Surgical Pathology Technician

At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Pathology Technician position is responsible for working under the direction of a Pathologist, performing the gross examination and description of gross-only specimens and surgical biopsy specimens (not requiring dissection or sectioning). This position reports to appropriate HM entity management.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience working in a surgical pathology laboratory

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
• Knowledge of current laboratory principles and procedures used in gross tissue examination
• Extensive knowledge of advanced laboratory theory, technique, and testing related to anatomic pathology
• Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and record-keeping procedures which constitute good laboratory practice, and which comply with regulations imposed by outside agencies such as College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
• Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures
• Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Microsoft Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
• Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including organizing workflow and actively participating in problem-solving

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.
• Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs tissue triage, gross examination of gross only specimens and small biopsies (not requiring dissection or sectioning), and documentation (grossing) for any, and all simple biopsy types while ensuring specimen integrity (i.e., preventing tissue death/degradation).
• Photographs specimens for documentation and, at the discretion of the medical director, may maintain the photography database.
• Organizes own workload and sets priorities under direction of the Pathologist. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Dictates accurate and precise gross descriptions for small biopsy and gross only specimens.
• Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security, emergency preparedness and HIPAA.
• Processes, triages, orders, labels (e.g. slides, cassettes) and transports specimens for testing.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
• Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform: No
• Scrubs: Yes
• Business professional: No
• Other (department approved): No

ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* No

TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science

EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience working in a surgical pathology laboratory