARTMENTAL AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists Senior Tech in evaluating equipment necessary for the department.
• Order and store supplies.
• May be required to perform other related duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Minimum Associate Degree;
• Training in an accredited institution with certification or registry as HT (ASCP), HTL (ASCP) or obtain within 18 months.

EXPERIENCE

• Complete requirements for registration by American Society of Clinical Pathologists as a Histology Technician/Technologist within 18 months of hiring.

JOB KNOWLEDGE

• Basic anatomy. Understand equipment and techniques for handling tissues, including special staining.

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.

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Speaking/Hearing: Ability to give and receive information through speaking and listening.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

• Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

• Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
• 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

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

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

• 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.
• Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
• Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
• Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.