Pathologist Assistant – Surgical Specimen Specialist

ochsner; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health is seeking a Pathologists' Assistant to perform gross examination of surgical specimens under the supervision of Pathologists. The role includes accurate specimen accessioning, orientation and response to quality issues, with emphasis on privacy and professional communication.

Responsibilities include preparing frozen sections, dictation, tissue handling, and documentation per CAP guidelines. Strong data entry and Windows skills required; local on-site work in New Orleans, LA.

Qualifications

• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Good communication skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes surgical specimens; verifies patient, container and cassettes for proper identification and accession numbers.
• Reviews requisition for pertinent information and is able to discern and select the appropriate section of tissue describing measurements and contents submitted per cassette.
• Correctly orients tissue; utilizes dye or ink to mark marginal areas of interest, submitting thin sections properly oriented in cassette.
• Clear concise dictation; utilizes clear, understandable concise descriptions of specimens including any notes of decals, of pieces submitted, send outs or special procedures.
• Prepares frozen sections for staff pathologist, properly orienting, sectioning and staining slides with CAP guidelines.
• Takes gross photographs of appropriate specimens.
• Documents quality assurance incidences, resolves specimen problems within 24 hours; consistently submits thin well-fixed tissue sections; assists supervisor in implementing and collecting data for performance improvement projects.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.

Skills

Data entry

Verbal & written communication

Windows applications

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Science or related field

Master's degree as Pathologist's Assistant (preferred)

Tools

Job description

Ochsner Health is seeking a Pathologists' Assistant to perform gross examination of surgical specimens under the supervision of Pathologists. The role includes accurate specimen accessioning, orientation and response to quality issues, with emphasis on privacy and professional communication.

Responsibilities include preparing frozen sections, dictation, tissue handling, and documentation per CAP guidelines. Strong data entry and Windows skills required; local on-site work in New Orleans, LA.