Gross Room / Autopsy Technician - Anatomic Pathology Core Lab - Days

vcuhealth; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

VCU Health in Richmond, VA is seeking a Grossing Autopsy Technician to support Anatomic Pathology. You will gross specimens, describe macroscopic features, document measurements, and differentiate normal from abnormal tissue under the supervision of pathologists.

Responsibilities include autopsy-related duties, maintaining protocols, safety compliance, and assisting with administrative tasks. An associate's degree in laboratory science or MLT is required; a Bachelor's in Biological Science is

Qualifications

• Minimum education: Associate's degree in Laboratory Science or MLT from an accredited institution.
• Preferred education: Bachelor's degree in Biological Science from an accredited institution.
• Requires strong communication, teamwork and interpersonal abilities.

Responsibilities

• Gross specimens by describing macroscopic features and documenting dimensions and structures.
• Differentiate normal from abnormal tissue and ensure accuracy of pathology services.
• Work under supervision of Pathologists or Pathologists' Assistants in a CLIA-compliant setting.
• Maintain protocols, safety standards and assist with morgue duties as needed.

Skills

Effective communication

Team skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology

Bachelor's Degree in Biological Science

Job description

The Gross Room/Autopsy Technician provides support services to Anatomic Pathology. The Gross Room Autopsy Technician performs duties under the direction and supervision of Pathologists or Pathologists' Assistants. The Grossing Autopsy Technician is responsible for the accuracy of pathology services requiring specialized techniques. The Grossing Autopsy Technician functions in a high complexity testing support role, as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 2010 revision, as an adjunct to the physicians in Pathology for routine, uncomplicated surgical dissection procedures performed on tissue samples. Work is performed under general supervision according to policy.

The Grossing Autopsy Technician is responsible for grossing specimens: describing macroscopic anatomic features, documenting specimen dimensions, structures, size, and appearance, and being able to differentiate normal from abnormal human tissue. The Grossing Autopsy Technician works independently using medical knowledge and strict adherence to establish protocols to perform human specimen examination for diagnosis and patient treatment. The laboratory receives and processes specimens from the operating rooms and clinics throughout the hospital and health care organization.

The Grossing Autopsy Technician provides services in the Autopsy Suite to include but not limited to human postmortem dissection, strict adherence to departmental protocols, maintaining supply and reagent inventory, housekeeping maintenance, enforcement of safety regulations and other designated duties as assigned. This role performs morgue duties, including releasing remains from the morgue and administrative activities, in a limited, backup capacity.

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide equitable care appropriate to the age of the patients served on their assigned unit. Demonstrates knowledge and related competencies of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to their age, specific needs and to provide the equitable care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

• Neonates (0-4 weeks)
• Infant (1-12 months)
• Pediatrics (1-12 years)
• Adolescents (13-17 years)
• Adults (18-64 years)
• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Employment Qualifications

• Required Education: Minimum of an Associate's Degree in Laboratory Science or Medical Laboratory Technology obtained from an accredited institution OR
• Preferred Education: Bachelor's Degree in a Biological Science from an accredited institution

• Licensure/Certification Required: N/A
• Licensure/Certification Preferred: N/A

Minimum Qualifications

• Years and Type of Required Experience: Previous laboratory work experience or experience with biohazard procedures and precautions
• Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required: Effective oral and written communication skills. Effective team skills. Effective interpersonal skills
• Cultural Responsiveness: N/A
• Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred: Previous experience performing gross dissection and dictation of surgical biopsy specimens. Previous work experience in autopsy service .

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. General office environment. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc. May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids. * May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials. * May have periods of constant interruptions. Prolonged periods of working alone.* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands: Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.), Lifting/ Carrying (100+ lbs.), Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.), Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.), Stoop, Kneel, Squat, Climbing, Balance, Bending

Work Position: Sitting, Walking, Standing

Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

• Physical Requirements: Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination), Maneuver weight of patients, Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder, Reach above shoulder, Repetitive arm/hand movements, Finger Dexterity, Color Vision, Acuity - far, Acuity - near
• Hazards: Depth perception, Use of Latex Gloves, Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents, Exposure to moving mechanical parts, Exposure to dust/fumes, Exposure to potential electrical shock, Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy, Exposure to high pitched noises

Mental/Sensory - Emotional

Mental/Sensory: Strong Recall , Reasoning , Problem Solving, Hearing, Speak Clearly, Write Legibly, Reading, Logical thinking

Emotio