Histologist

Rush University Medical Center • Chicago, IL

73d • $27 - $39 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for performing all laboratory testing required in the provision of slides for pathological diagnosis. This position requires teamwork to achieve common goals and meet deadlines to provide quality care to clients and patients. Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and resolving process issues that affect the laboratory's ability to perform laboratory testing. Serve as an expert within the assigned field of responsibility. Instruct students, residents, and new employees. Evaluate their performance within established deadlines.

Exemplifies the Rush Mission, Vision, and Values and acts in accordance with Rush policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Associate of Science Degree in a relevant science OR High School/GED diploma with a minimum of two years of microtomy or histological technique work experience
• HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP) or eligible
• Minimally cut 30-35 blocks per hour daily. Meets turnaround time expectations for specimen processing 90% of the time.

Nice To Haves

• Certification as an HT(ASCP) or HTL(ASCP)

Responsibilities

• Utilizes required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as defined by the lab area.
• Follows all required safety procedures.
• Ensures all testing is performed following Rush approved policies and procedures.
• Disinfects work area at the beginning and end of each shift.
• Maintains a clean, clutter free and well-organized area of responsibility, which includes cleaning of microtome, emptying water bath, filling blocks, and preparation of new solutions as defined by rotation schedule.
• Utilizes time effectively and seeks out additional job duties when shift tasks are complete.
• Uses computers and laboratory equipment according to established protocols.
• Follows Lab Information System downtime procedures as required.
• Adheres to the defined allotted time for breaks and lunch.
• Obtains and documents 12 hours of laboratory continuing education annually.
• Meets all departmental and laboratory required proficiency and competency requirements annually.
• Accepts and/or volunteers for method evaluations, new procedure development, or other special projects. Completes them within the agreed upon time frame.
• Serves as a technical expert for other laboratory staff.
• Participates in procedure implementation and training of new staff and students.
• Serves as owner of a quality assurance process.
• Proposes new ideas and modifications to existing practices and/or workflows for quality and/or process improvement.
• Processes and labels specimens accurately, being conscientious to avoid errors.
• Embeds tissue cassettes and sections paraffin blocks with accuracy and quality.
• Performs H&E and other special stains according to established protocols.
• Performs required quality control (QC) procedures and preventative maintenance, including corrective action and documentation, for all procedures and instrumentation.
• Performs troubleshooting on quality problems or discrepancies to determine the root cause of problems
• Performs troubleshooting of equipment and processes with minimal assistance, documents action and notifies supervisor or designee, of all problems all of the time.
• Recognizes acceptable specimens. Documents all specimen issues, whether related to processing, embedding or sectioning on the problem log. Notifies supervisor or designee of any issues related to a mishandling of specimen.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees