Pathology Senior Tech

Memorial Healthcare•Owosso, MI

About The Position

Assists pathologists with preparing specimens for histological and cytological examination, including tissue cutting and staining, and performs a full range of laboratory procedures. Organizes pathology services to support pathologists and meet departmental objectives. The role is responsible for testing, technical problem-solving, daily instrument operations, test-result validity, quality control, maintenance documentation, inventory, and compliance with applicable laboratory regulations. It also supports staff training and operational verification, quality-improvement work, and effective communication with laboratory staff and clients. Performs anatomic pathology procedures, including grossing, processing, embedding, cutting, and staining surgical biopsy and anatomical tissues for microscopic review. Assists pathologists with surgical specimens and autopsies, and assists cytologists with preparation and staining of FNA and non-GYN specimens. Ensures specimens meet accessioning criteria, maintains workload and performance records, and supports safe, patient- and family-centered care in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.

Requirements

Minimum of an associate degree.
Training in an accredited hospital and certification or registry as HT(ASCP), HTL(ASCP), MT(ASCP), CT(ASCP), or PA(ASCP).
Complete requirements for registration by the American Society of Clinical Pathologists as a Histology Technician, Cytotechnologist, or Pathology Assistant.
At least three years of prior related work experience in Anatomic Pathology.
Knowledge of basic anatomy and of equipment and techniques for handling tissues, including special staining.
Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, and laboratory/electronic information systems.
Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast-paced, changing, or stressful situations; read and interpret policies, instructions, regulations, rules, and laws.
Proficiency using modern office, computer, and telephone equipment.
Ability to communicate and interact professionally, courteously, and tactfully with coworkers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, and internal and external customers, including in written and electronic communications.
Ability to work as a team member, remain calm when encountering adversity, and maintain a positive, cooperative, and motivated attitude.
Ability to perform the physical activities described, including standing, kneeling, crouching, moving about, sitting, climbing stairs, bending, and frequently lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; may need to push, pull, or carry items weighing 20–100 pounds.
Ability to perceive objects and read at near and midrange distances; use hand and finger movements and tools or equipment requiring reaching; travel independently throughout the hospital and access patients and families in confined spaces.
Ability to speak and listen for work-related communication and to see and hear for work-related purposes.
Ability to provide care appropriate to the ages of patients served and understand lifespan growth and development, assess patient-status data, and identify age-specific needs in accordance with unit and division policies.

Responsibilities

Perform all testing in the section and resolve technical problems, including highly complex problems across laboratory sections.
Operate section instruments and perform manual staining, STAT testing, reagent preparation, and other anatomic pathology procedures.
Ensure daily test results are valid and maintain quality control, quality assurance, statistical, workload, and performance records.
Complete and document maintenance on equipment and instruments; maintain records of quality-control procedures.
Work with the administrative director on equipment and procedure selection, provide written recommendations to the Laboratory Manager, and supervise or conduct verification testing for new equipment and procedures.
Maintain adequate supplies, perform weekly inventory counts, and store and order supplies.
Gross, process, embed, cut, and stain surgical biopsy and anatomical tissues for light and fluorescent microscopic slide review.
Assist pathologists with cutting surgical specimens and autopsies, prepare tissues and special stains for review, and assist cytologists with FNA and non-GYN specimen preparation and staining.
Use laboratory computer systems to order tests, determine tests ordered, and report results within an appropriate timeframe.
Ensure specimens meet acceptance criteria for accessioning into the LIS and maintain workload records within Pathology.
Identify anatomic pathology section problems, recommend solutions, and take corrective action.
Compile data for special reports and quality-improvement activities; monitor QI projects and provide data by required deadlines.
Communicate, train, and verify laboratory staff's technical, procedural, and professional duties; document employee and instrument issues relevant to performance and evaluation.
Observe and monitor safety practices among coworkers and subordinates, maintain patient and employee confidentiality, and support patient safety.
Maintain knowledge of CAP, JCAHO, OSHA, and CLIA 88 regulations and explain section activities to inspectors.
Resolve client problems to their satisfaction, answer telephone calls professionally, and help other departments or assist patients when workflow permits.
File reports; enter, label, file, and store tissue specimens.
Complete continuing education for the Anatomic Pathology Department and perform special projects by established deadlines.
Support laboratory leadership in employee-related matters, including disciplinary action, workload redesign, and work-related personnel conflicts.
Follow hospital policies, procedures, mission, values, ethical standards, and customer-service requirements; perform other duties as assigned.