Histotechnician Per Diem

UnitedHealth Group•Everett, WA

5d•$24 - $43•Onsite

About The Position

For those who want to invent the future of health care, here's your opportunity. We're going beyond basic care to health programs integrated across the entire continuum of care. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. In this role, the Histotechnician (HT) assumes a critical position within the laboratory, contributing significantly to the diagnostic process by meticulously preparing tissue samples for microscopic examination. Under the guidance of pathologists and laboratory management, responsibilities encompass the processing, embedding, sectioning, staining, and mounting of tissue specimens. The HT must demonstrate a high level of precision, attention to detail, and strict adherence to laboratory protocols to ensure the generation of accurate and reliable results. The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that could be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment. Primary Responsibilities: Tissue Processing: Execute both routine and complex procedures with a comprehensive understanding of tissue structures, methodologies, and advanced instrumentation. Execute various tissue processing techniques, including fixation, dehydration, clearing, and infiltration, to prepare specimens for further analysis Embedding: Embed processed tissue specimens in paraffin wax, ensuring proper orientation and alignment for accurate sectioning Microtomy: Operate microtomes to produce thin, uniform sections of embedded tissue for mounting on slides Staining: Perform routine and special staining techniques, including IHC staining, to enhance the visibility of cellular structures in tissue sections, ensuring quality and consistency Slide Preparation: QC coverslipped stained sections, ensuring optimal cellular distinction, label, and distribute slides for pathologist review Quality Control: Conduct quality control procedures to assess the integrity of processed specimens, identifying and addressing any anomalies or deviations. Participate in quality control and assurance programs, promptly reporting any issues or discrepancies Equipment Operation and Maintenance: Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments used in tissue processing, staining, and embedding Specimen Management: Accession, process, embed, cut, and stain various tissue specimens. Ensure compliance with labeling requirements and availability of clinical information Recordkeeping: Maintain detailed records of accessioning, labeling, and tracking specimens for accurate documentation and traceability Compliance with SOPs and Safety Protocols: Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols for a clean and organized work environment and safe handling of hazardous materials Collaboration: Work closely with pathologists and laboratory personnel for a smooth workflow and accurate specimen analysis. Assist in training and orienting new staff members Duties integrated into all job functions: All staff members are to promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients Must relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions: (a) get along with co-workers or peers without exhibiting behavioral extreme; (b) perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others; and (c) respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor Performs all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values Integrates Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction Must follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements Ensures confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and organization policies Attends training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by organization policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations Have regular and predictable attendance You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Requirements

Certificate/License: Histotechnician (HT) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or another national accrediting agency is preferred.
BLS certification is required or obtained within the first 30 days of employment
1+ years of practical experience in histology techniques including specimen and tissue preparation is preferred

Nice To Haves

Preferred Education: An earned associate degree in a chemical or biological science or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution, OR education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following:
60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that include 6 semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination, AND
Laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLS, or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above), OR at least three months of recorded laboratory training in gross examination of tissue
Knowledge: The HT should possess an extensive understanding of tissue structures, methodologies, and advanced instrumentation to proficiently execute both routine and complex procedures. A deep comprehension of pathological and physiological conditions impacting test results and tissue staining is essential. Knowledge of quality control procedures, including monitoring and addressing unacceptable controls, is crucial. Additionally, familiarity with regulatory standards, such as those set by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), ensures adherence to industry benchmarks. The HT should stay abreast of advancements in histology techniques through continuous learning opportunities and professional development
Skill: This role demands a diverse set of technical skills. Proficiency in specimen management, encompassing accessioning, processing, gross examination, embedding, cutting, and staining, is paramount. The HT must exhibit meticulous attention to detail in coverslipping stained sections and verifying optimal cellular distinction. Technical troubleshooting skills are essential for recognizing and addressing both routine and complex issues. Expertise in instrument maintenance, including verifying functionality, changing solutions, and promptly addressing defects, is required. The ability to handle and dispose of biohazardous and chemically hazardous materials safely is a critical skill. Versatility in performing duties across multiple roles within the Histology department is also essential
Ability: The HT should demonstrate the ability to coordinate workflow efficiently, providing adept assistance in specimen accessioning and collaborating with supervisory staff to meet priorities. This role requires adaptability, particularly in performing duties associated with various positions within the Histology department during heavy workloads or staffing shortages. Strong communication and collaboration abilities contribute to fostering a positive work environment. Adherence to values, policies, and regulatory standards showcases ethical and professional conduct. The HT should possess the ability to continuously develop and enhance skills through attendance at training sessions, ensuring compliance with occupational safety and health regulations, and staying current with industry best practices. Ability to stand for extended periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds

Responsibilities

Execute both routine and complex procedures with a comprehensive understanding of tissue structures, methodologies, and advanced instrumentation.
Execute various tissue processing techniques, including fixation, dehydration, clearing, and infiltration, to prepare specimens for further analysis
Embed processed tissue specimens in paraffin wax, ensuring proper orientation and alignment for accurate sectioning
Operate microtomes to produce thin, uniform sections of embedded tissue for mounting on slides
Perform routine and special staining techniques, including IHC staining, to enhance the visibility of cellular structures in tissue sections, ensuring quality and consistency
QC coverslipped stained sections, ensuring optimal cellular distinction, label, and distribute slides for pathologist review
Conduct quality control procedures to assess the integrity of processed specimens, identifying and addressing any anomalies or deviations.
Participate in quality control and assurance programs, promptly reporting any issues or discrepancies
Operate and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments used in tissue processing, staining, and embedding
Accession, process, embed, cut, and stain various tissue specimens. Ensure compliance with labeling requirements and availability of clinical information
Maintain detailed records of accessioning, labeling, and tracking specimens for accurate documentation and traceability
Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safety protocols for a clean and organized work environment and safe handling of hazardous materials
Work closely with pathologists and laboratory personnel for a smooth workflow and accurate specimen analysis.
Assist in training and orienting new staff members
Promote a positive and productive work environment by acting maturely and responsibly, satisfactorily performing job responsibilities, and conducting themselves professionally, courteously, and respectfully toward fellow employees, physicians, and patients
Relate to other people beyond giving and receiving instructions
Perform work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading, or speaking with others
Respond openly and appropriately to feedback regarding performance from a supervisor
Perform all duties in a manner that promotes and supports the Core Values
Integrate Lean principles, practices, and tools to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and increase customer satisfaction
Follow written and oral instructions and complete routine tasks independently
Complete all compliance training, including but not limited to HIPAA/Privacy/Confidentiality/Non-Discrimination/Harassment/Integrity Statement and signed Agreements
Ensure confidentiality of patient information by following HIPAA guidelines and organization policies
Attend training to meet job position requirements and as needed or mandated by organization policies, Div. of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), OSHA, L&I, and other state/federal regulations
Have regular and predictable attendance