Covenant Health Inc

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Histology Supervisor, incumbent collects and processes human clinical specimens for microscopic analysis using established, approved, histology laboratory methods. Proficient with use of common histology procedures and laboratory equipment such as those used for embedding, staining, and microtomy. Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and minor repair of complex, precision instruments. Performs and interprets quality control procedures to ensure high degree of accuracy and precision. Other required abilities include entering and retrieving data from Pathology Information System, excellent communication skills, interaction with the public and medical/nursing personnel, making decisions under pressure, handling multiple priorities, and managing stress appropriately.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
• Follows established, written histologic procedures and familiar with back up manual methods as needed.
• Prepares pathology specimens using the appropriate techniques required to produce an acceptable sample for evaluation by the pathologist. This includes specimen identification, accessioning, embedding, microtome cutting, staining and other histological techniques. Any outliers in processing are followed up with appropriate hospital protocol for quality assurance.
• Proficient with all histology equipment. Recognizes deviations from expected results and analyzes and corrects problems. Performs basic troubleshooting of instrument problems. Initiates vendor tech support as required.
• Helps evaluate new techniques and procedures in terms of method validation, method comparison, cost analysis, and personnel and space requirements. Assists the Supervisor with writing and revising technical procedures.
• Collects specimens from Operating Room and Central Processing and maintains tracking information.
• Proficient with CoPath computer system.
• Consistently assures the release of accurate results through sample and result verification and properly follows all policies and procedures.
• Accurately prepares cassettes for Pathologist to use in the gross diagnosis process. Knowledgeable about specific tissue types requiring certain protocols for setup.
• Follows all quality control protocols and documentation of data per standard operating
• Participates in proficiency surveys by organizing specimens, testing PT specimens, and recording results.
• Assists with quality assurance activities such as gathering data and generating reports.
• Provides guidance and training to new hires as needed.
• Takes an active role in the laboratory education and training (in-service) program to maintain competency
• Other duties as consistent with this role.

Job Requirements

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Familiar with and follows all CLIA, DNV, and CAP accreditation standards as they apply to operation of a histology laboratory.
• Uses technical knowledge and critical thinking ability to investigate discrepancies, determine courses of action and resolve problems to ensure high level of clinical accuracy.
• Demonstrates information technology skills: effective and appropriate use of information technology hardware and software including email, word-processing, spreadsheets, and document control.
• Demonstrates proficiency with technologies common to operation of department analyzers and associated computer systems (HIS and LIS) used in the transfer of orders, monitoring, recording, and reporting of results.
• Understands basic security protection of information systems such as using access control and patient information security in the laboratory.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality of patient data (HIPAA).
• Uses excellent inter-personal communication skills (oral and written).
• Knowledge of and experience with special staining techniques, including immunohistochemical (IHC) procedures preferred.
• Work may involve testing procedures which require high degree of theoretical knowledge and technical expertise, including practical knowledge of quality control and quality assurance as they relate to Histology, Cytology and Pathology.
• Position requires excellent hand-eye coordination and exercise of independent judgment with minimum degree of supervision.

Education and Experience

• Earned associates degree in a biological science or equivalent education and experience as defined by CLIA standards preferred. A defined, accredited program of histology education and training is the preferred background, but alternative education and experience will be considered.
• National certification in Histology (HT) by ASCP or equivalent is strongly preferred.

An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs. Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.

Americans with Disabilities Statement

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

Standard of Business Conduct

Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.

Covenant Health Mission Statement

We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.

Our Core Values:

• Compassion

We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.

• Integrity

We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.

• Collaboration

We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.

• Excellence

We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.

Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information (including family medical history).

Comp Range:

$30.32 - $41.76

Rate of pay displayed reflects the beginning of the pay scale. At the time of an offer, determination of your offer will reflect your skills and experience as it relates to the position.

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