Histotechnologist II

Job Summary

Performs routine and special Histology procedures requiring technical skill, judgment, and independent decision-making following established standards, policies and procedures. Assists the Anatomical Pathology Supervisor in the technical and administrative functions of the Laboratory. Other: Must maintain strict confidentiality of work related information. Contacts: Requires the ability to work well with patients, the public and all other health care professionals.

Responsibilities

• Technical Skills. Performs routine and special Histology procedures requiring technical skill and judgment following established policies and procedures. Responsible for testing procedures and quality control. Verifies specimen integrity and maintains proper patient identification.
• Instrumentation Responsible for the proper operation of instruments, preventive maintenance, and troubleshooting to enable test results to be timely and accurate. Operates lab instruments as assigned, performs instrument QC, documents results, and takes appropriate action. Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshoots instrument problems. Understands theory of instrument operations and mechanical functions. Seeks help when necessary.
• Information Handling Responsible for proper use of AP LIS/STAR according to policy/procedure in ordering/receiving/ canceling tests, reviewing/ verification of results. Responsible for review of pending lists and follow-up of pending tests. Documents all actions appropriately in computer. Documents all PMs, and QC appropriately. Maintains patient confidentiality per established policies.
• Communication/Customer Service Communicates information to supervisor/pathologist, co-workers or students, laboratory staff on other shifts, outside departments - accurately, timely, clearly, and professionally. Follows through on communications, responds as appropriate. Answers laboratory phones, directs parties or gives appropriate information. Communicates with physicians, nurses and patients to assist them with their needs. Maintains good rapport with peers, management, staff physicians, and hospital staff.
• Compliance/Safety Is aware of and follows laboratory and hospital policies/procedures. Informs Supervisor of issues or problems involving laboratory or hospital safety. Maintains a safe work environment. Is knowledgeable of and follows regulations pertaining to medical necessity and billing as applicable to the job. Completes all mandatory education and participates in available continuing education programs. Works to meet department Performance Improvement Goals.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills

Performs other job duties and responsibilities as required.

Must be capable of operating Histology instrumentation and making sound decisions under stressful conditions and time constraints. Must have ability to organize workflow and communicate clearly. Must be able to use office equipment such as telephones, fax machines, computer terminals, etc. Work Demands/Environment: Frequent standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping. May require lifting or moving items up to 50 lbs. Frequent use of finger/hand dexterity and eye/hand coordination. Frequent reaching with hands/arms. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Requires visual acuity and normal color perception needed for interpretation of lab orders and proper collection technique. Exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue. Possible exposure to infectious materials, communicable diseases and/or other conditions common to a healthcare environment. Normal clinical or laboratory environment. Ability to read and comprehend. Requires working under stressful and/or irregular hours. May be required to take call and/or work weekends/holidays based on the needs of the department.

Education

ASCP certified. - Required

High School diploma or equivalent - Required

HT (ASCP) registered - Required

Must be capable of operating Histology instrumentation and making sound decisions under stressful conditions and time constraints. - Required

Certifications & Licenses

ASCP certified

HT (ASCP) registered