Surgical Pathology Technologist-Hospital Lab Part-time Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Mchenry, IL

12d • $26 - $40

About The Position

The Surgical Pathology Technologist supports pathologists and residents with gross examination and dissection of designated specimens, specimen receipt, laboratory information system order entry, tissue preparation, sample referral and delivery, supply orders, and customer service. The role communicates with clients, pathologists, residents, and supervisors about specimen problems and participates in the laboratory occurrence management program.

The position works 32 hours per two weeks, in 8-hour day shifts. Duties include receiving, verifying, accessioning, documenting, processing, storing, and disposing of specimens in accordance with standard operating procedures and applicable regulatory and accreditation requirements. The technologist may also assist with intra-operative consultations, cryostat sectioning and staining, specimen photography, autopsy procedures, and resident instruction. Some assignments involve prolonged standing and walking between hospital and clinic buildings. Personal protective equipment is provided and worn because of possible exposure to biohazardous or chemically hazardous materials.

Requirements

• Associate of Science degree, preferably in biological sciences, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or another related field.
• Computer experience with keyboard proficiency.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science degree, preferably in biological sciences, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or another related field.
• Prior laboratory support or health-related work experience.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with clients, pathologists, residents, and supervisors about specimen problems, escalating issues to management as appropriate.
• Participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.
• Perform or assist with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination of designated specimens.
• Verify that specimen and requisition labels match before examination, resolve discrepancies, and escalate issues when necessary.
• Use dictation equipment to document specimen descriptions according to procedure.
• Verify specimen identity against cassette identity before tissue submission; document cassettes and tissues accurately and legibly in logs and the laboratory information system.
• Perform or assist with specimen photography or microphotography.
• Assist with intra-operative consultations; cut and stain cryostat sections for microscopic review and maintain staining setups and cryostats according to SOPs.
• Reconcile blocks with histology staff before cassette hand-off and review LIS case records for billing codes and required documentation within the required timeframe.
• Receive specimens in the surgical pathology laboratory, document receipt, reconcile specimen logs, and verify specimens and requisitions meet acceptance criteria.
• Take corrective action with operating rooms, clinics, or physician offices to resolve specimen or requisition deficiencies; document deficiencies and escalate issues as needed.
• Prioritize specimen processing according to established guidelines and accession specimens into the Laboratory Information System.
• Accurately label requisitions and specimen containers, generate labeled tissue cassettes, and collate paperwork, specimens, and cassettes.
• Maintain specimen storage areas; triage surgical and autopsy specimens eligible for disposal and discard specimens according to SOPs.
• Answer routine inquiries about specimen handling and case status and route department phone calls appropriately.
• Maintain complete and legible documentation and keep requisitions, specimen delivery logs, and problem logs current and ready for quality management review.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment; clean, disinfect, and perform routine maintenance according to SOPs; perform minor spill cleanup when necessary.
• Support laboratory teamwork, participate in safety and infection control activities, maintain supply stock, and notify management promptly of supply shortages or delivery problems.
• Pursue personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
• Assist with specific process-improvement projects.
• May provide coverage for autopsy procedures and assist pathologists with instruction and orientation of residents in specimen handling, gross dissection, routine biopsy dictation, and equipment use.
• May handle and dispose of hazardous materials properly and perform additional projects, administrative tasks, and other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and lifecycle benefits.
• A range of benefits intended to support employees’ physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: Associate degree