Pathology Assistant

at  RWJBarnabas Health

Job Overview: The Pathologist Assistant provides assistance to the Pathologist during autopsies, dissection of surgical pathology specimens, and other related work and participates in the pathologists research activities. Responsible for organizing and filing of the Kodachrome slides according to organ system and disease entity. The PA performs surgical pathology specimen grossing up to level of expertise, dumping waste, neutralize formalin, release of pathology specimen and additional general duties in support of routine laboratory and pathology services. Is responsible for reporting identified safety issues such as hazardous environments (i.e. damaged floors/walls/ceiling tiles/unsecured areas) and medical errors, etc.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree; major in Biology, Medical Technology and/or completion of a Pathology Assistant program with certification preferred.
• One (1) to Two (2) years experience in anatomic pathology.
• Good oral and written communication skills are required. He or she must be able to maintain appropriate contact and communication with Pathologists and other Lab personnel.

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

• Part Time
• Day Shift

The pathologist Assistant assists the pathologist in performing a postmortem examination.
Checks ID of the deceased and consent forms.
Helps the Pathologist in preparing for the postmortem exam.
Weigh the organs.
Takes notes of abnormalities and fills out autopsy protocol.
Photographs pertinent findings.
Checks the request slips and corresponding specimen containers, makes sure they are from the same patient.
Assures the correct numbering/accessioning of the cases.
Makes sure of correct cassette numbers.
Contacts the OR of LAB if any additional information is needed; or consults the Pathologist if there is a problem.
Dissects and grossly describes all surgical pathology specimens according to surgical Pathology Manual.
Weighs specimen(s) when requested.
Photographs specimens(s), as requested.
After dissection of specimens(s), sampling tissue for tissue sections.
The Pathologist Assistant is responsible for cleaning up the cutting/dissection area.
The Pathologist Assistant should consult with the Pathologist on-call for any problem regarding surgical pathology.
Assists in frozen sections.
Neutralize 10% Formalin waste.
Checks/maintains supplies.
Checks refrigerator temperature.
Checks list of bodies.
Accessions and prepares cytology specimens (non-gyn).
Assists in fine needle aspiration.
Filters cytology reagents.
Files and retrieves slides (old and current) back up.
Cytology and surgical accessioning.
Prints Master Log.
Data collection
Data collation
Analysis
Discussion with the Pathologists involved.
Pay Range: $56.55 to $87.66 hourly