Cytotechnologist

Advocate Health and Hospitals Corporation•Rosemont, IL

14d•Onsite

About The Position

The Cytotechnologist will demonstrate working and theoretical knowledge of diagnostic principles and interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic evaluations, ensuring consistent screening productivity. This role involves evaluating patient samples to determine the absence or presence of malignant and pre-malignant changes, infectious and inflammatory processes, and providing accurate diagnoses within department guidelines. The Cytotechnologist will maintain a false negative fraction and major/minor discrepancy within acceptable ranges set by the Supervisor Technical Lab, and adhere to screening limits and workload policies as required by CLIA'88. Responsibilities include ensuring specimens are properly identified, labeled, data entered, and suitable for testing, as well as identifying and correcting errors in patient demographics, clinical history, specimen identification, and billing. The role also ensures reports are precise, accurate, and timely according to the quality assurance program. Additionally, the Cytotechnologist will assist in preparing cytology slides from fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures using proper technique, and may perform, evaluate, and monitor quality control and quality assurance for cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, noting trends and identifying issues. Troubleshooting equipment, validating instruments, and testing according to established protocols are also key functions. The position requires recognizing indicators of test and/or instrument malfunction, evaluating and implementing appropriate corrections, and documenting all pertinent information for quality assurance/improvement. Monitoring workflow and making necessary adjustments to complete work in an appropriate timeframe, and utilizing all required computer information systems appropriately are essential. The role involves following policy for reporting and entering results in the department computer system, referring cases for quality control review and pathologist interpretation, and understanding, following, and assisting in improving laboratory procedures, policies, and processes. Supporting change efforts within the organization and contributing to their successful implementation, as well as ensuring compliance with all accrediting agency standards, are also part of the role. The Cytotechnologist will provide general direction and technical assistance to lab aides, pathologists, colleagues, client services, and clients, and must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Requirements

Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or Cytotechnologist (CT) certification issued by the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) needs to be obtained within 1 year.
Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or Bachelor's Degree in Cytotechnology.
No experience required.
Minimum one year of training in a school of cytotechnology that is approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP).
Required to participate in cytology proficiency testing and continuing education, having a minimum of 12 credit hours.
Attend and participate with mandatory in-services and department meetings.
Have a working knowledge of cytologic specimen processing.
Maintain constructive and effective communication to enhance department performance.
Must be able to work well with others in a team to complete tasks.
Must be able to demonstrate computer competency and be detail oriented.
Maintain current knowledge of and comply with contents of all pertinent policy and procedure manuals.
Maintain patient confidentiality in and out of the workplace.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates working and theoretical knowledge of diagnostic principles and interpretation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic evaluations and consistent screening productivity.
Evaluates patient samples to determine the absence or presence of malignant and pre-malignant changes, infectious and inflammatory processes.
Identifies and provides accurate diagnoses within the department guidelines.
Maintains a false negative fraction and major/minor discrepancy within acceptable range set by the Supervisor Technical Lab.
Follows screening limits and workload policy as required by the Clinical Laboratories Improvement Amendment of 1988 (CLIA'88).
Ascertains specimens are properly identified, labeled, data entered and suitable for testing.
Identifies and corrects, as needed, patient demographics, clinical history, specimen identification and billing errors.
Ensures reports are precise, accurate and timely according to the quality assurance program.
Assists and prepares cytology slides from fine needle aspiration (FNA) procedures using the proper technique.
May perform, evaluate and monitor quality control and quality assurance for cytology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, noting trends and identifying issues.
Troubleshoots equipment, validates instruments, and tests according to established protocols.
Recognizes indicators of test and/or instrument malfunction; evaluates and implements appropriate corrections.
Documents all appropriate information for quality assurance/improvement according to established protocol.
Monitors workflow and makes necessary adjustment to complete work in an appropriate time frame.
Utilizes all required computer information systems appropriately.
Follows policy for reporting and entering results in the department computer system.
Refers cases for quality control review and pathologist interpretation.
Understands, follows, and assists in improving laboratory procedures, policies, and processes.
Supports change efforts within the organization and contributes to their successful implementation.
Ensures compliance with all accrediting agency standards.
Provides general direction and technical assistance to lab aides, pathologists, colleagues, client services and clients.
Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.

Benefits

Base compensation listed within the listed pay range based on factors such as qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and/or training
Premium pay such as shift, on call, and more based on a teammate's job
Incentive pay for select positions
Opportunity for annual increases based on performance
Paid Time Off programs
Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life, and Short- and Long-Term Disability
Flexible Spending Accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
Family benefits such as adoption assistance and paid parental leave
Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs
Educational Assistance Program