Autopsy Technician, Full-Time Days

Description

The Autopsy Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Autopsy Technician provides primary assistance to staff pathologists and residents with autopsy procedures and related activities. This position also performs specimen receipt and order entry of tissue specimens into the laboratory computer system, preparation of tissues for gross examination, referral and delivery of samples and supply orders, and customer service (specimen collection and receipt information) via phone and direct communication. This position is responsible for communications with Medical Records relative to autopsy requests and clients, pathologists, residents, and supervisors regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

• Interact with Medical Records regarding proper authorization, requests for, and completion of all autopsies.
• Transport deceased between morgue and autopsy room per SOP.
• Lift and transfer body between cart and table.
• Prepare body for autopsy.
• Verify patient identification per SOP prior to start of autopsy.
• Open body with appropriate incisions.
• Assist pathologist and/or resident with evisceration.
• Ensure specimens are handled and stored appropriately per SOP.
• Prepare body for funeral home per SOP.
• Perform all duties in a manner respectful of the patient and family.
• Clean and disinfect autopsy suite, equipment, tables, and instruments after each procedure per SOP.
• Maintain quality control documentation relative to autopsy and morgue procedures.
• Perform body count and submit to Medical Records on a daily basis.
• Participate in the autopsy on-call rotation.
• Receive specimens in the surgical pathology laboratory per SOP.
• Document specimen receipt and reconcile specimen logs with appropriate follow-up as necessary.
• Verify specimen and requisition meet acceptable criteria per SOP.
• Take necessary corrective action with appropriate OR, clinic, or physician's office to resolve any specimen and/or requisition discrepancies or deficiencies.
• Document any deficiencies per SOP.
• Escalate any issues to management staff appropriately.
• Prioritize specimen processing based on established guidelines.
• Accession specimens into the Laboratory Information System.
• Label requisitions and specimen containers accurately.
• Generate accurately labeled tissue cassettes.
• Collate paperwork, specimens, and tissue cassettes.
• Maintain specimen storage areas.
• Triage surgical and autopsy specimens qualifying for disposal.
• Discard specimens per SOP.
• Clean and disinfect storage shelves prior to reuse.
• Answer routine inquiries related to specimen handling and case status.
• Triage department phone calls appropriately.
• Practice the proficient and safe use of equipment necessary for completion of job duties.
• Clean, disinfect, and perform routine quality control and maintenance on equipment per SOP.
• Report equipment malfunctions appropriately.
• Record all documentation consistently and legibly.
• Maintain files (requisitions, specimen delivery logs, problem logs) for easy retrieval of data as necessary.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in surgical pathology gross room to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
• Clean, disinfect, and perform routine maintenance per SOP.
• Perform minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Foster department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication.
• Participate in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Maintain supply stock in autopsy and surgical pathology areas.
• Promptly notify management staff of supply shortages or supply delivery problems.
• Take initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
• Assignments require the ability to lift and/or maneuver bodies and equipment (weights typically handled range from 150 - 200lbs).
• Some assignments involve long periods of standing.
• Some assignments involve walking to other hospital and clinic buildings.
• May be required to properly handle and dispose of hazardous materials.
• Personal protective equipment is provided by the laboratory and is worn in the department due to exposure to biohazardous and/or chemically hazardous materials.

AA/EOE.

Qualifications

Required:

• A.S. degree, preferably in mortuary science, biology, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or other related field
• Computer experience with keyboard proficiency
• Familiarity with medical terminology.

Preferred:

• B.S. degree, preferably in mortuary science, biology, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or other related field
• Prior work experience in autopsies, laboratory support, or health related experience.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.