Histologist

Mercy Medical Center; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 27,552,000 - 38,573,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center is seeking a Histologist for day shifts in Cedar Rapids. This role focuses on accessioning, embedding, microtomy, and staining across various sample types. A $10,000 sign-on bonus is available and the schedule includes a 40-hour work week with rotating weekends.

The ideal candidate has histology or related science training and at least one year of healthcare experience, with strong attention to detail and teamwork in a high-quality clinical setting.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in histology, biology, or chemistry strongly preferred.
• One year healthcare experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Accession specimens and prepare tissue blocks for embedding.
• Perform embedding, microtomy, and routine staining (H&E, special stains).
• Conduct immunohistochemical staining and assist in frozen section work.
• Communicate results and collaborate with physicians and lab staff.
• Maintain quality control and adhere to CAP/COLA/CLIA guidelines.

Skills

Lab protocols

Ability to work under pressure

Multi-tasking

Detail oriented

Communication

LIS proficiency

Quality control

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Associate or Bachelor's degree in histology/biology/chemistry

Tools

LIS (Laboratory Information System)

Histology microtome

Immunohistochemistry equipment

Job description

External Applicants Earn up to $10,000 Sign on Bonus!This is a day shift ranging from 3:00am to 6:00am start with rotating every 5 weekendsWork ShiftDayScheduled Weekly Hours40SummaryThis position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by providing timely, high quality surgical pathology service. The Histologist is responsible for specimen accessioning, embedding, microtomy, and staining on a variety of sample types.Job DescriptionJob Duties/Essential FunctionsJob DutiesEnsure that accurate and clinically relevant information is communicated with patients, their families, and co-workers at hand offs and other times as needed. Take all measures necessary to ensure that the appropriate and involved parties have communicated necessary information in order to allow for the best possible patient outcomeProperly identifies patients and samples during the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases of testingPerforms specimen accessioning and gross set-upPerforms high-quality embedding and microtomyPerforms staining, including H&E, special stains, and immunohistochemical stainingMaintains, troubleshoots, and resolves issues with protocols and instrumentsAssists in cytology preparation, including GYN and non-GYN specimensAssists in frozen section activities with the pathologistsCommunicates effectively and professionally with physicians, nurses, other medical personnel, patients, and familiesPrioritizes workload to ensure timely reporting of resultsMaintains and improves skills by participating in at least one continuing education activity annuallyActively seeks and identifies opportunities for process improvementAssists in procedure writing, updating, and validatingActs as a resource for laboratory medicine information to providers and othersUses laboratory information system access information, enter results, and generate reportsEducates and trains HTL and HT studentsFollows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesKnowledge of laboratory protocols and proceduresKnowledge of regulatory requirements, including CAP, COLA, CLIA, TJC, and FDAAbility to work quickly and efficiently under pressure without sacrificing qualityAbility to multi-task, prioritize, and work with interruptionsSkill to use standard laboratory instrumentationSkill to use the laboratory information system (LIS)Ability to recognize and correct problems with quality controlAbility to recognize problems and troubleshoot laboratory equipmentAbility to be detail-orientedAbility to complete appropriate documentation and paperwork clearly and completelyProfessional ExperienceOne year healthcare experience preferred.EducationHigh School diploma or equivalent required.Associate or bachelor's degree in histology, biological, or chemical science strongly preferred.Licensure, Certification, RegistrationNone requiredPhysical RequirementsLight: Exert up to 20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequentlyPay Rate TypeHourlyMercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.