Pathologist Assistant

Ellis Medicine•Schenectady, NY

87d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pathologist Assistant performs gross descriptions and dissections of tissue specimens submitted to the laboratory for pathological examination under the supervision of a Pathologist. This role provides technical support for frozen sections and performs designated histology functions to ensure service levels are maintained. The ideal candidate functions as a seamless extension of the pathologist, understanding workflow, maintaining high accuracy, and ensuring patient safety.

Requirements

Baccalaureate or higher degree in an NYSED-registered program, OR a NAACLS-accredited pathologists’ assistant program, OR a determined substantial equivalent.
Must be licensed as a Pathologists’ Assistant by the New York State Education Department (NYSED).
Independent, mature, self-motivated, reliable, and responsible.
Able to deal with all types of customers in a pleasant, professional manner.
Exceptional organizational capacity to manage high-volume workflows.
Ability to troubleshoot technical and workflow problems effectively.
Verifies inpatient and outpatient laboratory specimens using Proper Patient ID protocols.
Adheres strictly to infection control, safety, chemical hygiene, and hazardous waste disposal regulations.
Maintains a clean, safe, and organized grossing workstation.
Always Utilizes appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Documents and reports all laboratory accidents, exposures, or safety hazards immediately.
Demonstrates full proficiency in the daily use of the LIS for specimen logging, tracking, and data entry.
Inputs accurate, complete, and timely data into the LIS for every specimen.
Utilizes LIS barcode scanning features to track specimens throughout the processing lifecycle.
Cross-checks LIS data fields against physical specimen labels to prevent misidentification.
Follows established laboratory downtime procedures during system outages, including utilizing manual logs, paper requisitions, and backup temporary numbering systems.
Accurately back-enters manual downtime data into the LIS once the system is fully restored to ensure complete medical records.
Adheres to patient privacy laws (HIPAA) by accessing LIS data on a strictly need-to-know basis.
Reports LIS software glitches, communication errors, or charting discrepancies to laboratory IT immediately.
Ensures absolute accuracy in specimen labeling, cassette numbering, and data entry.
Resolves specimen discrepancies or processing errors prior to dissection.
Monitors, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment, automated processors, and instruments.
Coordinates daily workflow with histology technicians to meet established section turnaround.

Nice To Haves

Must accept constructive feedback from co-workers and manager/supervisor/technical specialist and respond by working to improve behaviors or performance if appropriate
Supports and accepts hospital policies, decisions and changes.
Reads all department and organizational communication in a timely manner.
Completes all mandatory hospital and department- based competencies within the required time frame.

Responsibilities

Performs gross descriptions and dissections of tissue specimens.
Provides technical support for frozen sections.
Performs designated histology functions.
Examines, measures, weighs, and describes gross features of surgical specimens.
Dissects tissue samples under the direct or indirect supervision of a Pathologist.
Selects and submits relevant diagnostic tissue sections for subsequent histopathological processing.
Dictates accurate, concise gross findings using laboratory dictation and information systems.
Provides rapid technical support during intraoperative frozen section consultations.
Performs precise tissue embedding, freezing, and microtome cryostat sectioning.
Stains and mounts frozen slides quickly for immediate diagnostic review by the Pathologist.
Demonstrates full proficiency in the daily use of the LIS for specimen logging, tracking, and data entry.
Inputs accurate, complete, and timely data into the LIS for every specimen.
Utilizes LIS barcode scanning features to track specimens throughout the processing lifecycle.
Cross-checks LIS data fields against physical specimen labels to prevent misidentification.
Follows established laboratory downtime procedures during system outages, including utilizing manual logs, paper requisitions, and backup temporary numbering systems.
Accurately back-enters manual downtime data into the LIS once the system is fully restored to ensure complete medical records.
Adheres to patient privacy laws (HIPAA) by accessing LIS data on a strictly need-to-know basis.
Reports LIS software glitches, communication errors, or charting discrepancies to laboratory IT immediately.
Ensures absolute accuracy in specimen labeling, cassette numbering, and data entry.
Resolves specimen discrepancies or processing errors prior to dissection.
Monitors, cleans, and maintains laboratory equipment, automated processors, and instruments.
Coordinates daily workflow with histology technicians to meet established section turnaround.