Histotechnologist 1 Per Diem

Histotechnologist

The Histology Laboratory is the receiving and processing point for tissue and cytology specimens taken from surgical and biopsy procedures. Histotechnologists are involved in every step of the specimen preparation and testing required for a pathologist's microscopic evaluation and diagnosis of a patient sample. The Histotechnologist's technical skills include: tissue processing and embedding, preparing tissue sections for microscope slides, routine H&E staining, and performing special stains.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent work experience / training
• Previous work experience in a hospital based clinical histology laboratory setting
• Experience working in a hospital or medical environment
• Ability to work with hazardous materials and chemicals
• Ability to work well under pressure and remain flexible in changing work environment
• Knowledge and ability to operate a personal computer
• Organizational and time management skills to independently manage and prioritize an extensive and varied workload, meet multiple deadlines, and achieve timely progress in specimen processing
• Ability to function and work in a diverse work environment
• Ability to maintain the security of confidential information, exercise judgement, tact, and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information and situations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate Degree in a Science field or higher level education
• 12 months of histology lab work experience in embedding and sectioning
• Knowledge and experience in embedding fresh and fixed various tissues for microtomy sections
• Knowledge of routine H&E stains
• Experience in sectioning paraffin embedded and fresh tissues as thin as one (1) micron on a rotary and/or electric microtome
• Experience in preparing molar solutions correcting for pH, and general laboratory maintenance
• Knowledge of an ability to learn special histological stains including the ability to perform several stains simultaneously
• Knowledge of the Laboratory and Hospital Information Systems (LIS/HIS) and other basic computer programs
• Identifies self and section when answering/using the phone; deliver messages and/or refers phone calls to the appropriate person
• Handles telephone information/requests with courtesy, accuracy, and respect for patient confidentiality
• Work at establishing professional working relationships with all departmental personnel
• Readily assist coworkers
• Maintain appropriate interdepartmental communications
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills; document and report clearly and concisely; convey instructions, directions and information appropriately
• Ability to prioritize work based upon departmental turnaround requirements and priority requests
• Technical and mechanical skills to operate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment in the area
• Ability to work well, accurately, and neatly under tight time restrictions
• Tact and diplomacy skills to meet departmental needs
• Ability to maintain records legibly and accurately
• Ability to perform complex laboratory procedures following established protocols
• Must maintain patient confidentiality before, during and after specimen test preparation and performance

Key Responsibilities:

• 90% - Tissue Processing/Embedding, Sectioning and Preparation of Surgical/Cytological/Autopsy Paraffin-Embedded and Frozen Tissue Blocks
• 5% - Maintenance of the Laboratory & General Safety
• 5% - Problem Solving & Special Procedures

Department Overview:

In support of UCDH mission of "improving lives and transforming health care", the Department of Pathology and laboratory medicine provides high quality diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients, both UCDHS' and its affiliates, through the examination and interpretation of tissue, blood and other body fluids. Our laboratory is accredited by the College of American Pathology (CAP) and located in three distinct facilities; the Surgery and Emergency Services Pavilion (SESP), the Pathology Buildings, and the Specialty Testing Center. The Department is one of the largest ancillary services with gross annual revenues in excess of $450m, expenses of $60m, and more than 250 employees across 18 distinct units and accounts/cost centers.