Histotechnician - Histology Technician (HT) - Full-time / Part-time

Cedar Rapids St. Luke's Hospital

FTE: 1.000000; 40 hours per week

Hours of operation for Histology Lab are 0500-1730. Hours will vary depending on staffing needs.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Histology Technician (HT) is responsible for working within the established guidelines in the Histology and Morgue Departments of the Laboratory. As a professional, the HT is responsible for carrying out the philosophy and objectives established by the Board of Directors and the Management Team. Foremost among these responsibilities are strictly adhering to detail in the technical performance of laboratory procedures, solving practical or analytical problems, resolving conflict, and implementing constructive change.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

A. Education: Must be HT(ASCP) certified or eligible.

B. Qualifications/Experience: Must be able to read, write and speak English. Experience in computer systems is desirable. Must possess excellent communication skills.

C. Special Skills/Knowledge: Experience in assisting with fine needle biopsy and frozen section procedures is desirable.

D. Mental and Cognitive Traits Required: Must be able to understand written, visual and other sensory stimuli. Must be

able to cope effectively with stressful situations and time constraints. Must be able to follow written and verbal instructions.

E. Behavior Demands: Must be able to work well with all customers and co-workers. Must demonstrate a cooperative, courteous and dependable working performance. Must possess high integrity and maintain confidentiality at all times.

F. Physical Demands

Sit, walk, stand: Spends approximately 75% of working time standing/ walking

Lift, carry, push, pull: Generally not more than 25 lbs. of force is needed to lift, carry, push, or pull objects; occasionally lifts/pulls weights up to 100 lbs.

Bend, stoop, kneel, reach: Occasional bending, stooping, kneeling and reaching with the use of a step stool.

Manual dexterity/ wrist and hand repetitions: Good manual and finger dexterity is needed for processing tissues, including embedding, mounting and coverslipping. Frequent repetitive wrist motion is required during microtomy. Up to 5% of working time may be spent using a computer keyboard.

Vision: Must have good visual acuity, with the use of corrective lens, as necessary.

G. Environmental Conditions: May be subjected to noise and disagreeable odors. Moving mechanical parts are found in the work environment. Universal precautions must be followed when working in any clinical area; workers are exposed to biologic and chemical hazards and must use appropriate personal protective equipment as trained. Work is performed in a well- lighted, temperature-controlled, and humidity-controlled environment.

H. OSHA Risk Factor (Check one)

X Category I - Normal job related task involve an inherent potential for membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues. Use of protective measures should be used under normal conditions.

Category II - Normal work routine does not involve exposure, but exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Protective measures should be readily available.

Category III - No exposure to blood, bodily fluids or tissues is expected in the work routine.

I. Age Specific Requirements (Describe the age group of population served): Patient interaction limited. May provide assistance with outpatient procedures such as FNA. These patients are primarily adult / geriatric patients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The HT is responsible for providing timely and effective services to the customers of the departments assigned, assuring that the professional and technical process is carried out. Customers include predominately young adult to geriatric patients. The HT works in consultation with the laboratory supervisor assigned to Histology to assure that services are consistent with the needs of the Pathologists and medical staff.

The HT:

* Performs and demonstrates proficiency in fixing, cutting, mounting, and staining of tissues.

* Assists in maintaining records and specimen storage and disposal for the Cytology laboratory.

* Accurately performs routine H E stain, special stains and immunohistochemical stains.

* Assists the Pathologists in the performance of frozen sections.

* Assists in maintaining records and specimen storage and disposal for the Histology laboratory.

* Uses, monitors and troubleshoots equipment in the Histology laboratory.

* Assists with FNA procedures.

* Prepares body fluids for Cytological analysis.

* Consistently demonstrates attention to detail in following protocol for patient, sample, and aliquot identification and labeling.

* Is able to prioritize work appropriately and assists others as time and workload allows.

* Documents all necessary information in the performance of technical procedures, including QC.

* Performs technical procedures within specified turnaround time for assigned area.

* Assures that QA guidelines are strictly adhered before forwarding any stained slides to pathology.

* Complies with methodologies, procedures and services in consultation with the assigned laboratory supervisor.

* Is responsible for executing and monitoring technical practices of the department in order to meet necessary standards, recommendations and requirements of voluntary and government agencies (ie. CAP, JCAHO).

* Demonstrates knowledge of computer programs as assigned by department.

* Works in consultation with the department supervisor to assure that services are consistent with the needs of the medical staff.

* Attends inservices, on the job training, and continuing education programs to meet developmental needs and keep abreast of new technologies.

* Communicates with the department supervisor as necessary when problems or unusual circumstances arise and documents as necessary.

* Assures adequate supplies are available and utilized in a cost effective manner in the Histology department, the Morgue and the Frozen Section Room in OR.

* Understands and adheres to all safety practices while performing duties to minimize any risk of injury and/or exposure to biohazardous material.

* Provides professional leadership, motivation and guidance to peers and other laboratory staff.

* Promotes the development, preparation, implementation and attainment of departmental goals, policies and projects.

* Communicates effectively inter- and intra-departmentally with other healthcare professionals and customers to provide accurate, timely information and to reduce problems and minimize exceptions.

* Greets all customers, including patients, physicians and other hospital personnel, with a pleasant and professional manner and appearance.

* Possesses ability and makes good independent decisions based upon a knowledge of the overall departmental functions, policies, and procedures.

* Assists in the maintenance of a well-organized Clinical Laboratory Science Program in Medical Technology by assisting with student clinical instruction as necessary.

* Assists in clinical instruction of students in the Histology Technician Training Program.

* Performs other related duties as assigned by the designated laboratory supervisor.

* Is aware of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (eg. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or hospital administrative staff.

* Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospitals commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity. Assists the Pathologist(s) with any other duties relevant to the Pathology Department and performs other duties assigned.

Assists the Pathologist(s) with any other duties relevant to the Pathology Department and performs other duties assigned

EOE M/F/V/D