Anatomic Pathology Assistant-Part-time Days

The  Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant  reflects the mission vision and values of NM adheres to the organizations Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program and complies with all relevant policies procedures guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant performs test procedures in a Clinical Laboratory and conveys the results to the Physician or designee in an accurate and timely manner for the purpose of patient diagnosis and treatment. The position is a vital link between the department and areas of patient care. The position acts as a primary contact for incoming phone calls and must be able to effectively multi-task to perform duties simultaneously and participate in the Laboratories Occurrence Management Program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive Non Gynecological & Surgical specimens after verifying that specimen acceptance criteria have been met
• Assigns case accession numbers to Non Gynecological & Surgical specimens according to workflow procedure.
• Capable of identifying problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problem(s) or immediately notify the applicable supervisor manager or laboratory director.
• Responsible for the documentation of corrective actions when test systems deviate from the laboratorys established performance specifications
• Orders referral testing in the LIS on Anatomic Pathology specimens according to procedure.
• Responsible for preparing staining and cover-slipping NGYN cytology and Surgical Frozen Section specimens.
• Tracks Specimen Retention under CAP guidelines
• Stocks client supplies and fills outreach supply when needed.
• Maintains a clean orderly and well-supplied work area.  This includes strict adherence to safety guidelines general cleaning reporting unsafe conditions preparing reagents/stains and stocking supplies in the work area.
• Maintains and annually demonstrates proficiency in testing protocols and instrument operations.
• Participates in the orientation and competency assessment of fellow employees and students.
• Responsible for promoting and following established laboratory and hospital safety practices.  Annually attends mandatory safety education reviews as specified in the laboratory policy manual
• Attends and participates in laboratory performance improvement activities and related initiatives.
• Responsible for attending and participating in section meetings and reading hospital and laboratory informational postings.
• Participates in educational seminars workshops and continuing education programs to maintain and advance technical knowledge. Maintains an awareness of and applies age-related patient care protocols.
• Uses all available resources to resolve and prevent problems as demonstrated by:
  • Follows through and follows up on problem resolution
  • Involves all necessary parties in defining and solving problems
  • Seeks the necessary resources when problems are outside realm of control
  • Listens fully and then verbalizes an understanding of issues and problems from others point of view.
  • Manages personal emotional response to maintain professional demeanor and integrity.

Cytology Section Specific

• Tracks specimens into the laboratory and ensures specimens are ordered and collected appropriately. 
• May processes NGYN specimens including manual preparation and using the Thin Prep processor according to manufacturer and facility procedure.
• On-site adequacy service (FNAs EUS FNAs EBUS FNAs Ion FNAs Biopsy Touch Preps): Routinely stocks supply in all FNA service areas including FNA carts and totes.
• May assists at FNA/biopsy procedures by reviewing patient clinical history completing patient history form preparing and staining slides and controlling ultrasound machine for FNAs performed by pathologist.
• May run and maintain automated equipment for specimen processing such as but not limited to This Prep processor(s) centrifuges microscopes and pipettes.
• Assists pathologists with the assessment of adequacy and determination of preliminary diagnosis
• Provides staff with appropriate specimen triage and collection information as needed.

Histology Section Specific

• May prepare Histology Specimens for PA including addition of fixative and container conversion for appropriate processing
• May assists Pathologist with Frozen Section by processing and staining immediate slide evaluation in accordance with Frozen Section protocol.
• May appropriately order cassettes and transfers Frozen Section specimens from Cryostat to cassette for overnight processing. Confirms Frozen Section slides and charges in order entry and prints labels for immediate slides interpreted.
• May clean Anatomic Pathology equipment including but not limited to: cryostat tissue processors H&E stainers IHC stainers and documents QA
• Files blocks and slides
• May release slides to pathologists and/or perform digital pathology scanning

Performs other duties related but not limited to the above.

Qualifications :

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Computer experience using windows-based software. Knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy is necessary

Preferred:

• Associates degree in related field
• Experience in preparing body fluid specimens including but not limited to GYN & Non GYN Specimens
• A minimum of 3 years experience in a clinical setting 

Additional Information :

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability VETS) 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.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and at times internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and we follow all local state and federal laws including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical emotional and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Part-time