Histology Technician (ASCP), Full-Time Days

NMC is currently recruiting a Histology Tech in our Pathology Department. The position is full-time (80 hours bi-weekly), primarily 6:30a-3:00p. Northwestern Medical Center's mission is to provide exceptional health care to our community. Join our high reliability team! With "people" as one of our core values, valuing our employees is a top priority for Northwestern. We care about our employees, their families, and their overall health & well-being. We are proud to offer a generous benefits package, with recognized national carriers, designed to help our people stay healthy, balance work & life responsibilities, protect your assets & plan for a secure financial future.

Hiring Range:

$25.18-$36.72 Histology Technician

JOB SUMMARY

The Histology Technician supports the efficient operation of the Histology section with guidance from the Histology Technician II and Pathologists. Performs quality control, preventative maintenance, and tissue processing that includes macroscopic and microscopic examination, preparation of stained slides, and documentation of data, and collaboration among staff to achieve maximum efficiencies in the laboratory setting.

PRE-REQUISITES

Education:

1) An earned associate degree in a laboratory science or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution. Must hold ASCP certification OR 2) Education/training equivalent to the above that includes at least 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, OR 24 semester hours of science courses that includes 6 semester hours of chemistry, 6 semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination. In addition, the individual must have laboratory training including either completion of a clinical laboratory training program approved or accredited by the ABHES, NAACLA, or other organization approved by HHS (note that this training may be included in the 60 semester hours listed above)

Experience:

1-2 years Histology experience preferred.

Training:

Orientation to hospital, skills and laboratory.

Other:

The Histology Technician must possess strong mental and visual concentration. Good hand/eye coordination. Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:

Lab Director with clinical guidance from

Pathologist Supervises:

n/a

Other Contacts:

Assistant Lab Manager, Histology Section Specialist, providers and their office staff, public and other employees & volunteers

SCOPE:

Machinery or Equipment Used:

General Histology equipment including: tongs, tissue processors, plastic tissue cassettes, molten wax, heater, microtomy and staining machines, cover slipper machine, slide tray, dictation equipment, tweezers, filter bag, ruler, wheeled cart, Cryostat machine, picks and scrapers, and general office equipment

Physical Demands:

Manual dexterity in use of equipment, good and/or corrected vision, light to moderate physical effort (lift/carry up to 50 lbs.) Mostly sedentary work with occasional standing, walking, lifting, squatting, crouching, bending, pushing, pulling, and pinching . Requires minimal color discrimination with occasional need for discrimination of both red-green and blue-violet. Infrequent use of box cutter. Constant manual dexterity

Working Conditions:

Exposure to odorous chemicals, specimens and/or toxic conditions. Exposure to microtome knives and moving parts of equipment with occasional exposure to wet/slippery floors and rare exposure to ionizing radiation

Required Protective Equipment:

Lab coat, routine PPE as indicated by protocol, chemical resistant gloves, safety glasses and apron

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs functions in the laboratory setting that include macroscopic and microscopic examination of tissue, preparation of stained slides, and documentation of data in all required locations and collaboration amongst staff to achieve maximum efficiencies in the laboratory setting: Performs high quality macroscopic tissue examinations within job scope (skin, ellipses, small biopsies, curettings, etc.) and under the supervision of a qualified pathologist. Processing limited to description, inking, and cutting of specimen Sets up and provides assistance with frozen sections Performs procedures requiring specialized skill or advanced knowledge (special stains, bone marrow collections and processing, etc.) Prioritizes tasks and efficiently manages workload Operates Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) according to established guidelines Supports efforts to evaluate and validate new tests and/or methods. Testing performed with accuracy and precision to ensure consistent level of high quality: Processes specimens following written procedures. Produces high quality slides free of defects with appropriate staining Uses judgment to evaluate the quality of tissue and slide, taking action to resolve any deficiencies Reports values accurately Testing activities performed in a manner that is consistent with the Quality Management Plan Consults with Pathologist regarding unusual or abnormal findings. Performs quality management/control/assurance procedures aligning with policies, regulatory agency requirements, troubleshooting processes and documentation guidelines: Prepares, controls, re-agents, solutions, etc. according to protocols. Recognizes and corrects issues that have the potential to affect the performance of tests, including anything with the potential to create pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical error Conducts/evaluates performance checks Performs and documents quality control (QC) and quality assurance (QA) activities Evaluates QC/QA/PM, implements appropriate corrective action, and documents action taken. Effectively communicates issues to the Histotech II or supervisor Completes Lab and NMC Event Reports in a timely manner Recommends system changes to improve processes Performs proficiency testing as assigned Ensures that all instruments and equipment are maintained in good operating condition and any issues are promptly resolved: Performs and documents preventative maintenance (PM) seeking out opportunities to assist HTII with weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual maintenance activities Proactively manages unplanned instrument and assay downtimes utilizing backup equipment and procedures Promptly notifies key customers when instruments/assays are unavailable and takes steps to minimize the impact to the patient Troubleshoots instrument and assay problems, documenting action taken. Consults with technical help hotlines, Field Service Engineers, and other technical experts Effectively communicates issues to the Section Specialist or supervisor Performs administrative duties to meet the needs of the laboratory department and the customers served by the laboratory: Uses supplies and resources cost effectively Maintains inventory levels to avoid expired, overstocked, or under-stocked supplies Accurately processes specimens from outpatient and referrals in a timely manner Ensures proper patient and specimen identification at every stage of processing Accurately enters information (accessioning and reports) into the computer system(s) in a timely manner including gyn- and non-gyn cytologies Provides active support to the pathologist(s) Assists Histotech II, Pathologists, or supervisors with special projects that may include method validations, crossover studies, and other tasks Processes charges for pathology/histology procedures Aids in the review and revision of procedure manuals as needed Reviews procedure updates within 30 days of posting and demonstrates knowledge of changes Actively Participates in the teaching and training of new employees (including histotechs, support staff, and staff from other departments), students, and house staff Assists with job shadows and laboratory tours Uses a variety of communication skills to meet the needs of the laboratory department and the customers served by the laboratory: Communicates effectively when covering for breaks and/or at shift change to ensure continuity of work Provides guidance and technical assistance to coworkers including support staff to promote a cooperative work environment Coordinates absences from the work area to minimize workflow disruptions Attends and constructively contributes to departmental meetings Supports efforts to improve relations among shifts, job categories within the Lab, and between NMC departments. Participates in continuing education and departmental development functions to support professional growth and departmental initiatives: Participates in continuing education opportunities and acquires sufficient annual CME credits Demonstrates a willingness to learn and perform new procedures Willingly shares technical knowledge and experience with coworkers and customers Participates in committees and workgroups Demonstrates active and supportive efforts with Performance Improvement initiatives Supports and participates in departmental initiatives and goals #IND123