Pathology Assistant

at  RWJBarnabas Health

Job Overview: Performs all duties related to preparation of surgical and autopsy specimens to be examined and reviewed by pathologist. Lead Teach grossing room and morgue. Responsible for the performance of all routine and special procedures performed on surgical and autopsy specimens in the section. Consults with manager and anatomic pathology director regarding compliance with regulatory standards and changes in the procedure and policies. Participates in the fiscal and technical activities to insure the operation of the section.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor of Science degree (BS) Or Masters of Science (MS) in biology.
• Has experienced equivalent to the guidelines mandated by the (HCFA) in the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) of 1988 with the (NJDH) requirements for general supervisor.
• Certified by category one agency (ASCP, NCA, AMT, HHS/HEW) or (Certification eligibility)

SCHEDULING REQUIREMENTS:

• Full Time
• Day Shift

• Accessions Autopsy in Co Path when necessary (Example: A08-0). Set up autopsy room for post mortum examination. (Containers labeled with formalin, table and instruments etc.). Calls pathologist and residents assigned to autopsy. Cleans up after autopsy. (Include disinfection with all universal precautions, infection control, fire and safety. Daily body log of deceased in morgue refrigerator, morgue cleanliness and charting. (refrigerator temperature / eyewash).
• Daily, load blocks in tissue processors end of day. Files specimen containers and discards old surgical specimens not saved. Accessions surgical specimens in Co Path when necessary (Example: S08-0). Performs duties as assigned by the section manager.
• Documentation, photographically of all pertinent surgical specimens, pertinent autopsy findings for documentation and weekly pathology conferences. Complies with all universal precautions, infection control, fire and safety. Monitors hazardous waste procedures as required by the hospital and other regulatory agencies.
• Gross examination, triage according to importance and disease classification. Provides technical assistance for all procedures performed in the section (i.e. frozen section, special stains, and complex surgical cases with disease classification). Handles by priority clinically complex surgical cases. Selection of appropriate fixative and preservation techniques. Provides consultation and review of previous specimens to the attending Pathologist when indicated. Performing frozen section techniques. Performs daily maintenance of dictation and other laboratory equipment as necessary.
• Supports Medical Staff Departments with preparation of Tumor Board Conferences, Surgical review and Grand Rounds. Maintains technical policy and procedure manual for section in compliance with requirements of accreditation and regulatory agencies. Ability to organize work and meet deadlines independently. Maintains professional growth. Participates in nursing orientation to educate nurses on the proper methods of sending specimens to the pathology department. Advanced reasoning ability. Willingness to work weekends and holidays, as required.