Histology Technician (MOHS) - Dermatology Surgery

Histologist

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This job receives and accessions surgical excision specimens for frozen section tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. This job assists Dermatologic Surgeons and Residents in the gross dissection room and routinely embeds tissues in OCT (Optimum cutting temperature media), cuts, stains and labels slides, maintains hematoxylin and eosin automated stain line, and fully operates laboratory to include quality control, quality assurance and process improvement procedures. This job maintains confidentiality of patient related information. The frozen section technique, which assists surgeons during patient surgery, requires performing STAT preparations of suspicious tissues sent from the Operating Room. Speed, accuracy and cooperation are critical as the surgeon and other operating room personnel await histologist diagnosis before proceeding with surgery.

Education

Required - High School diploma or equivalent

Work Experience

Required - 2 years experience in histopathology.

Certifications

Preferred- Registered or registry-eligible as a histotechnician (HT) or histotechnologist (HLT) with the American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP)

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

• Performs assigned lab duties with technical competency
• Maintains professional accountability and oversees quality assurance
• Utilizes time management and organizational skills when performing job duties
• Responsible for inspections and certifications
• Adheres to regulatory agency compliance and safety accreditation guidelines
• 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.

This employer maintains and complies with its 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. The employer 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.

The physical essential functions of this job include (but are not limited to) the following: Frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.