Facility: Kennestone Hospital

Overview

Under the direct supervision of a pathologist, the Pathologist's Assistant performs gross examination, description, and sectioning of surgical specimens, including surgical specimens, in a manner that meets professional standards and satisfies approved protocol requirements. The Pathologist's Assistant assists with or performs dissection and gross description of autopsies. He/she must have sufficient computer skills to accession specimens. Additional computer skills beyond this level would provide a valuable contribution. The Pathologist's Assistant photographs specimens and maintains photographic equipment. The Pathologist's Assistant is responsible to the Laboratory Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
Responsibilities

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• General Duties and responsibilities
  * Performs gross examination, description, and sectioning of surgical specimens in a manner that meets professional standards and satisfies approved protocol requirements.
  * Assists with or performs dissection and gross description of autopsies.
  * He/she must have sufficient computer skills to accession specimens.
  * Additional laboratory related computer skills beyond this level are not required but would provide a valuable contribution to the system.
  * Photographs specimens as needed and maintains photography equipment.
  * Assists with preparation of frozen sections.
  * Responsible to the Administrative Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
• Strives to make the WellStar Statement of Values part of their daily work activity.
  * Strives to make the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those served top priority.
  * Works to deliver the best customer service with a human touch.
  * Works toward providing high-quality healthcare.
  * Maintains positive interaction with co-workers.
  * Strives to develop a work environment that is conducive to a satisfying and enriching career.
  * Maintains positive relationships with Medical Staff.
  * Uses resources and supplies efficiently to ensure quality and service accessibility.
• Takes responsibility for meeting general requirements.
  * Maintains attendance/punctuality in accordance with system policy and procedure.
  * Adheres to dress code and is neat in appearance.
  * Wears and displays ID badge appropriately on the upper torso while on duty.
  * Maintains an organized and clean work area.
  * Assists with maintaining a neat and clean facility (picks up papers, reports, spills, etc.).
  * Maintains confidentiality as outlined in system policies.
  * Limits equipment/computer use to work related functions.
  * Willingly performs other duties as assigned.
  * Completes task within designed time lines.
  * Follows employee conduct expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Takes responsibility for identifying and meeting own learning needs.
  * Identifies self learning needs and seeks opportunities for improvement.
  * Participates in 6 hours of education classes per year.
  * Completes additional designated and required educational classes.
  * Maintains standards of professional practice.
  * Recognizes personal limitations and/or seeks assistance as needed.
  * Attends 50% scheduled department meetings. If unable to attend, reads minutes and documents.
• Supports and participates in system/hospital/unit performance improvement efforts to
  enhance and improve services.
  * Incorporates the philosophy of quality and performance improvement into daily routines.
  * Actively searches for methods to improve customer service or patient care.
  * Uses internal resources to enhance knowledge and skill to improve customer service and performance improvement.
  * Assists other employees to improve their skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates principles of team work within the system/hospital/unit.
  * Acts as a resource and a mentor by understanding a teammate’s learning needs and abilities and adapting teaching/managing style to meet these needs accordingly.
  * Assists with team prioritization that effectively utilizes own energy and resources.
  * Demonstrates ability to give constructive feedback and effectively resolve conflict.
  * Identifies trust issues and working toward establishing an environment of mutual understanding and respect.
  * Serves as a positive role model to peers and assigned staff in the delivery of patient care personal conduct, and personal appearance.
  * Contributes to the development of cohesive group relations.
  * Ensures and maintains confidentiality in relation to patient/family/significant other/hospital.
  * Resolves issues through positive problem-solving techniques that promotes integrity of all parties involved.
  * Responds willingly to special needs of unit/department.
  * Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling of time.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities and utilizes sound management principles.
  * Implements and monitors standards according to policy and procedure.
  * Assigns responsibilities giving consideration to the skill and experience of staff.
  * Addresses inappropriate behavior or poor work performances displayed by staff; documents and communicates such to appropriate individual in accordance with system procedures.
  * Monitors equipment, supplies and reserves on hand and environment to assure for the safe and timely delivery of patient care.
  * Supervises assigned staff in the performance of their duties including providing input into performance evaluations.
  * Participates in the orientation/training of employees and students.
• Required for All Jobs
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.
• Qualifications
  Required Minimum Education
• On the job training in a large healthcare facility Required or
• Baccalaureate Required or
• Master's Degree in certified Pathologist’s Assistant program. Required
• Required Minimum Experience
• Minimum 3 years of broad experience as a Pathologist’s Assistant is preferred if on the job trained. Required
• Required Minimum Skills
  Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)
  Additional Licenses and Certifications
• Certification or eligible for certification by American Association of Pathologist Assistants (AAPA) Required