Job Information
Covenant Health PATHOLOGY TECH in Nashua, New Hampshire
Summary
Performs a variety of routine, quality control, and specialized pathology laboratory tasks under the direction and supervision of histotechnicians. Assists the histotechnicians and pathologists in the handling and preparation of a variety of human pathology specimens in the disciplines of clinical histology and cytology. Provides processing, embedding, staining and slide preparation of selected specimens for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. In addition to pathology laboratory tasks, this position must assist with registering patients, accessioning histology and cytology specimens, as well as providing administrative support to the Pathology laboratory.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Supports and promotes the mission and values of Covenant Health Ministry.
Collects specimens from Operating Room and Central Processing and maintains tracking information.
Evaluates specimens for proper identification, labeling and preservation and inquires with pathologists, physician practices, hospital departments and technical staff as necessary, to clarify specimen source and obtain any incomplete or discrepant information.
Accessions specimens using the pathology information system and enters patient registration information accurately and completely.
Checks and maintains accuracy of patient identification through all phases of test cycle. Outliers are followed up as appropriate with Occurrence Reporting System and/or entered into deficiency reporting system for QI.
Accurately prepares cassettes for Pathologist to use in the gross diagnosis process. Knowledgeable about specific tissue types requiring certain protocols for setup. Properly labels slides per protocol.
Assists the Histology Technicians with selected, routine histologic procedures as needed and is familiar with back up manual methods.
Performs tissue embedding on selected small tissues, ensuring that tissue orientation is correct for the biopsy and tissue type.
Unblocks hardened paraffin blocks from molds and sets up for cutting.
Trims selected quality control tissue blocks to an appropriate depth and places representative section on slide to be dried, stained, and cover slipped.
Performs less complex manual special stain techniques, selecting and staining appropriate positive controls simultaneously and checking for correct staining patterns under microscope, with supervision. Records results for quality control.
Performs scheduled and as needed maintenance and regent changes on all equipment routinely used in specimen preparation and slide staining.
Reports technical or procedural problems to the supervisor if unable to resolve independently
Receives non-GYN cytology specimens into Anatomic Pathology department and correctly enters patient data into pathology information system.
Prepares selected non-GYN cytology specimens for staining on the automated stainer.
Mounts stained slides with coverslips using both manual and automated techniques.
Maintains the surgical pathology specimen cutting and tissue storage area.
Performs and documents reagent changes on the tissue processor.
Ensures safe and prompt disposal of tissues and fixative.
Discards completed specimens at designated times per CAP Laboratory Retention Guidelines.
Cleans and restocks working areas of frozen section room.
Rotates and cleans the H & E staining run as needed.
Disinfects cryostats as needed.
Documents daily cryostat temperature and stain rotation.
Other duties as consistent with this role.
Job Requirements
Job Knowledge and Skills
A minimum of one year experience in a medical laboratory environment which includes experience handling and processing human clinical specimens
Previous experience in an anatomic pathology laboratory is preferred
Education and Experience
Associates degree or equivalent preferred
Completion of the American Society for Cytotechnology (ASCT) Non-GYN Specimen Processing course is preferred
An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
Must possess the physical and mental abilities to perform the tasks normally associated with this position that involves a combination of sitting, standing, walking, bending, stooping, and reaching. Occasional lifting/carrying up to 25 lbs. Some stress related to high level of responsibility for quality care.
Americans with Disabilities Statement
Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Covenant Health reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.
Standard of Business Conduct
Every St Joseph Hospital employee is required to abide by the Standards of Conduct and to report any activity that appears to violate the Standards of Conduct.
Covenant Health Mission Statement
We are a Catholic health ministry, providing healing and care for the whole person, in service to all in our communities.
Our Core Values:
Compassion
We show respect, caring and sensitivity towards all, honoring the dignity of each person, especially the poor, vulnerable and suffering.
Integrity
We promote justice and ethical behavior, and responsibly steward our human, financial and environmental resources.
Collaboration
We work in partnership, dialogue and shared purpose to create healthy communities.
Excellence
We deliver all services with the highest level of quality, while seeking creative innovation.
We are an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, protected veteran status, national origin, genetic information or any other legally protected status.
Covenant Health
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