Histotechnician - PRN

ochsner; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health in New Orleans seeks an experienced Histology Technician to assist pathologists, technicians and residents in gross dissection, embedding, and slide preparation. You will perform special stains and undecalcified bone processing, while maintaining quality control and safety standards.

Required is a high school diploma with 2 years of histology experience; ASCP HT certification is preferred. You will support rapid turnaround and accurate reporting in a collaborative laboratory

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred AS/AS degree with biology and chemistry coursework.
• ASCP Histotechnician (HT) certification desired.
• Minimum 2 years' histology experience.

Responsibilities

• Embed tissues in paraffin and process slides.
• Prepare tissue/ slides for special procedures (send outs, EM, IF, etc).
• Assist in workload management and scheduling adjustments.
• Maintain QC logs for tissue controls and document case numbers.
• Follow safety guidelines and report issues as required.
• Perform special stains and undecalcified bone processing.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Data entry

Windows applications

Independent worker

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree / Biology & Chemistry credits

Tools

Microtomes

Cryostats

Automated slide strainers

Coverslippers

Job description

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

For us, this is more than a job- it's a calling. It's waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job receives and accessions surgical, biopsy, and autopsy specimens for routine tissue processing and subsequent microscopic examination. Assists pathologists, pathologist assistants and residents in the gross dissection room and performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing. Routinely embeds tissues in paraffin, cuts, stains and labels slides. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

• Required - High school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred - Completion of an Associate Degree or at least 60 semester hours (90 quarter hours) of academic credit from a regionally accredited college/university with a combination of 12 semester hours (18 quarter hours) of Biology and Chemistry.

Work Experience

• Required - 2 years' experience in Histology OR a ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification

Certifications

• Preferred - ASCP Histotechnician (HT) Certification

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Interpersonal skills to deal courteously and effectively with patients, physicians, nurses, and other personnel.
• Excellent judgmental skills in order to identify and solve problems, prioritize work, and handle difficult situations.
• Analytical skills to effectively perform calculations, operate computers, printers, and laboratory equipment, including microtomes, cryostats, automated slide strainers, and cover slippers.
• Ability to manage stress in order to maintain a professional atmosphere and provide quality, accurate results and service to clients.
• Experience working independently.
• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information. Must be proficient with Windows-style applications and keyboard.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals.

Job Duties

• Properly orients tissue in paraffin embedding medium ensuring all surfaces such as epidermis, dermis, mucosal, lumen and inked margins, are embedded and sectioned on the same plane.
• Prepares tissue or slides for Special Procedures such as send outs, EM, IF, Cell Flow, Cytogenetic, including packaging arranging transportation, documentation and billing.
• Assists in managing workload and productivity by adjusting schedule when necessary.
• Maintains an adequate cut supply of Positive (+) control slides and documents on Control Tissue QC log, the case number and QC date for special stains.
• Completes Pathologist's, Supervisor's and management team's requests within 24 hours, notifying them of any delay.
• Cleans and maintains reagents tissue processors, embedding center, microtomy equipment, H&E stainer in excellent condition, keeping all work areas clean and documenting QC as required.
• Accommodates special needs of the section organization by volunteering to do any work/task when needed technical or nontechnical areas due to inclement weather, electrical power outages, computer downtime or other critical times.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
• Performs special procedures such as special stains and undecalcified bone processing.
• Follows safety guidelines as outlined for Department/Institution and documents instances appropriately.
• Other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other co