Sr. Pathology Laboratory Asst -Histology & Cytology

Orlando Health•Orlando, FL

18h

About The Position

The Senior Pathology Laboratory Assistant supports pathology laboratory operations, including specimen workflow, preparation and handling of tissue samples, and support for pathologists and residents. The role coordinates efficient workflow, receives and accessions pathology specimens in the electronic health record, and delivers and stores samples. It also involves preparing the autopsy suite and assisting with autopsy procedures to facilitate the pathologist and residents. The position helps ensure patient care and safety, maintains laboratory equipment and work areas, supports quality improvement and infection control practices, and complies with organizational policies and confidentiality requirements. Additional assigned functions may include preparing cytology specimens, filing and requisitions, handling reports, and preparing blocks and slides for external review or additional procedures.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
At least three years of experience in the department.
Knowledge of proper specimen collection and handling requirements.

Responsibilities

Direct staff to meet corporate and departmental expectations for specimen workflow and delegate tasks effectively.
Act as a liaison between the laboratory, physicians, nursing personnel, ancillary departments, clients, and vendors outside the laboratory.
Enforce policies, rules, and regulations, and communicate issues and departmental status to the immediate supervisor.
Oversee registration, receipt, and accessioning of pathology specimens in the electronic health record as needed.
Follow up on patient care issues and resolve the outstanding and expected list daily to identify missing sample opportunities.
Coordinate, organize, and perform tasks required to ensure patient care and safety.
Inventory, file, and dispose of pathology specimens.
Organize and load tissue specimens on tissue processors and triage frozen sections to expedite processing.
Retrieve and file paraffin-embedded blocks and slides; retrieve tissue specimens, blocks, and slides for pathologists, residents, or supervisors.
Perform and document solution changes on tissue processors and stainers, and maintain instruments and work areas in clean, functional condition.
Train staff as required.
Report environmental or mechanical issues to Engineering or Biomed through work orders and report IT issues through timely ticket requests.
Perform other assigned functions, which may include filing, requisitions, reports, preparation of cytology specimens, retrieving and faxing reports to physician offices, and preparing blocks and slides for outside review or additional procedures.
Maintain reasonably regular and punctual attendance consistent with applicable policies and standards, and comply with Orlando Health policies and procedures.
Participate actively in the laboratory quality improvement program.
Practice infection control and safety, and maintain a clean and organized work area.
Maintain confidentiality of patient records and hospital and departmental matters.
Order and stock necessary supplies, and maximize productivity, customer satisfaction, and profitability.
Document specimen quality issues.
Work flexible hours to meet departmental needs.