Histotechnologist, Full Time, 1st Shift

Huntsville Hospital Health System•Decatur, AL

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Provides technical support to the Pathologists and guidance to the Histology department by performing high volume, repetitive procedures in anatomical pathology. This role involves receiving specimens and requisitions, maintaining and operating highly technical automated instrumentation, and responding to verbal requests from Pathologists according to standard operating procedures. The Histotechnologist will also perform secretarial responsibilities and other duties as required by Lab Management and the Pathologists to support the hospital’s mission.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved Histotech program.
HT or HTL (ASCP) registry certification.
Knowledge of anatomic, physiologic, pathological procedures, and medical terminology.
Above average typing skills.
Above average computer skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in histopathology, under the supervision of a pathologist.
Experience with dictating machines.
Experience with word processing programs.
Prior medical transcription/secretarial experience.

Responsibilities

Performs medical laboratory tests, procedures, and analyses for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Demonstrates understanding of departmental policies and procedures, performing procedures accurately and precisely, and taking responsibility for procedure manual updates.
Receives specimens, verifies identification and acceptability, and maintains an accurate accession log.
Labels cassettes legibly and accurately with the appropriate accession number.
Processes cassettes in the tissue processor at designated times following established procedures.
Practices infection control procedures for the protection of self, patients, and others.
Adheres to laboratory policies regarding safety, including personal protective equipment, engineering controls, and disposal of contaminated equipment.
Performs daily and routine maintenance, documenting any corrective actions or problems encountered, and notifying supervisors of unscheduled maintenance.
Accurately embeds specimens in appropriate embedding media and orients each specimen.
Correctly cuts blocks and prepares slides using a microtome according to established procedures.
Logs reagents upon receipt and opening, discards expired reagents and supplies, and rotates stock to minimize waste.
Ensures the work area is well-stocked and notifies the appropriate person when inventory levels are low.
Keeps the work area clean, neat, and disinfected daily.
Performs all required staining procedures accurately, including quality control, and evaluates stains for appropriate reactions.
Correctly mounts stained slides using appropriate media.
Labels all slides in an accurate and legible manner.
Prepares reagents, stains, fixatives, etc., according to written protocols.
Files and retrieves slides/blocks as needed.
Verifies that the proper specimen is being analyzed for the proper patient and for the indicated test procedures.
Judges the adequacy of submitted specimens.
Coordinates a simultaneous series of tests with accuracy and adjusts schedules in response to Stat orders and workload fluctuations.
Organizes work to ensure procedures are performed within established turnaround times.
Applies knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and English language rules to transcription, clarifying unclear or incomplete diction.
Accurately compiles data for QI reports in a timely manner.
Assists pathologists in the preparation for Tumor Conference and other presentations.
Assesses situations, considers alternatives, and chooses an appropriate course of action.
Mails, receives, and tracks all consultation documents as necessary.
Is proficient in all necessary computer functions in the Meditech LIS and HIS for Histotech duties.
Recognizes and immediately reports any computer malfunction to supervisory personnel or follows established protocols for reporting and troubleshooting.
Charges and/or credits procedures as needed.
Strives to remain current with job and professional technology through retraining, in-services, continuing education, and independent learning.
Participates in training new employees.
Follows required regulatory guidelines and acceptable practices.
Follows CAP and other regulatory guidelines governing acceptable practice and protocol for laboratory practices.
Is aware of Patient Safety Goals and strives to meet them.