Job Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The   Anatomic Pathology Lab Assistant   reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s 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 laboratory’s 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 other's 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 (FNA’s, EUS FNA’s, EBUS FNA’s, Ion FNA’s, 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 FNA’s 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 affirmative action/equal opportunity employer 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.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

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