What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pathology Assistant, Per Diem, Day Shift, St Helena position at Adventist Health?
Located in one of the most beautiful regions in the United States, St. Helena Hospital was founded in 1878 and has a rich history of innovative medical care. We are comprised of a 151-bed hospital, emergency department and medical offices with centers of excellence in specialty care, including Adventist Heart and Vascular Institute, Coon Joint Replacement Institute, Martin-O'Neil Cancer Center and Behavioral Health units. In the heart of Napa Valley, St. Helena is a charming place, and the quality of life is unsurpassed with outdoor adventure, rejuvenation at luxurious spas, popular restaurants, as well as perfect weekend getaways to San Francisco or the coast.
Job Summary:
Provides assistance to the pathologist with all surgical specimens. Receives, accessions and sets-up all surgical specimens. Performs gross examination of approved specimens and stains. Processes a variety of laboratory specimens, including the majority of pathological specimens such as the preparation of tissue for numerous pathological test, gross examination and dissection of anatomic pathology specimens and the performance of postmortem examinations.
Job Requirements:
Education and Work Experience:
- High School Education/GED or equivalent: Preferred
- Associate’s/Technical Degree or equivalent combination of education/related experience: Preferred
- American Association of Pathologists' Assistants (AAPA) minimum autopsy requirements: Required
Licenses/Certifications:
- Certified by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) or equivalent: Preferred
Essential Functions:
- Assists with the daily operations including, but not limited to: histology, surgical pathology, cytopathology, transcription, review of daily logs, and monitoring pathology department charges. Works closely with the Pathologist to assure proper quality control with particular focus on all specimens and their complexities of compliance with CLIA guidelines. Enters billing charges into LIS and combines with final pathology reports to be forwarded to GPA.
- Supports the pathologist in performance of autopsies and provides a report on the deceased. Performs gross examinations and dictations on specimens received from surgical and non-surgical cases. Assists in histotechnologist preparation tissue and cytology specimens for diagnostic examination by pathologists.
- Conducts quality improvement, assurance activities and inspection preparation to meet Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) guidelines. Assists pathologist in data collection of Quality Assurance activities including CQI reports and monthly mortality report.
- Maintains an orderly and clean work environment to include tissue waste disposal, rotating and dumping of stains and reagents. Ensures pathology department is organized, efficient, well stocked and tidy. Instructs staff, including non-laboratory personnel, in collection, preparation, and transport of laboratory specimens to ensure optimum specimen integrity and interpretation.
- Schedules the performance of autopsies, coordination with the pathologist, the diner, the attending physician and the mortuary. Reviews charts for appropriate authorization and to determine if coroner needs to be notified. Trains laboratory clerks and/or laboratory assistants for backup coverage and for organizing and filing pathology.
- 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.
