Westchester Medical Center
A Cytotechnologist utilizes knowledge and anatomical laboratory experience to receive accession and prepare cytological specimens for examination. The Cytotechnologist performs the analyses of cytopathology specimens in an accurate and timely manner. This position requires the exercise of independent judgment, timeliness, accuracy and responsibility with minimal supervision by the director or supervisor.RESPONSIBILITIESCytology Specimen Prep Duties and Technologist ResponsibilitiesPrepares cytologic specimens for analysisAssures proper maintenance of equipmentVerifies and assures accuracy of specimen and patient information.Enters information into computer reporting system according to standard laboratory proceduresPerforms all appropriate laboratory technical procedures including specimen prep, staining, destaining and restaining and screening with little or no supervisionScreens specimens and dots slides as appropriate for pathologistPerforms testing and reports results on laboratory specimensPerforms all duties associated with FNA specimen collection, processing and screeningMeets the diagnostic performance guideline established by the medical directorPerforms job duties in an honest, punctual and ethical mannerReviews and updates all cytology related procedures and procedure manuals on an annual basis and prepares for review by the Medical DirectorPerforms quality control and maintains all appropriate documentationAchieves minimum daily workload productivity as established by the Medical DirectorAdheres to NYS screening guidelines for cytotechnologists and maintains proper documents pertaining to number of slides screenedMaintains competency and assumes responsibility for continuing education relevant to responsibilitiesAs a Cytotechnologist II, participates in the quality control program by re-screening negative pap smears to validate test resultsDemonstrates technical skills necessary to perform specimen collection and triageAccepts and identifies specimens received in the laboratoryChecks specimen container and requisition for proper identification and specimen transport conditionEnters patient demographics and specimen information into the pathology information system.Selects paperwork required to ensure specimen identification, specimen processing and billingVerifies insurance information and retrieves missing information.Demonstrates the ability to perform gross examinations of specimensChecks and maintains accurate specimen identificationDetermines correct fixatives for requested proceduresWeighs and measures specimensSelects tissues and cassettes for processing and stores residual tissues using methods that insure preservationRecords required information necessary for subsequent procedures such as embedding and cuttingDictates gross descriptions clearly, accurately and according to guidelines of the departmentPhotographs specimens correctlyImplements proper tissue processing proceduresFollows decalcification proceduresDemonstrates the ability to process Heme/Path bone marrow specimensDemonstrates the ability to prepare reagents for bone marrow Wright Giemsa stainPerforms Wright Giemsa stain on bone marrow smearsDemonstrates the ability to coverslip and prepare bone marrow slides to be submitted to the pathologistOther Lab DutiesAssists the Histotechnologists with slide labeling as necessaryAssists with cover slipping and staining procedures as necessaryMaintains laboratory equipment, including monitoring and changing reagents as necessaryMaintains any temperature or other laboratory related charts as requestedPerforms other qualified laboratory duties as requested by supervisorAssures adequate laboratory supply inventoryThoroughly, accurately and legibly documents test resultsDemonstrates and uses the applicable computer systemsReviewed the policy for Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control PlanUnderstands the proper use of all personal protective equipment necessary to perform all assigned duties.Adheres to all policies and procedures regarding precautionary measures taken to minimize risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.Equipment Maintenance ManualReviewed standard operating procedures and maintenance manuals for equipmentOperates and maintains equipment according to protocolCommunicates with hospital personnel, medical staff and patients and incorporates customer orientation principles into daily workEstablishes relations, supports and provides laboratory assistance as neededMaintains daily contact with pathologists and other medical staffPromotes congenial laboratory work environmentHas a clear understanding of who the primary customers are and what they require; focuses on their needs, expectations and satisfactionRelates to people in an open, friendly and caring mannerServes customers with respect, tolerance and consideration for cultural, ethnic and/or religious beliefsUses customer feedback as a basis for taking actions which solve customer's problems quickly and effectivelyAdvocates for patient's rights and responsibilitiesParticipates in professional development and accounts for personal achievement and progress toward outcomesMaintains current knowledge of new procedures, methods and equipment through personal studyAttends educational conferences, inservices and meetings as able to ensure continuing education and professional growthSets goals, implements plans to meet goals and holds self accountable for resultsInspires others by example and influences them to do and be their bestDemonstrates self direction and initiative in work practicesComplies with all institutional and departmental policiesMaintains patient confidentiality at all timesCompletes all required inservices and assessments in a timely mannerPortrays a professional caring attitude at all times and greets departmental visitors accordinglyAnswers telephones promptly and appropriatelySubmits appropriate paperwork for requesting leave timeCalls department for unscheduled absences and lates and fills out appropriate paperwork upon returnParticipates as part of a team in helping to maintain high quality performance of departmental duties and assists others whenever possibleHelps to maintain a clean, safe environment for the workplaceAdheres to departmental policies regarding overtime, lunches and breaksFosters a spirit of cooperation and communication when seeking to schedule vacations and leave time in order to accommodate the work flow and maintain adequate staffing levelsIs responsible to complete all assigned work during the scheduled work period and does not do so at the expense of quality or accuracyWears ID badge at all timesDoes not leave the work area without giving proper notification to coworkersAccepts and adapts to changes in responsibilities and work flow promptly and without resistanceRespects coworkers, discourages gossip and fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation.Demonstrates individual commitment to TeamworkDevelops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organizationShares information, resources, and ideasDemonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures, or processesWorks effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals, and to find solutions to problemsParticipates in and actively supports group decisionsWorks actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcomeEvaluates the Cost Effectiveness of daily workIdentifies methods and approaches to simplify work processes, decrease waste and increase the quality of service providedDemonstrates effective time management to promote productivity and cost efficiencyUses material goods wisely, is conscious of the environment and is accountable for prudent use of resourcesQUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTSEXPERIENCESee EducationEDUCATIONMust have a bachelor's degree in Cytotechnology ORA bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with an appropriate distribution of biology, chemistry and math courses and completed a program in Cytotechnology. ORMeets one of the grand parenting requirements for licensure as a Cytotechnologist -1)Cytotechnologist I - Meets the minimum NYSED requirements for a Cytotechnologist.2)Cytotechnologist II -Four years experience as a Cytotechnologist I and achieves all Cytotechnologist I core competenciesLICENSES/CERTIFICATIONSMust meet New York State Education Department requirements as a Cytotechnologist and hold a NYSED license in Cytotechnology.