Histotechnologist

ABOUT SHERIDAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is a progressive, state-of-the-art facility nestled beneath the Big Horn Mountains in beautiful Northeast Wyoming. Founded over 100 years ago, Sheridan Memorial is licensed for 88 beds with over 60 physicians who provide primary medical care and specialty care in more than 15 areas. We are proud of our more than 700 employees who provide personalized, patient-centered care in a healing environment. When people think of excellent healthcare, they think of Sheridan.

JOB SUMMARY

The histotechnologist will be required to have a close working relationship with the pathologists. Receives and accurately processes surgical or diagnostic tissue specimens from various hospital departments and physician offices. Accurately prepares histologic slides from tissue sections for microscopic examination and diagnosis by Pathologist. Identifies, prepares, cuts, stains and preserves specimens in such a manner as assist the Pathologist to render a reliable diagnosis. Maintains Pathology laboratory equipment and supplies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assumes role of Histology Supervisor.
• Accountable for successful histology inspections and accreditations.
• Responsible for Histology Department operation.
• Responsible for maintaining procedure manuals.
• Responsible for admitting patient specimens into the Cerner software and accessioning specimens for the inputting of findings.
• Responsible for instructing new employees and students in histologic techniques.
• Dehydrates, clears and impregnates tissues using a tissue processor.
• Trims specimens into blocks and fixes tissues in formalin or other fixing solution for prescribed length of time.
• Cuts thin sections of specimens, using various types of microtome knives.
• Stains sections for diagnosis.
• Prepares solutions and reagents in accordance with standard procedures.
• Records number of blocks and slides prepared each day for required statistics.
• Keeps current data concerning histopathological methods and procedures.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments. Collaborates with other departments for improved outcomes.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Demonstrates competency in use of standard precautions, safety practices and waste management of materials used and produced in pathology department.
• Demonstrates flexibility to adjust to the uneven workflow and changing priorities of the department.
• Demonstrates ability to problem-solve and resolve issues that occur outside of the normal situation.
• Assists in preparation for laboratory inspections.
• Completes special assigned work, such as producing additional sections or performing special stains on specific blocks of tissue, within expected time frame.
• Views completed slides to self-assess quality of work.
• Maintains a record of all special stains performed, the results, and any corrective action taken.
• Performs hospital billing for procedures.
• Maintains a histology procedure manual, reviews on an annual basis, and updates as necessary.
• Assists instruction of new employees and students in histology techniques.
• Prepares and maintains a full set of control slides appropriately labeled and stored.
• Maintains an appropriate inventory of supplies for which the Histology Department is responsible along with evaluating, selecting, and preparing reagents and stains.
• Primarily responsible for cleaning grossing area daily, changing stain set-up, and changing autotechnican solutions weekly.
• Records the information that accompanies each tissue specimen into a permanent log book and assures the correct identification of the specimen throughout processing and storage.
• Properly files, stores, and maintains tissue slides and blocks along with assuring the proper storage, rotation, and disposal of surgical tissues.
• Maintains a clean, organized work area and keeps supplies stocked at bench.
• Performs and records QC functions within specific time frame.
• Records all data concerning the handling of tissue specimens in a daily log and at the end of each month files with yearly statistics.
• Remains current in the field by field by review of histology periodicals, attending professional society meetings, and other continuing education programs.
• Recognizes and resolves problems in all methods and functions within the Histology Laboratory.
• Recognizes work environment risks from flammable and carcinogenic chemicals and stains in addition to biohazardous tissues and takes necessary safety measures to limit exposure.
• Knowledge sufficient to advise other departments on histologic techniques.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Observes laboratory and hospital policies, procedures, and safety practices.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education / Experience / License and Certifications

• Histologic Technician training at a certified training program/healthcare college.One year related experience in a histopathology laboratory under the supervision of a pathologist. Experience preferred but not required.
• Current Histologic Technician registration, (ASCP) or ASCP eligible.

Sheridan Memorial Hospital is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please click here.

Specific demands not listed: Possible exposure to blood and or body fluids / infectious disease / hazardous waste requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment. Exposure to odorous chemicals / specimens and Latex products.

Pre-employment drug and alcohol screening is required.