Job Summary

Assist pathologists/histotechnologists/technicians in the support duties required within the lab

Responsibilities

• Use professional judgment, pathology training and experience in performing the following tasks: Accession specimens via CoPath Information System (LIS). Prepare correct cassettes and labels for embedding; set out for pathologist. Following gross examination and after dictation by pathologist(s) is complete, enter cassette numbers into CoPath LIS, collect and store retained specimens; clean up accessioning area. Assist, under direct supervision of pathologist, the sectioning and frozen section slide preparation and staining for intraoperative consultation cases.

• Record temperature of cryostat; clean and disinfect weekly.

• Assist with specimen or slide, or supply pickup and transfer among the three Divisions.

• Enter gross information into the computer from specimens accessioned for the pathologists.

• Clean cut-out room completely (sinks, counters, etc.); clean frozen section area.

• Clean counters, phones, etc.

• Secure liquid nitrogen when needed for muscle biopsies.

• Pull old cases of blocks and slides from storage. Help refile.

• Chart temperature readings of morgue cooler.

• Collect specimens from the gross cutting areas.

• Accept bodies, assure proper paper work is completed, and store bodies in the cooler.

• Log the time a body is received in morgue, who picks up the body, time/date picked up, and name of pick-up service (funeral home, removal service, ME's office, etc.) representative, obtain initials of representative on log sheet.

• Accept amputated arms and legs, check for appropriate paper work, assign a number and a pathologist, and store in cooler. When assigned pathologist is ready for limbs, set up tools and assist in the dissection. After dissection is completed, wrap, label and store in the cooler. Clean and disinfect morgue.

• Accept bodies for autopsy, assist pathologist during procedure, sew up body, clean and disinfect the morgue.

• Prepare bodies for autopsy, including covering face and genitals with towels.

• Verify that autopsy permit and patient chart(s) are available prior to autopsy.

• Validate patient name and name on autopsy permit form.

• Prepare all paperwork in the morgue area.

• Lay out all instrumentation needed for the autopsy.

• Prepare containers for organs.

• Open the bowel at the appropriate time after it has been removed from the body.

• Prepare organs for return to the body cavity.

• Sew up and clean the body.

• Clean and decontaminate the entire morgue after an autopsy and put the instruments back in their proper places.

• Maintain/order all autopsy supplies and assist in the proper disposal of hazardous materials from Histopath section.

• Call duty when needed or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Patient Group Knowledge (Only applies to positions with direct patient contact)

The employee must possess/obtain (by the end of the orientation period) and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide developmentally appropriate assessment, treatment or care as defined by the department’s identified patient ages. Specifically the employee must be able to demonstrate competency in: 1) ability to obtain and interpret information in terms of patient needs; 2) knowledge of growth and development; and 3) understanding of the range of treatment needed by the patients.

Competency Statement

Must demonstrate competency through an initial orientation and ongoing competency validation to independently perform tasks and additional duties as specified in the job description and the unit/department specific competency checklist.

Common Duties and Responsibilities
(Essential duties common to all positions)

1. Maintain and document all applicable required education.
2. Demonstrate positive customer service and co-worker relations.
3. Comply with the company's attendance policy.
4. Participate in the continuous, quality improvement activities of the department and institution.
5. Perform work in a cost effective manner.
6. Perform work in accordance with all departmental pay practices and scheduling policies, including but not limited to, overtime, various shift work, and on-call situations.
7. Perform work in alignment with the overall mission and strategic plan of the organization.
8. Follow organizational and departmental policies and procedures, as applicable.
9. Perform related duties as assigned.

Education 

• High School Diploma or GED (Required) Experience: 1 Year Related Experience As Defined By Department. Incumbent will be taught surgical pathology technician procedures

Credentials 

• Drivers License (Required)

Work Schedule: Days

Status:  Full Time Regular 1.0

Location: Memorial Hospital

Location of Job: US:WV:Charleston

Talent Acquisition Specialist: Lisa C. Skidmore lisa.skidmore@vandaliahealth.org