Pathologist Assistant (Travel)

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The pathologist assistant will be capable of performing all routine functions in the surgical pathology area, including some escalated issues and troubleshooting quality issues.
• The individual will be responsible for conducting gross examinations of surgical pathology specimens under appropriate supervision.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist the department manager/supervisor with the day-to-day operations of the surgical pathology area. Help to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of services provided by the grossing staff.
• Capable of performing all of the duties/responsibilities as authorized by the laboratory director/technical supervisor.
• Perform gross examination and dissection of large, complex complicated specimens in preparation for Histologic processing.
• Typically, hospital-based, whole organ specimens.
• Provide technical instructions, training, and guidance to pathologist assistance/grossing technicians, students, and lab assistants in techniques, instrumentation, and organization of work.
• May be responsible for orientation, training and training verification of newly hired grossing staff.
• May perform new hire QC for pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, and any Histotechnician performing gross examination.
• May administer competency assessment, including direct observation, to grossing staff.
• May assist with establishing the level of supervision (direct vs indirect) for each specimen type for each individual performing gross.
• Perform specimen preparation on non-gynecological specimens, including cytopreparation, staining, coverslipping, etc. after completing training on non-gynecological specimen types.
• This includes specimen preparation of FNA specimens.
• Ensure compliance with all corporate safety, quality control, and quality assurance standards.
• Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA, and CAP regulations.
• Perform troubleshooting when necessary and have the ability to exercise independent judgement, if required.
• Interact directly with pathologists regarding gross dissection/description activities, including defined specimen types that require direct supervision by a pathologist.
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify the histology supervisor/manager, technical supervisor, or director.
• Coordinate and monitor workflow.
• May act as a key contact person for pathologist, grossing and histology staff to identify problem areas and recommend changes to workflow.
• May be responsible for monitoring HPAP as needed.
• May participate with the development and/or monitoring of quality indicators for the QMP.
• Follow the laboratory’s applicable procedures for job-related responsibilities.
• Comply with client corporate continuing education requirements for grossing personnel as well as those required to maintain state licensure and/or CMP.
• Other duties, as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree meet all requirements for non-pathologist performing gross tissue examinations SOP and 1988 CLIA CFR 493, 1489.
• Current state licensure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Masters Degree.
• Preferred 1 year surgical gross experience, including large complex/complicated specimens.
• NAACLS approved pathologist assistant training program.