Histotechnician-Casual Rotating Shifts

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • DeKalb, IL

13d • $28 - $40 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a casual, as-needed Histotechnician position at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures according to department SOPs and guidelines, producing stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by a Pathologist. The role communicates with pathologists, residents, and coordinators or supervisors about specimen problems and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program.

The position performs tissue processing, embedding, paraffin block reconciliation, microtomy, routine and special staining, coverslipping, and frozen-tissue sectioning. It also includes appropriate specimen and quality documentation, troubleshooting instrument and staining issues, and, where applicable, assisting with gross examination, dissection, and tissue selection. The Histotechnician prioritizes work according to assignments and established guidelines, responds to STAT requests and workflow changes, uses independent judgment, and maintains a clean, safe, compliant laboratory environment. Other duties may include quality investigations, training or teaching, safety activities, and process-improvement or specimen-problem resolution projects.

Requirements

• For hires after 01/19/2025, an associate degree with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry; alternatively, successful completion of 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited college or university, including a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry, qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam.
• Provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
• Obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within one year of hire.
• Meet requirements for performing high-complexity testing under federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC and CAP).

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree as a Histotechnician.

Responsibilities

• Perform cassette-log reconciliation and operate conventional and microwave tissue processors; recognize, resolve, and document standard processor alarms.
• Embed biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues when applicable; assess processing adequacy, identify and orient tissues correctly, and document tracking and quality issues.
• Perform and document routine paraffin block reconciliation and prioritize blocks according to established guidelines.
• Operate a microtome according to SOP, selecting block orientation, alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Assess section quality and determine when tissue requires deviation from standard procedures to produce diagnostic sections.
• Document specimen identification and technical and clerical processes in the laboratory information system and on cassettes, slides, and logs as required.
• Operate automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip slides; use manual methods during instrument downtime; recognize, resolve, and document unacceptable results or instrument failures.
• Perform special staining using automated and manual methods; identify appropriate controls and evaluate stains microscopically.
• Section and stain frozen tissue, correct staining deficiencies, and document stains and quality issues.
• Perform or assist with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue when applicable; resolve discrepancies and escalate issues to a supervisor or Pathologist as needed.
• Use dictation equipment to document descriptions when applicable.
• Investigate, escalate, and document discrepancies and unresolved issues.
• Prioritize technical workload, respond to workflow changes, and adjust work to accommodate STAT requests or fluctuations in volume.
• Use laboratory equipment proficiently and safely while meeting defined turnaround times.
• Perform required Quality System responsibilities, including initiating Quality Investigation Reports when needed.
• Report equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment; clean and disinfect laboratory areas and perform minor spill cleanup according to SOP.
• Notify the coordinator promptly about supply issues and follow safety procedures; may participate in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Pursue personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
• May participate in training or teaching students and staff.
• Perform other assigned duties and may assist with process-improvement projects or patient-specimen problem resolution, including root cause analysis.

Benefits

• The employer describes a wide range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection against unexpected life events; eligibility depends on employment classification.
• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree