What are the responsibilities and job description for the Pathology Assistant position at Adventist Health?
Located in Kailua, Adventist Health Castle has been one of the area's leading healthcare providers since 1963. We are comprised of a 160-bed hospital, eight medical offices, home care services, urgent cares and a vast scope of services located throughout O'ahu. In 2017, Adventist Health Castle was recognized with the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation's highest presidential honor for performance excellence. O'ahu is known for its ideal climate, diverse culture and picturesque landscape. The allure of Castle's laid-back lifestyle is complimented by its close-knit and proud community.
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 as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.
