What are the responsibilities and job description for the Histology Technician, Per Diem, Day Shift, Pathology Department position at Adventist Health?
Centered in the heart of Boyle Heights, Adventist Health White Memorial is one of the area's leading healthcare providers since 1913. We are comprised of a 353-bed hospital, three medical office buildings, residency programs, comprehensive cancer care and a vast scope of services located in the Los Angeles area. In 2019, Adventist Health White Memorial was recognized with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest presidential honor for performance excellence. We are proud to promote wellness in the community at the local farmers market and through our community resource center with services for seniors and Spanish-speakers. Los Angeles is known for its art, rich culture, numerous sports teams and world-renowned dining. There is something for everyone in this culturally diverse city.
Job Summary:
Performs tests requested by physicians. Keeps legible and neat records of completed tests. Accurately reports test results. Maintains valuable quality control/documentation for quality assurance. Demonstrates proficiency in the use/troubleshooting of equipment. Prepares tissue and blood samples, using a variety of techniques, to create usable microscope slides suitable for microscopic study of tissues or organisms by the Pathologist.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
- Bachelor’s Degree in cytotechnology or equivalent (some certifications will require Bachelor’s): Preferred
- Master's Degree: Preferred
- Cytology experience: Preferred
Licenses/Certifications:
- American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histology Technician certification: Preferred
Department Specific License/Certifications:
- Hospital Fire and Life Safety (HLFS): Required
Essential Functions:
- Prepares tissue sections for microscopic examination using a variety of techniques including embedding, cutting, staining tissue slides for good diagnostic quality. Prioritizes and accurately performs all designated departmental procedures, including embedding, microtomy, staining (special stains, immunostains, coverslipping and labeling). Stains and covers tissue/pap smear slides.
- Operates precision equipment and works with a variety of dyes and chemicals to make tissue abnormalities visible with a microscope. Prepares and maintains solutions required for all procedures. Identifies, labels, and processes tissue according to specifications. Maintains equipment, cleaning, changing solutions, taking temperatures, and replenishing supplies and solutions as needed. Reports and files finding as directed.
- Evaluates validity of test results which includes all controls for special stains and IPX. Stains gynecological, non-gynecological, and bone marrow specimens using specified reagents. Prepares slides for examination by the Pathologist. Examines prepared slides through microscope to determine by experience whether or not slide meets established standards. Delivers slides to Pathologist for examination and diagnosis.
- Keeps all instruments clean. Logs and maintains accurate records and assures that all preventive maintenance is performed. Maintains supplies at level to meet departmental needs. Performs, evaluates, and documents quality control checks.
- Monitors and facilitates departmental flow of operations. Demonstrates conscientious effort toward cost-containment in the department without sacrificing patient care. Maintains technical knowledge in histology and laboratory techniques and procedures.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
Organizational Requirements:
Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations, including, but not limited to, measles, mumps, flu (based on the seasonal availability of the flu vaccine typically during October-March each year), COVID-19 vaccine (required in CA, HI and OR) etc., as a condition of employment, and annually thereafter. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
