Histotechnician/Histotechnologist

Histotechnologist

This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. Routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts/stains/labels slides, and performs special procedures such as special stains, plastic procedures, Immunoperoxidase, undecalcified bone processing, photography of gross specimens and high complexity testing such as Immunohistochemistry as well as quality control procedures. This job develops new procedures and evaluates reagents and equipment; follows test plans, coordinates internal validations and teaches and advises staff in problem-solving situations; provides on-going education to laboratory staff and audits operations for quality control; and serves as a consultant tech and assists the Laboratory Supervisor as needed.

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.

Education

Required - Bachelor's Degree in Histotechnology, Biology, Chemistry, Physical, Medical Technology or Clinical Laboratory Science

Work Experience

Required - None

Certifications

Required - Histotechnologist (HTL) (ASCP) registration

Required - Current Louisiana license as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist - Specialist or Generalist

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• 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 throughout the patient care process.
• Strong interpersonal skills

Job Duties

• Properly orients 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.
• Prepares tissue or slides for Special Procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging arranging transportation, documentation and billing.
• Maintains an adequate cut supply of Positive (+) control slides. Documenting on Control Tissue QC log, the case number and QC date.
• Assists in managing workload and productivity by adjusting schedule when necessary.
• Completes Pathologist's, Supervisor's and management team's requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay.
• Cleans and maintains reagents tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer, immunostainers in excellent condition, keeping all work areas clean and documenting QC as required. Accommodates special needs of the section organization by volunteering to do any work/task when needed technical or nontechnical areas due to inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime or other critical times.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

Complies with the Ochsner Health System Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

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.

Physical and Environmental Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.

Mechanical lifting devices (carts, dollies, etc.) or team lifts should be utilized. Must be able to stoop, bend, reach and grab with arms and hands, manual dexterity. Must be able to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Must be able to travel throughout and between facilities. Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue. The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.