Histotechnician-Full-time Days

Northwestern Medicine; Geneva (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine in Geneva, IL is seeking a Histotechnician to join the 1st shift at Delnor Hospital. This full-time role (40 hours) runs Monday–Friday 4am–12:30pm, with no holidays and no weekends.

You will perform routine histology, embed tissues, process staining, and participate in quality and safety programs while communicating with pathologists and team members to ensure accurate diagnostic slides.

Qualifications

• Associates degree with biology and chemistry OR 60 semester hours with biology/chemistry.
• Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must meet requirements for high complexity testing per CLIA and accrediting agencies.

Responsibilities

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation and manages tissue processing alarms.
• Embeds biopsy and surgical tissues per SOP and ensures adequacy of processing.
• Identifies and documents tissues and maintains embedding logs.
• Performs routine paraffin block reconciliation and prioritizes blocks.
• Operates microtome and determines orientation and settings for representative sections.
• Performs and documents staining and coverslipping; handles instrument downtime.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Associate degree with biology and chemistry (or 60 semester hours)

Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year

Job description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, 1st shift position located at Delnor Hospital in Geneva.

Must be able to work Monday through Friday 4am - 12:30pm. No holidays and No weekends!

The Histotechnician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Histotechnician performs routine histology procedures, in accordance with all department specific SOPs and guidelines, resulting in the stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the Pathologist. This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators/supervisors regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation. Initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors. Recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.
• Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, if applicable, per SOP. Recognizes adequacy of processing.
• Identifies and orients tissues correctly. Documents tracking and quality issues on embedding log.
• Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.
• Operates microtome per SOP, and determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.
• Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue might require a deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.
• Appropriate documentation including specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes including in the laboratory information system, as well as cassettes, slides and logs, as required by regulatory compliance.
• Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides.
• Performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.
• Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results and/or instrument failure.
• Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.
• Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls. Evaluates stains microscopically for acceptable results.
• Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissued. Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies.¿ Documents stains and quality issues.
• Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimen, if applicable by site. Resolves discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalates to supervisor or Pathologist when necessary.
• Utilizes dictation equipment to document description per procedure, if applicable.
• Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.
• Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.
• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.
• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times.
• May perform required Quality System responsibilities including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports”, if needed
• Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP. Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Notifies coordinator promptly of any supply issues.
• May participate in Safety and Infection Control activities. Follows all required safety procedures, assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety.
• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
• May participate in the training or teaching of students and staff in the department.

Additional functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• May be asked to assist in specific process improvement projects.
• May be asked to assist with problem resolution regarding patient specimens including root cause analysis

Qualifications

Required

• Associates degree (if hired after 1/19/2025) with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology and chemistry OR must have successfully completed 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from an accredited (regionally or nationally) college/university, with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) in biology or chemistry, qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam. Must provide proof of education as stated in CLIA guidelines.
• Certification Requirement: Must obtain Histotechnician (HT) ASCP certification within 1 year of hire.
• Must meet requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC,CAP)

Preferred

• Associated degree as Histotechnician.

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events.

If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.