Pathologist Assistant II

Job Code: PAA20520 Department Name: Lab Admin Schedule: Full-Time Hours Per Pay Period: 80.00 Shift: Day/Evening Daily Shift Hours: 8 Building : Name: Central Wash Hospital Union: Non-Union

Salary Range

$36.72 - $58.60

Overview

Located in the heart of Washington, we enjoy open skies, snow-capped mountains, and the lakes and rivers of the high desert. We are the proud home of orchards, farms, and small communities. Confluence Health actively supports the communities we serve and their quality of life through our community support program and through our individual efforts as involved community members.

Full Time Employees of Confluence Health receive a wide range of benefits in addition to compensation.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Saving Accounts
• CH Wellness Program
• Paid Time Off
• Generous Retirement Plans
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Gym Membership Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Shift Differential

For more information on our Benefits & Perks, click here!

Summary

Up to $15,000 in Sign On & Retention Bonuses.

External applicants only.

*Requires 2 year commitment to Confluence Health*

Relocation assistance available

Examines, dissects and processes anatomic pathology specimens.

Position Reports To: Anatomic Pathology Manager

Essential Functions

Assists in the preparation and performance of surgical specimen examination to include:

• Is responsible for surgical pathology specimen accessioning.
• Obtains clinical history including radiographs and laboratory data as indicated or necessary.
• In collaboration with the pathologist, and following standard CAP grossing guidelines, describes gross anatomic features, dissects surgical specimens, and prepares tissues for microscopic examination. Descriptions will include dictation (utilizing dragon) of gross findings and block submission data. Preparation and handling of specimens may include touch smear preparation, quick-freezing of tissue, photography, or other special techniques. A Grossing manual is established and utilized.
• Complex, unusual, or rare cases will be reviewed with the sign-out pathologist.
• Assists pathologists with performance of frozen sections by tissue selection, freezing, cutting, staining, or other handling techniques in preparation for slide interpretation.

The PA will work closely with the medical and lab directors to establish and maintain standards that prevent/minimize errors and maintain the highest quality while ensuring efficient turnaround times in the grossing area.

• Documents/reports QA errors and implements new procedures as indicated to avoid future occurrences.
• The PA will attempt to process all biopsies on the date collected. Routine case turnaround times should be 2 to 3 days.
• Cases should be grossed in a systematic fashion to maintain optimal quality.
• Is responsible for equipment and inventory maintenance in surgical pathology.
• Assures that the anatomic pathology service complies with all applicable safety requirements.

Assists with autopsies as needed to include body preparation, dissection, sampling of organs, and other responsibilities as requested by the attending pathologist.

Performs pathology computer system related responsibilities to include report writing and generation, problem solving, and other tasks as necessary.

Ongoing performance evaluation and continuing education is coordinated with the medical director and may include the following: Attendance of weekly tumor boards, monthly review of random cases, daily feedback from pathologists, maintaining grossing procedures per CAP standards, and continuing education as it becomes available.

Other duties relevant to anatomic pathology or general laboratory as deemed necessary by the laboratory manager or pathologists.

Other duties as assigned.

Demonstrate Standards of Behavior and adhere to the Code of Conduct in all aspects of job performance at all times.

Qualifications

Required:

• PA (ASCP) or eligible (will pass within 6 months of hire) or relevant experience prior to establishment of certification.
• Must have at Bachelor’s degree and have completed a pathologist approved Pathology Assistant training program.
• Completion of an approved and accredited educational training program for Pathology Assistants.
• The candidate must possess proven and documented skills at performing routine Pathology Assistant functions which include:
  • The preparation and performance of surgical specimen examination for small and large cases.
  • Proficiency in the preparation and assistance of frozen sections.

Desired:

• Master’s degree in an approved Pathology Assistant Program.
• Documented work experience as a Pathology Assistant for a minimum of one year; however, new graduates are accepted.

Physical/Sensory Demands

O = Occasional, represents 1 to 25% or up to 30 minutes in a 2 hour workday.F = Frequent, represents 26 to 50% or up to 1 hour of a 2 hour workday.C = Continuous, represents 51% to 100% or up to 2 hours of a 2 hour workday. Physical/Sensory Demands For This Position:

• Walking - F
• Sitting/Standing - F
• Reaching: Shoulder Height - C
• Reaching: Above shoulder height - F
• Reaching: Below shoulder height - F
• Climbing - O
• Pulling/Pushing: 25 pounds or less - F
• Pulling/Pushing: 25 pounds to 50 pounds - O
• Pulling/Pushing: Over 50 pounds - O
• Lifting: 25 pounds or less - F
• Lifting: 25 pounds to 50 pounds - O
• Lifting: Over 50 pounds - O
• Carrying: 25 pounds or less - F
• Carrying: 25 pounds to 50 pounds - O
• Carrying: Over 50 pounds - O
• Crawling/Kneeling - O
• Bending/Stooping/Crouching - F
• Twisting/Turning - F
• Repetitive Movement - O

Working Conditions:

• Not Specified.

Job Classification:

• FLSA : Non-Exempt
• Hourly/Salary : Hourly

Physical Exposures For This Position:

• Unprotected Heights - No
• Heat - Yes
• Cold - No
• Mechanical Hazards - Yes
• Hazardous Substances - Yes
• Blood Borne Pathogens Exposure Potential - No
• Lighting - No
• Noise - Yes
• Ionizing/Non-Ionizing Radiation - No
• Infectious Diseases - Yes

Salary : $37 - $59