Histotechnologist II

Job Description

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.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality of work related information.
• 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.
• Performs other job duties and responsibilities as required.

Education, Experience and Certifications/ License:

• 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.

Knowledge/Skills:

• 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.