Histotechnician

This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. It assists pathologists, pathologist assistants, and residents in the gross dissection room, performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing, and routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts, stains, and labels slides. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion. Education Required – High school diploma or equivalent Preferred – Completion of an Associate Degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of Biology and Chemistry. Work Experience Preferred – 1 year of experience in Histopathology laboratory or an ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification. Certifications Preferred – ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification (may be accepted in lieu of work experience). Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel. Excellent judgmental skills to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations. Analytical skills to effectively perform calculations, operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers. Ability to manage stress to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality, accurate results and service to clients. Experience working independently. Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information; must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard. Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals. Job Duties Properly orient tissue in paraffin embedding medium ensuring all surfaces such as epidermis, dermis, mucosal, lumen and inked margins are embedded and sectioned on the same plane. Prepare tissue or slides for special procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging, arranging transportation, documentation and billing. Assist in managing workload and productivity by adjusting the schedule when necessary. Maintain an adequate cut supply of positive control slides and document on Control Tissue QC log the case number and QC date for special stains. Complete pathologist’s, supervisor’s, and management team’s requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay. Clean and maintain reagents, tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, and H&E stainer in excellent condition; keep all work areas clean and document QC as required. Accommodate special needs of the section organization by volunteering for any work or task in technical or nontechnical areas during inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime, or other critical times. Follow safety guidelines as outlined for the department/institution and document instances appropriately. Perform special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing. Other related duties as required. Physical and Environmental Demands Medium Work – Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid, and tissue. The incumbent works in a patient care area and may be exposed to hazards including communicable diseases and hazardous medications or waste. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Equal Employment Opportunity Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr