Histology Technician PRN

Job Summary

Histology Technician is responsible for receiving and preparing tissue specimens, performs routine and frozen section processing and special staining, assists or performs gross dissection, performs QC procedures and routine maintenance, and uses computer systems, all according to established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Obtains and Receives Specimens for Testing
Identifies educational needs of team and makes development recommendations to Supervisor. Voluntarily assists coworkers with work while managing to accomplish own duties accurately and in a timely manner. Matches specimens, labels and surgical requests with no more than three (3) errors per year. Logs specimens into computer system and assigns a case number. Assigns case ID to specimen, ensuring correct labeling. Appropriately labels cassettes for cases. Takes initiative to be responsible for OR specimen pickup as assigned.

Handling of tissues (Embedding, cutting, mounting, etc.)
Demonstrates accuracy with no more than three (3) requests to reorient tissues per year. Demonstrates accuracy by leaving slide margins free of tissue with no more than three (3) complaints per year. Demonstrates accuracy in filing slides and blocks with no more than 5 corrections during the past year. Appropriately identifies slide and cassette case numbers. Ensures slides are free of tissue and/or bacterial contamination. Identifies need for additional fixation of improperly/inadequately fixed tissues and reprocesses.

Instrument Maintenance
Demonstrates accuracy at operating and maintaining auto cover slipper, slide stainer, Dako stainer and tissue processor, cryostat and other instruments per year. Performs and records daily maintenance information in logbook within scheduled/expected time frame. Performs additional preventive maintenance and other maintenance duties as assigned and within timeframe assigned. Performs basic troubleshooting; takes initiative to solve problems when they arise. Changes and replaces reagents accurately, according to policy and procedures, and in a timely manner.

Preparing Body Fluids for Cell Blocks
Demonstrates accuracy in preparing body fluids for cellblocks according to laboratory procedures with no errors. Prepare appropriate slide by using the appropriate technique (i.e. thin prep, cytospin). Accurately describes gross specimen appearance and records in computer on same day specimdn is logged.

Places Tissues on Tissue Processor
Anticipates planned power outages and programs tissue processor accordingly. Demonstrates accuracy in placing tissues and programming on instrument in accordance with protocol.

Coordinates and Arranges for Specimen Transfer
Demonstrates at least 98% accuracy at specimen transfer to other facilities and ensures that proper documentation is completed and procedures are followed. Performs send outs and enters information into the computer as expected. Participates in rotating assignments on the assigned time schedule; ensures instruments and supplies are maintained. Maintains supplies inventory to ensure service is not interrupted.

Cuts Frozen Sections
Demonstrates accuracy in cutting frozen sections.Ensures correct sample in an efficient turnaround time. Ensures cryostat and frozen supplies (including pertinent stains) are set up and ready each day for immediate availability as needed.

Prepares and Dries Slides for Controls and Special Stains
Demonstrates proficiency with instrumentation associated with staining. Has no more than three (3) repeat stains per year due to inaccurate technique. Performs manual stains efficiently, accurately, with acceptable quality and without repetition due to technique. Ensures that reagents are of proper quality and age for use without repetition.

Possesses Working Knowledge of Laboratory Computer Systems
Possesses a working knowledge of laboratory computer systems. Has less than two mistakes per order entry during the evaluation period. Informs manager of any problems. Performs daily computer responsibilities as expected.

Performs Other Duties as Required
Attends mandatory in-services, staff meetings, and actively participates in self-education. Completes all required competency assessments on time. Maintains required job knowledge (e.g. licensure and credentials, continuing education etc.). Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Medium Work: Frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs with a maximum lifting of 50 lbs.

Two years of experience preferred.

Education

Credentials

Work Schedule: Varies

Status: PRN

Location: Mon Health Medical Center Main Campus

Location of Job: WV:Morgantown:Mon Health Medical Center

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Guy S. Stewart guy.stewart@vandaliahealth.org