Summary

The Pathologists' Assistant performs high complexity testing and related tasks to support the pathology staff in autopsies and with surgical specimen examination. Under supervision of a pathologist, the Pathologists' Assistant will perform gross examination and dissection of surgical pathology specimens, and shall be evaluated by a qualified pathologist on a regular, periodic basis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education, training and/or experience, or meet the minimum CLIA-88 requirements for high complexity testing personnel.
• Current ASCP certification as a Pathologists' Assistant (Affiliate or Fellow status in the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants) strongly preferred. In lieu of current certification as a Pathologists' Assistant, the employee must obtain written approval from all hospital-based Pathologists and the Dillingham Airport Trade Center Laboratory Director that he/she is capable and competent to gross any and all surgical specimens and, assist with evisceration and organ dissection during autopsies.
• Previous experience in a pathology laboratory of at least 3 years preferred.
• Able to correctly use anatomic/medical terminology to dictate gross dissections.
• Knowledge of CPT and ICD-9 diagnosis coding.
• Strong data entry skills.
• Computer literate with working knowledge of laboratory information systems.
• Passes company drug testing program pre-hire and thereafter on a periodic and/or random basis.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and customer service skills.
• Excellent English communication (verbal and written) skills, including by telephone.
• Demonstrated and proven ability/experience in accomplishments in all of our five core values:
  • Shine
  • Team
  • Accurate
  • Respect
  • Standardize

Essential Functions

Under general supervision of a Pathologist and other supervision, and in accordance with Company policies, procedures and guidelines, this position:

• Prepares tissues for gross examination.
• Performs dissection of all tissues with dictation of a gross description.
• Assists with pathologist in dictation and dissection of tissues as requested.
• Submits specimens for histologic examination after gross dissection; must be familiar with histology requirements such as specimen thickness and length of adequate fixation.
• Shall be evaluated by the pathologist for clarity and completeness of the gross description, tissue sections of satisfactory quality taken from the appropriate areas, and the appropriate number of tissue blocks submitted.
• Adheres to guidelines for gross examination and description of surgical specimens as defined in the surgical pathology or standard operating procedure manual.
• Provides accurate identification, handling, storage, and transport of the specimens submitted for these studies or procedures according to established protocols.
• Labels specimens, cassettes, slides and blocks accurately, and ensures they are transported and stored properly.
• Knowledge of CAP/ASCO fixation requirements for breast specimens and Immunohistochemistry criteria.
• Performs related procedures including ordering H & E, special stains, obtaining cultures, taking photographs, and saving tissue.
• Assists pathologist with frozen section examination of tissue specimens.
• Assists with FNA smear preparation or assists radiologists in needle biopsy.
• Assists pathologist and/or resident in performing autopsies.
• Performs gross dissection and removal of body organs including the brain.
• Cleans and prepares body after autopsy completed. Transports body to and from morgue refrigerator as needed. Cleans morgue, autopsy table and instruments after completion of autopsy.
• Assist pathologist(s) with preparation of clinical summary as requested.
• Maintains open communication with supervisor, pathologists and co-workers to ensure optimal operation of the department.
• Maintains all instruments in clean and working order and ensures servicing or replacement if needed. Records temperature and instrument preventive maintenance records.
• May load or operate processors and cryostats.
• May prepare reagents and stains to meet departmental quality standards. Properly labels, stores and disposes of reagents.
• Maintains H & E staining stations, Diff-Quick stains, and cryostat in operating condition.
• Practices strict adherence to standard operating procedures, compliance, laboratory safety and infection control policies.
• Develops high level of proficiency and continues to update knowledge through on-the-job training. Participates in examinations to test proficiency.
• Neutralizes waste formalin and assists with biohazard waste disposal; including tissue disposal.
• Ensures adequate supply inventory, retrieves and distributes supplies as needed.
• Ensures accurate patient information, accession numbers and records on all surgical, autopsy and bone marrow specimens. Maintains filing system for rapid and accurate retrieval of all blocks and slides.
• Receives and accessions specimens into laboratory information system
• Accurately codes (CPT and ICD-9) all surgical specimens and enters information into laboratory information system.
• Resolves problems and discrepancies in patient/clinical information on the phone with clients.
• Performs duties as requested by the Sex Abuse Treatment Center when working at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children.
• Must be able to work at several sites (and on different shifts) as needed.
• Adheres to confidentiality, safety, compliance, and legal requirements.
• Maintains consistent and reliable attendance and complies with company guidelines on attendance.
• Float to Hilo and Wilcox locations to cover vacations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Capabilities

• Moderate and occasional heavy physical effort (lift/carry up to 30 pounds).
• Carrying, pushing, and pulling of weights (reagents, cadavers).
• Reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching.
• Must be able to hear, see and respond adequately.
• Frequent prolonged standing, walking, sitting and bending over.
• Finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination.
• Travel to various sites as needed by auto or airplane.

Working Environment

• Air conditioned laboratory/morgue environment.
• Must be able to work with cadavers and potentially diseased organs.
• Frequent contact with water (hand washing and cleaning), biohazardous body fluids and hazardous chemicals.
• Sufficient noise and interruptions to cause distraction.
• May be asked to work extended hours.

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

• CUSTOMER-FOCUSED: Aware of customer needs; makes decisions with customer in mind; builds strong customer relationships.
• COMMUNICATOR: Proactively conveys a clear, convincing, and timely message; possesses strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
• PROBLEM SOLVER: Uses data and logic to quickly find solutions to difficult challenges.
• COLLABORATIVE: Works effectively with others to accomplish goals.
• TECHNICALLY COMPETENT: Possesses and maintains the functional and technical knowledge and skills to successfully perform job.
• RESULTS DRIVEN: Achievement-oriented; achieves and exceeds goals; pushes self and others for results.
• ANALYTICAL: Logical, systematic, and methodical in working through a plan or problem; provides solid research on which to base decisions; establishes process for workflow.
• RESOURCEFUL: Knows how to get what is needed; manages time and workloads for maximum efficiency.
• QUALITY CONSCIOUS: Delivers accuracy and precision in work products; mindful of technical requirements, rules, and standards.
• TIME-WISE: Prioritizes; respects others' time; adheres to schedules and agendas.