Laboratory Assistant

Histology Technician

Position Code: TechHisto-6122

Department: Laboratory Services

Safety Sensitive: Yes

Reports to: Director/Supervisor

Exempt Status: Yes

Position Purpose: All KHI employees are expected to perform their respective tasks and duties in such a way that supports KHI's vision of providing the region's best clinical care and patient service through an environment that fosters respect for others and pride in performance. Provides assistance with the processing and preparation of histology specimens. Directs proper processing of human derived tissue and fluids to ensure preservation of cellular structure and microscopic elements.

Key Responsibilities

• Processes slides and stains of sufficient quality acceptable by the Pathologist.
• Consistently labels and properly identifies all blocks and slides.
• Maintains accurate specimen log and accession records.
• Processes tissue sections of uniform and proper thickness.
• Properly mounts all sections free of bubbles.
• Maintains safe working environment and is cautious with toxic, flammable and infectious materials.
• Makes oneself readily available to assist as needed.
• Consistently completes routine surgical specimens and submits to Pathologist in timely manner.
• Performs completion of all procedures during scheduled time maintaining quality of work.
• Responds to changes in workloads as necessary to complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates competence in all procedures required of job relating to fixation, processing, microtomy and routine staining of histological specimens.
• Demonstrates a good working knowledge and competence relating to special staining and procedural techniques.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge and applies that knowledge to daily equipment maintenance periodic preventative maintenance.
• Recognizes and resolves problems, trouble-shoots malfunctioning equipment/procedures and resolves accordingly.
• Performs duties in an independent manner with little or no direct supervision.
• Recognizes and performs duties needing to be performed.
• Maintains a neat, clean, and organized work area.
• Interacts with fellow workers in a way that promotes harmonious and cooperative working relationships.
• Demonstrates at all times, in dealing with customers served, a professional and positive image. Maintain strict confidentiality of all patient and hospital information.
• Works effectively with others to facilitate the completion of duties and responsibilities by adhering to KRMC's Behavioral Expectations.
• Develops and maintains good human relation skills using principles of KRMC's values and expectations.
• Fosters an environment that nurtures collaboration, teamwork and mutual respect through effective communication and demonstrates positive communication skills evidenced by effective working relationships.

Qualifications

Must possess good organizational skills Ability to deal effectively with the public. Experience: Minimum of 1 year previous hospital Histology experience required. Education: Per CLIA personnel qualification and responsibility requirements stated in 42 CFR, Part 493, Subpart M- Meet one of the following requirements:

• Be a doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy licensed to practice medicine or osteopathy in the State in which the laboratory is located or have earned a doctoral, master's, or bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science, or medical technology from an accredited institution; or
• Have earned an associate degree in a chemical, physical or biological science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution; or
• Be a high school graduate or equivalent and have successfully completed an official military medical laboratory procedures course of at least 50 weeks duration and have held the military enlisted occupational specialty of Medical Laboratory Specialist (Laboratory Technician); or
• Have earned a high school diploma or equivalent.

Preferences

Certification in Histology Experience: Previous hospital histology experience Knowledge of general chemistry and biology

Special Position Requirements

Exposure Categories: Category I: Expected duties have routine potential for exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues Other Potential Hazard(s): Possible exposure to biological, chemical and radioactive hazards

Work Requirements

• Frequent walking of about 2-3 miles per day
• Occasional lifting of 40-50 pounds or less
• Occasional bending, stooping or reaching
• Sitting for prolonged periods, (40-50% of the time)
• Must be able to distinguish appropriate colors