Histotechnologist I Job Listing at MedStar Health in Washington, DC (Job ID 100323)

Description

General Summary of Position

Responsible for the preparations and preservation of surgical tissue specimens and cytopathology specimens submitted to the Laboratory for gross examination, fixing, embedding, sectioning and staining before submitted to the Pathologists for microscopic examination and diagnosis. Prepares the routine H&E and special stains necessary for the microscopic diagnosis of surgical specimens assists in the surgical pathology grossing area and participates in the general maintenance of the histopathology lab.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Specimen Testing and Preparation - Performs the processing of surgical specimens for testing and examination including embedding sectioning staining coverslipping and labeling. Completes processing of surgical specimens for testing and examination received in assigned laboratory section as outlined in the training and/or competency assessment documentation. Performs patient care testing on assigned specimens without supervision and/or director review for specimen processing test performance or result reporting unless specified and documented in the competency assessment or testing procedure. Utilizes judgment and discretion in considering sample integrity process calibration reagent concentration and stability quality control relationship to unknown results evaluation of unexpected patient results and error identification. Obtains surgical specimens prepares frozen sections and mixes fixatives decalcifiers and other solutions and labels cassettes. Performs routine H&E special stains and enzyme staining for review by the Pathologists for clinical diagnosis on surgical and cytological specimens including STAT biopsies i.e. heart kidney liver. Evaluates specimen integrity and acceptability for test performance; obtains specimens for quantitative and qualitative analyses. Accessions specimens received in the laboratory in the laboratory information system. Utilizes computer appropriately for quality control specimen inquiry and patient inquiry.
• Quality Control - Performs and documents quality control according to manufacture specifications laboratory specifications and/or regulatory specifications. Institutes corrective action and notifies supervisor of quality control problems. Reviews section SOP manual and ensures testing practices match SOP guidelines.
• Quality Assurance / Regulatory / Safety - Completes competency assessment within 90 days of hire and annually thereafter or as needed to meet all regulatory requirements. As needed assists supervisor with any regulatory requests and/or inspections. Works collectively with co-workers to ensure laboratory meets and exceeds all safety requirements including but not limited to maintaining temperature charts equipment logs control materials laboratory cleanliness and transportation of hazardous wastes to the department's pick-up area.
• Equipment Maintenance and Inventory - Maintains equipment logs and performs routine calibration and preventative maintenance on instruments and equipment in accordance with established guidelines. Proactively contacts vendor & supervisor when service is needed. Helps to maintain adequate stock of supplies as requested. Assists in the evaluation of new procedures and equipment as requested.
• Observes Joint Commission (JC) standards Patient Safety initiatives Patient Rights and HIPAA Privacy standards - Follows care documentation and cleanliness standards in the performance of job duties; Completes in-services and education on a timely basis; Completes continuing education requirements for recertification as required by certifying organizations (ASCP/NCA ABHI or local licensure). Is focused on patient safety during performance of duties and improves or makes corrections when safety issues arise; notifies department manager as required; Interacts with other team members both on the unit and in other units in an appropriate and proactive way to benefit the patient; Observes proper elevator etiquette and courtesy: smiles and speaks to patients and visitors does not discuss patient care and keeps voice low gives right-of-way to patients and visitors; Keeps all patient information strictly confidential; Never discusses patient information and hospital business in public areas; and Protects patient privacy in public areas. Adheres to all JC and GUH Patient Rights standards.

Minimal Qualifications
Education

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science, or a closely related field.  

Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience working in a clinical histology laboratory, performing histology processes.  

Licenses and Certifications

• HTL - Histotechnologist - ASCP, preferred