Northwestern Medicine
Histotechnologist - Surgical Pathology, Full-Time Nights
Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Histotechnologist - Surgical Pathology, Full-Time Nights
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees.
Job Description The Histotechnologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant system policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Histotechnologist performs routine histology procedures, in accordance with all department-specific SOPs and guidelines, resulting in stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the pathologist. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators regarding specimen problems and is required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.
Responsibilities
Performs cassette-log reconciliation, initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors, and recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues per SOP, recognizing adequacy of processing.
Identifies and orients tissues correctly and documents tracking and quality issues on the embedding log.
Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation, prioritizing blocks based on established guidelines.
Operates the microtome per SOP, determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue may require deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.
Ensures appropriate documentation of specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes within the laboratory information system, as well as for cassettes, slides, and logs.
Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides, and performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results, and/or instrument failure.
Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.
Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls and evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissue.
Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies, documenting stains and quality issues.
Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimens, resolving discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalating to supervisor or pathologist when necessary.
Utilizes dictation equipment to document descriptions per procedure, where applicable.
Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responding effectively to changes in workflow and incorporating STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
Exercises independent judgment in performing technical responsibilities.
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties within defined turn‑around times.
Performs required Quality System responsibilities, including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports.”
Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements, cleaning and disinfecting laboratory areas per SOP and performing minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
Monitors laboratory inventory to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate, notifying the coordinator promptly of any supply issues.
Participates in Safety and Infection Control activities, following all required safety procedures and assuming a proactive role in laboratory safety.
Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
Participates in the training and teaching of students and new staff members.
Additional Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Assists in specific process improvement projects.
Assists with problem resolution regarding patient specimens, including root cause analysis.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in the biological, physical, chemical, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or histology.
HTL (ASCP) certification or eligibility for HTL (ASCP); if eligible must take and pass the national certifying exam within one year of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior work experience in a CAP accredited histology laboratory.
Additional Information Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine; we consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.
Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
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Job Description The Histotechnologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant system policies, procedures, guidelines, and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Histotechnologist performs routine histology procedures, in accordance with all department-specific SOPs and guidelines, resulting in stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the pathologist. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators regarding specimen problems and is required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.
Responsibilities
Performs cassette-log reconciliation, initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors, and recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues per SOP, recognizing adequacy of processing.
Identifies and orients tissues correctly and documents tracking and quality issues on the embedding log.
Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation, prioritizing blocks based on established guidelines.
Operates the microtome per SOP, determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue may require deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.
Ensures appropriate documentation of specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes within the laboratory information system, as well as for cassettes, slides, and logs.
Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides, and performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results, and/or instrument failure.
Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.
Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls and evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissue.
Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies, documenting stains and quality issues.
Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimens, resolving discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalating to supervisor or pathologist when necessary.
Utilizes dictation equipment to document descriptions per procedure, where applicable.
Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responding effectively to changes in workflow and incorporating STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
Exercises independent judgment in performing technical responsibilities.
Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties within defined turn‑around times.
Performs required Quality System responsibilities, including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports.”
Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements, cleaning and disinfecting laboratory areas per SOP and performing minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
Monitors laboratory inventory to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate, notifying the coordinator promptly of any supply issues.
Participates in Safety and Infection Control activities, following all required safety procedures and assuming a proactive role in laboratory safety.
Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings.
Participates in the training and teaching of students and new staff members.
Additional Functions
Performs other duties as assigned.
Assists in specific process improvement projects.
Assists with problem resolution regarding patient specimens, including root cause analysis.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in the biological, physical, chemical, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or histology.
HTL (ASCP) certification or eligibility for HTL (ASCP); if eligible must take and pass the national certifying exam within one year of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
Prior work experience in a CAP accredited histology laboratory.
Additional Information Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine; we consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.
Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well‑being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
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