Histology Assistant

Advocate Health•Skaneateles, NY

3d•$23 - $34

About The Position

The Histology Assistant supports the anatomic pathology department by maintaining inventory, supplies, reagents, equipment, and computer hardware. The role handles and verifies incoming specimens, prepares tissue sections and cytology cellblock cassettes for processing, and assists pathologists or pathology assistants with gross examination of surgical specimens. It also supports fine needle aspirates, maintains workload records, and files and retrieves slides and blocks in accordance with retention requirements. The position follows laboratory safety and regulatory requirements, supports timely patient service and turnaround times, and uses the Hospital Information System (HIS) and Laboratory Information System (LIS) for specimen accessioning, order entry, charges, credits, and related functions. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with variable start times between 7:00 and 8:30, eight-hour shifts four days per week, totaling 32 hours weekly. The role may include alternate-site assignment and on-call work for autopsies.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
No experience required.
Knowledge of human anatomy.
Knowledge of biologic sciences and medical terminology.
Ability to safely handle sharp instruments.
Detail-oriented, with good organizational and communication skills.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, which may include alternate-site assignment and on-call work for autopsies.
Keyboarding and typing skills.
Proficient computer skills.
Ability to operate all equipment necessary to perform the job.
Ability to handle stressful situations calmly and professionally.

Responsibilities

Maintain adequate inventory of supplies and reagents; monitor reorder and preparation levels, order supplies, follow up on back orders or incorrect orders, and store and label supplies appropriately.
Maintain departmental equipment and computer hardware, perform and document routine preventive maintenance, and document technical problems.
Identify and resolve technical problems related to laboratory methods, instrumentation, and procedures, notifying a supervisor as appropriate.
Verify the identification and validity of specimens received from surgery, the Emergency Department, nursing units, and physician offices; notify the initiating unit and document unacceptable identification or validity issues.
Follow laboratory safety procedures and comply with OSHA, FDA, EPA, CAP, CLIA, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Prepare tissue sections and cytology cellblock cassettes for histological processing.
Assist pathologists or pathology assistants with gross examination of surgical specimens and label tissue cassettes.
Maintain accurate daily workload records and assist with fine needle aspirates, including processing and logging specimens for referral laboratories.
Accurately file and retrieve stained slides and blocks in accordance with legal record-retention requirements.
Meet patient-service and job-assignment turnaround-time standards; initiate follow-up when results exceed established criteria and process frozen sections promptly according to site protocols.
Use HIS and LIS functions competently, recognize unusual system operations, notify appropriate personnel, and follow downtime procedures during system failures or scheduled downtime.
Perform computer functions including specimen accessioning, credits, charges, order entry, and printing labels and reports.