What are the responsibilities and job description for the Autopsy Assistant position at Mount Nittany Health?
POSITION SUMMARY
Assists the Pathologist with technical duties and procedures before, during and after an autopsy.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Education:
- High school graduate with interest in chemistry and biological sciences.
- Preference given to applicants with one year or more of college chemistry or biology.
Experience:
- Prefer a minimum of one year of experience in a laboratory environment or funeral home.
- Completion of a minimum of 3 cases required.
- Preference given to applicants with previous experience handling cadavers.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Must be able to safely lift/maneuver cadavers using power lift.
- Must be mobile and able to assist the Pathologist in various sitting/standing/kneeling positions.
- Must be able to assist the pathologist with all issues concerning the head of cadavers.
- Attention to verbal commands/hearing is crucial to performance of this position.
- Required to handle all clinical instruments within the morgue.
- Required to handle all biohazards in a safe manner.
- Required to handle sample preparation and workups.
- Ability to work in at a high stress level.
- Ability to work with cutting materials (i.e. scalpels, scissors, needles, saws, etc.) in a safe manner is required.
- Ability to bend and reach in sometimes awkward positions during specific procedures is crucial to performance of this position.
- Completes requirements of mandatory education as required by The Joint Commission.
- Keeps abreast of latest technical developments within each section of Pathology.
- Keeps customers and co-workers informed on a regular basis.
- Works as a team and is cooperative and willing to help team members.
- Maintains privacy and confidentiality.
- Keeps a clean work environment. Ensures all work areas are clean with no blood visible on equipment or the floor.
License/Certification/Registration
- None required
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Receives direct supervision from the Pathologist and general supervision from the Pathologist.
SUPERVISION GIVEN
None
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Sets up and organizes instruments and supplies and prepares the morgue before the autopsy.
- Transfers the body to the autopsy table and assists with clothing removal and external assessment.
- Takes notes and photos as directed by the pathologist.
- Uses tools such as bone saws and scalpels as directed.
- Assists with organ removal under the direction of the pathologist.
- Cleans, sutures and returns the body to the coolers following the completion of the autopsy.
- Cleans, disinfects and organizes the morgue following the completion of an autopsy.
- Conducts inventories, orders and stocks supplies in the morgue as necessary.
- Ensures the safety of activities and equipment use in the morgue.
- Completes and documents all elements of educational profile.
- Reports any unanticipated events to Quality using event reporting form(s).
- Checks all equipment regularly and reports defects to appropriate department.
- Understands and utilizes Event Reporting System regarding medication errors, equipment failure.
NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perform other duties as assigned by the pathologist.
