Histotechnologist

Overview:
To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.
At Bridgeport Hospital, we are committed to providing quality medical care and treatment that is coordinated and centered on the patient's specific needs. We strive to achieve benchmarks as a Patient Centered Medical Home and provide health care in a setting where patients are at the center of their care team. All employees of Bridgeport Hospital are part of the patients care team and contribute to the team approach of promoting access, continuous, comprehensive care and work to provide quality improvement in the care provided to their patients.
Working in a Pathology laboratory environment, processing Histology specimens. Maintain a working knowledge of intermediate chemistry, mathematics, physics, anatomy and biology to aid in troubleshooting all aspects of the position. Close concentration and attention to detail are required. Must have experience to properly evaluate and orient all types of tissue and cytology specimens. Maintain expertise with the microtomes, processors, stainers and manual protocols in order to produce a high quality product within turnaround time guidelines. Excellent organizational and technical skills required, with multi-tasking a priority.
EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran
Responsibilities:

• 1. DAILY OPERATION: Receive and process all surgical specimens submitted to the Histology department of Pathology. Render them suitable for microscopic examination by each attending Pathologist. Utilization of the computer terminal to access information and document activities is mandatory.
• 2. SPECIMEN EMBEDDING: Embeds all specimens according to established protocols. Follows work list to ensure that all material is present and handled appropriately. Performs all necessary QC, maintenance and documentation activities.
• 3. SPECIMEN CUTTING, COVERSLIPPING & LABELING: Prepares all slides in accordance with established protocols. Operates microtome, water bath, automatic stainer, and coverslipping area performing all necessary QC, maintenance and documentation. Labels all slides appropriately.
• 4. ROUTINE & SPECIAL STAINING: Prepares and checks appropriate stains. Expertise in general routine H&E staining. Sets up appropriate special techniques, microwaving and solution preparation. Performs and records all maintenance, QC and documentation activities.
• 5. IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY: Prepares and checks appropriate stains. Operates the Immunohistochemistry instruments, performing necessary QC, maintenance and documentation. Sets up appropriate special procedures when protocols specify. Performs and records all QC and proficiency testing.
• 6. AP INFORMATION SYSTEM:Utilizes the APIS to execute histology clerical and computer functions, promoting good communications within the laboratory and throughout the hospital. Demonstrates and maintains a working knowledge of clerical in-patient and out-patient procedures to register patients, obtain reports, access work lists and retrieve results as needed.
• 7. INTRAOPERATIVE CONSULTATION ASSISTANCE: Including but not limited to frozen section preparation/cyrotomy and specimen radiography
• 8. SMALL BIOPSY GROSSING: Assist the PAs in grossing small biopsies as needed, after appropriate training

EDUCATION

Four (4) years of college, B.S. Degree, ASCP Histotechnologist certification

EXPERIENCE

Prior Histology Lab experience preferred.

LICENSURE

None required; ASCP HT certification preferred

SPECIAL SKILLS

Maintain a working knowledge of all aspects of Histology to aid in troubleshooting problems in any area of the section. Intense concentration and attention to detail are required with minimal tolerance for errors. Works under stressful conditions with high time pressure, strong interpersonal skills required. Must have good working knowledge of the AP computer system as general computer use.
Takes an active role in overseeing the operation of the section in the absence of the manager.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Lifting of medium weight objects. Close machine work and the use of sharp knives and instruments. Intense concentration and attention to detail, average laboratory conditions; exposure to formaldehyde, caustic agents and other hazardous solvents.