Sr Surgical Pathology Tech, Full-Time Days

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. At Northwestern Medicine, 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. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Senior Surgical Pathology Tech 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 policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Responsibilities:

• Performs technical procedures:
  • Perform and/or assist with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimens.
  • Verify that specimen and requisition labeling match prior to examination.
  • Resolve discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalate to supervisor when necessary.
  • Utilize dictation equipment to document description per procedure.
  • Verify specimen identify matches cassette identity prior to submission of tissues.
  • Document cassettes and tissues accurately and legibly on logs and in LIS.
  • Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
  • Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities.
  • Perform and/or assist with specimen photography.
  • Maintain staining setup per SOP.
  • Perform cryostat maintenance per SOP.
  • Perform block reconciliation with histology staff prior to cassette hand-off.
  • Receive specimens in the Surgical Pathology laboratory per SOP.
  • Document specimen receipt and reconcile specimen logs with appropriate follow-up as necessary.
  • Verify specimen and requisition meet acceptable criteria per SOP.
  • Take necessary corrective action with appropriate OR, clinic, or physicians office to resolve any specimen and/or requisition discrepancies or deficiencies.
  • Document any deficiencies per SOP. Escalate any issues to management staff appropriately.
  • Prioritize specimen processing based on established guidelines.
  • Accession specimens into the Laboratory Information System.
  • Label requisitions and specimen containers accurately.
  • Generate accurately labeled tissue cassettes.
  • Collate paperwork, specimens, and tissue cassettes.
  • Maintain specimen storage areas.
  • Triage surgical and autopsy specimens qualifying for disposal.
  • Discard specimens per SOP.
  • Answer routine inquiries related to specimen handling and case status.
  • Triage department phone calls appropriately.
  • Record all documentation consistently and legibly.
  • Maintain files (requisitions, specimen delivery logs, problem logs) to ensure information is current and ready for QM review.
  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Clean, disinfect, and perform routine maintenance per SOP.
  • Perform minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
  • Create the bench schedule to ensure sufficient technical staff in the Gross Rooms in Feinberg and Prentice during hours of operation.
• Maintains system integrity in a designated section:
  • Monitors laboratory inventory to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate.
  • Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use.
  • Performs inventory maintenance and supply ordering.
  • Reviews instrument and equipment maintenance logs in a timely fashion and follows up as needed.
  • Review and evaluates QC results and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
  • Performs required Quality System responsibilities including initiating Quality Investigation Reports.
• Performs technical review in a designated section:
  • Develops and maintains a higher level of expertise.
  • Recognizes unusual results/processes and completes appropriate follow-up actions.
  • Review LIS case record for appropriate billing codes and documentation within the required timeframe.
  • Evaluates instruments and test systems and makes recommendations for acquisition to senior management.
• Troubleshoots and solves problems in designated section:
  • Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.
  • Cleans, disinfects, performs, and documents routine equipment and instrument maintenance per SOP.
  • Performs advanced troubleshooting and repair.
  • Calls for field service when necessary and is familiar with contractual terms of maintenance agreements.
• Ensures quality of operations:
  • Assumes delegated responsibilities in the absence of a coordinator.
  • Ensures regulatory compliance in designated section.
  • Participates in the orientation and training of new staff and students.
  • Meets competency standards of the department and assists in the competency assessment of technical and support staff.
  • Presents continuing education programs.
  • Assists the Coordinator and Manager in monitoring the operations of designated areas to ensure that service standards and financial goals are met.
  • Contributes in developing and is responsible for implementation of technical goals and standards.
• Information Systems:
  • Ensures integrity of Laboratory Information System by following established protocols and participating in the maintenance and enhancements of the LIS.
  • Participates in instrument computer software updates.
  • Demonstrates expertise in Information Technology; uses applications to streamline operations and facilitate service monitoring and data collection.
• Ensures safety of operations:
  • Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP.
  • Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
  • Participates in Safety and Infection Control activities.
  • Follows all required safety procedures, assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety.
• Provides service excellence:
  • Answers telephones when needed using NMH telephone etiquette.
  • Maintains patient confidentiality.
  • Assists patients and other contacts whenever need occurs.
  • Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication.
• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
• Additional Functions:
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Assist in specific process improvement projects.
  • May provide coverage for autopsy procedures.
  • May assist pathologists with instruction and orientation of residents to procedures and techniques of basic specimen handling, gross dissection, and dictation of routine biopsies and use of equipment.
• EOE/AA.

Required:

• A.S. degree, preferably in the biological, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or other related field.
• Computer experience with keyboard proficiency.
• Familiarity with medical terminology.

Preferred:

• Three years of technical experience in a gross laboratory.

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.