At UMass Memorial Health Care, Everyone is a Caregiver regardless of title. Exceptional patient care, academic excellence and leading-edge research make UMass Memorial the premier health care system of Central and Western Massachusetts, and a place where we can help you build the career you deserve. We are more than 14,000 employees, working together as one health care system. And everyone, in their own unique way, plays an important part, everyday.Title: Histology Technician
Department: Pathology LC
Requisition #: 211852
Hours: 24 Flex
Shift: Variable 8-hour days; Start time may vary between 5:30am and 7:00am. No weekend or holiday requirement.
Union: Non-Union
Posting Date: 12/31/2020
Status: Non-exempt/Hourly
Location: HealthAlliance, Leominster Campus
HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital is part of the UMass Memorial Health Care system. We are committed to improving the health of people in our community through excellence in care and comprehensive health services. Promoting healthy lifestyle habits, we serve as a role model by having a tobacco and smoke free campus and hiring nicotine free employees. By exploring careers with us, you are committed to giving your best to our patients, our community and everyone working on our HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Care Team. Whatever your career choice, know that at HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital you can make a difference.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
This position is responsible for the examination of materials or specimens removed from the human body to provide information for use in the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of a disease state or assessment of a medical condition.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Gross description of small, uncomplicated specimens are recorded where appropriate, using specific terminology according to procedures.
- Surgical specimen containers and requisitions submitted for histological evaluation are checked for accuracy before acceptance by the Histology department.
- Surgical specimens are numbered and prepared for gross examination.
- Surgical specimens are entered into the pathology computer system accurately and timely in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.
- Prepares equipment and reagents for the processing, embedding, microtome cutting, mounting and cover-slipping of tissue.
- Operates all laboratory equipment per standard operating procedures to ensure accurate patient test results.
- Prepares, processes, embeds, cuts, and stains tissue to provide high quality slides to the pathologist for diagnosis of disease.
- Follows established procedures to perform all histopathological tests in a timely and accurate manner (including all levels of complexity as defined by CLIA).
- Performs various quality control procedures to maintain compliance with departmental procedures and external regulations.
- Histology equipment and instrumentation is maintained to ensure optimal functionality. All maintenance is properly documented on a daily basis.
- Departmental logs are maintained on a daily basis and surgical blocks / slides are filed appropriately.
- Responsible for performing clerical functions in the absence of the transcriptionist or histology technician assistant.
- Place orders in the pathology computer system for special procedures and package specimen to be sent to the reference laboratory per departmental procedures.
- Prepare cytology specimens for transport to a reference laboratory.
- Is able to solve most technical problems and handle difficult situations with little to no supervision.
- Orients and instructs new employees and students in histology laboratory operations and procedures.
- Completes all competencies, proficiency testing, required education / reading and annual paperwork in a timely manner. Participates in appropriate role in disaster, fire drills, fires and other emergency situations.
- Participates in annual HIPAA training requirements and maintains confidentiality of all personal health information (PHI).
- Communicates in a professional and courteous manner with patients, family and visitors in accordance with the CARES Hospital Service Excellence Standards.
- Maintains work areas in a clean, safe and organized manner.
- Utilize various laboratory and hospital information systems and software.
- Assist with maintaining sufficient inventory of material, supplies and equipment for performance of duties. Notifies appropriate person when supply levels fall to reorder levels.
Job duties for all positions:
- Complies with established policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.
- Maintains a collaborative, team relationship with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the group’s achievement of goals and to help foster a positive work environment.
- Demonstrates respect for the diversity of patient and employee populations. Supports and encourages diverse points of view, work and lifestyles.
- Practices cost containment and fiscal responsibility through the efficient use of supplies, equipment, time, etc.
- Performs a variety of related duties as assigned. Takes responsibility for ensuring that all work outcomes satisfy the HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital Three Pillars: Finance, Quality, and Service Excellence.
- The individual must support the mission, vision, and goals of HealthAlliance-Clinton Hospital and serve as a role model for the CARES - It Happens Here customer service initiative.
- Demonstrates excellent attendance and actively participates in a variety of meetings and training sessions as required.
- Demonstrates a friendly, responsive, service-minded attitude to all internal and external customers.
- Communicates ideas effectively. Shares information and keeps others properly informed. Gives, and is open to useful feedback.
- Adheres to the Hospital Code of Conduct and Behavior Standards and dress code.
- Complies with established environment of care/safety policies and procedures and all health and safety requirements.
- Maintains, and fosters, an organized, clean, safe work environment.
- Actively contributes to the development and application of process improvements.
- Performs a variety of related duties as assigned.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Requires professional knowledge of histology principals, theory and methodology sufficient to perform clinical laboratory procedures. Requires the ability to endure periods of heavy workload and stress. Requires the ability to accept constructive feedback and initiate appropriate actions to correct situations. Must possess ability to coordinate eyes and hands to fingers rapidly and accurately in making precise movements with speed. Must be able to read, write and speak clearly in English.
EDUCATION:
A high school diploma and completion of an accredited Histology program, or an Associate’s degree in Clinical Laboratory Science.
EXPERIENCE:
A minimum of 1 year of clinical histology experience is required.
An equivalent combination of education and experience which provides proficiency in the areas of responsibility listed above may be substituted for the above education and experience requirements.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, ETC.:
Certification from a nationally recognized accreditation agency: NCA (National Certification Agency), ASCP (American Society for Clinical Pathology) or equivalent
A recent graduate of an accredited Histology program or equivalent who is certification eligible must take the accreditation exam within the first year of employment.
Standards of Respect:
We’re striving to make respect a part of everything we do at UMass Memorial – for our patients and for each other. We’re expecting that our new caregivers practice our six Standards of Respect: Acknowledge, Listen, Communicate, Be Responsive, Be a Team Player, and Be Kind, to help us make respect a part of how we take care of business everyday.