LEAD CYTOTECHNOLOGIST

Independence Health System•Butler Township, PA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Processes cytology specimens to produce quality slides. Examines cells on slide preparations for evidence of normality, abnormality and other pathological conditions. Oversees processes within the Cytology Department for processes and staff.

Requirements

Completion of Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
Three (3) years’ experience as a Cytologist.
Strong leadership ability, good organizational skills, independent and critical thinking skills, sound judgment.
Strong ability to communicate complex and/or controversial topics and concepts to a wide and diverse audience.
Functional Skills on PC and Related Software (Microsoft Office).

Nice To Haves

No preferred qualifications.

Responsibilities

Procedures, prepares and processes specimens to ensure maximum cellular retrieval while maintaining specimen integrity and identity.
prepares specimens, stains and processes slides for all cytological specimens in accordance with procedures
determines appropriate method of processing to aid in maximum cellular retrieval and specimen integrity
demonstrates and coordinates multiple tasks with precision and flexibility to provide quality slides within minimum turnaround time
serves as a resource person for cyto prep personnel
identifies problems, collects data to establish facts and draw valid conclusions; takes appropriate corrective action to resolve issues
assists pathologist/radiologist in collection of fine needle specimens
Demonstrates skills in utilization of Pathology, LIS and HIS computer system functions.
uses HIS effectively to retrieve information and process supply or work orders
accesses LIS for communication functions
demonstrates proficiency in use of the system intranet for informational purposes
works with pathology software on a daily basis to accurately enter and extract information
Uses the pathology software to document tracking issues, QA, etc.
Applies knowledge of pathological disease states to evaluate microscopic cell preparations. Correlates with patient history to determine the presence of abnormalities.
demonstrates a knowledge of principles of cellular development of human life and disease stages
screens gynecological slides accurately, reports results in accordance to current system and refers abnormal cellular findings to a pathologist
screens non-gynecological smears accurately, records findings and refers all slides to a pathologist in a timely manner
verifies results prior to release
reads and comprehends final results to abstract pertinent information and statistics
determines course of action to be taken based on analysis results; performs billing, documentation or ordering of reflexed tests as appropriate
interprets an extensive variety of diagnoses
Utilizes and maintains the Cytyc imager system to screen cytology slides.
maintains imaging system and backup data according to manufacturer's guidelines
evaluates error logs after each imager run
maintains error rates due to technical problems (slides that fail imaging) at less than or equal to 7%
troubleshoots, reads and interprets error codes, finds resolution to problems, documents appropriately
Coordinates quality control activities to comply with regulations and guidelines.
responsible for performance, evaluation and documentation of appropriate quality control procedures
recognizes, takes corrective action to resolve, and documents quality control issues
maintains policy and procedure manuals to assure compliance
assures that remedial actions are taken when test systems deviate from established performance standards
Interfaces with members of section, manager, pathologists and other healthcare providers to gather and exchange information to expedite the delivery of laboratory services and results
communicates, in a timely and professional manner, with physician and office personnel regarding physician orders and specimen integrity issues
responds positively to requests for assistance in the collection of cytologic specimens, e.g. fine needle aspirates
interacts with pathologists in active professional discussion involving the applied knowledge of cytologic findings and clinical interpretations, while maintaining utmost confidentiality
provides technical assistance and expertise to staff to resolve technical and operational problems
Facilitates the timely progression of cytology cases through the Pathology department.
coordinates and organizes work processes to maintain operational preparedness
monitors the progression of cases to minimize turnaround time
responds positively to priority requests for assistance in the collection of cytologic specimens, e.g. fine needle aspirates
maintains files and slides to facilitate easy and reliable retrieval
maintains case turnaround times to comply with CAP guidelines
Maintains technical and theoretical expertise in the field of cytology in order to serve as a resource to staff.
remains current in developments in the field of cytology
incorporates critical thinking and analytical skills to resolve complex problems
correlates patient data to disease state in order to assess possibility of inconsistent results/sources of error; takes corrective action to resolve
maintains a working knowledge of appropriate billing and CPT coding practices in cytology
involved in development and implementation of new protocols
identifies cost containment opportunities
recommends revisions to workflow and procedures to promote new and innovative approaches to service delivery
Coordinates quality management activities to comply with all regulations and guidelines
responsible for performance and documentation of quality management activities
monitors ASCUS, HSIL, LSIL, etc. as recommended by regulatory guidelines and laboratory management; communicates findings to physicians’ offices as appropriate
maintains policy and procedure manuals to assure compliance as related to quality management, record retention, proficiency testing, billing and results reporting
identifies cost containment opportunities
recommends revisions to workflow and procedures to promote new and innovative approaches to service delivery
compiles slide statistics
works with laboratory manager to identify and assess annual competencies for cytoprep staff
Recommend, develop and maintains section operations to assure compliance with regulatory agencies(CLIA'88, CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, DOH) as related, but not limited to:
quality control
quality management
record retention
proficiency testing
billing
safety
results reporting
waste management
Other duties as assigned.
Demonstrates a general broad knowledge of laboratory operations, uses judgment skills in assigned work areas to facilitate the investigation and resolution of problem situations
demonstrates a knowledge of the theoretical aspects of laboratory tests and methods; serves as a resource for cytology staff; advises manager of continuing education and training opportunities
evaluates laboratory data to assess the need for recollection and/or repeat testing of the specimen
reassigns work stations as needed to resolve problem situations
incorporates learned theory, recognizing the interdependence of test and physiological conditions influencing results, identifies and resolves problems
recognizes and resolves complex instrumentation issues, confers with manufacturer's field engineers or technical personnel as needed
consults manager/director when correct course of action is in question
initiates corrective action when test systems deviate from established performance standards
Recognizes the need for and demonstrates a willingness to lead a section that delivers quality laboratory services
interacts with other healthcare providers to interpret laboratory results within the framework of cytology, and does so in a courteous and professional manner
recognizes opportunities for positive interaction with healthcare workers in other disciplines, showing a willingness to resolve issues as they occur
advises other staff and appropriately holds them accountable to comply with quality, accuracy and procedural requirements
demonstrates a consistent ability to assess a situation from multiple perspectives, considering alternatives before choosing an appropriate course of action
recognizes and responds independently to needs of the laboratory staff to achieve timely delivery of laboratory services
takes an active role in staff training, e.g. technical training at the bench
discuss quality issues and questions with pathologists
Demonstrates initiative and participates in self and operational development.
leads section preparation for accreditation (CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, DOH, etc.), delegates accreditation tasks to technical personnel and assures completion
completes all assigned procedures during shift and regularly uses time to laboratory advantage; manages additional responsibilities within the time frame assigned
oversees and participates in the updating and maintenance of policy and procedure manuals
recommends and assists in the implementation of workflow process changes; promotes new and innovative approaches to operations while complying with all regulatory requirements; identifies cost containment opportunities
assumes supervisory responsibilities in absence of supervisor
provides input as requested into performance reviews and hiring decisions
recognizes opportunities for lean process improvements; works to develop and implement
Complies and holds other technical staff accountable for compliance with all established guidelines as documented in policies and procedures
monitors quality control and quality management for variance to approved protocol and reports to supervisor
monitors the reporting and documentation of critical values and read back verifications according to policy
participates in, reviews and evaluates proficiency testing, documents corrective action as needed, confers with supervisor