Summary:
The Pathology Assistant works under the supervision of a pathologist. This person examines, dissects, and processes tissue samples. This person may also perform hospital autopsies, and/or conduct surgery on specimens for diagnoses.
The Pathology Assistant demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.
Responsibilities:
Surgical Pathology: Preparation, gross description and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens including:
Assuring appropriate specimen accessioning
Obtaining pertinent clinical information and history, including scans, x-rays, laboratory data etc.
Describing gross anatomic features of surgical specimens, preparing tissues for histological processing, obtaining biological samples such as blood, tissue and toxicological material for studies such as flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc., and performing special procedures including inking for margins and tumor triage.
Preparing and submitting appropriate tissue sections for light microscopy (routine processing) as well as special procedures such as frozen section, electron microscopy and immunoflourescence studies.
Photographing all appropriate gross specimens and microscopic slides.
Performing duties relating to the administrative maintenance of surgical pathology protocols, reports and data, including the filing of reports, protocols, photographic data or microscopic slides and assisting in the completion of specimen coding and billing.
Assuring proper maintenance of equipment, provision of adequate supplies and cleanliness of the surgical pathology suite. Assisting in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences.
Autopsy Pathology: Preparation of human postmortem examination including:
Ascertaining proper legal authorization for autopsy.Obtaining patients medical record/chart(s) and other pertinent data for review with the attending pathologist.
Conferring with the attending pathologist(s) to identify any special techniques and procedures to be utilized in the completion of examination (e.g. cultures smears; histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral or electron microscopic studies, etc.), and notifying all personnel directly involved.
Notifying the physician in charge, the funeral home, and all other appropriate authorities prior to the beginning of the autopsy; and coordinating any requests for special specimen sampling (e.g. organ transplantation, research, etc.).
Performing postmortem examinations which may include: external examination; in situ organ inspection; evisceration; dissection and dictation or recording of data such as organ weights, presence of body fluids, gross anatomic findings, etc.
Selecting, preparing and submitting appropriate gross tissue sections for frozen section analysis as well as for light, electron and immunofluorescent microscopy.
Obtaining biological specimens such as blood, tissue and toxicological material for studies including flow cytometry, image analysis, immunohistochemistry, etc.; and performing special procedures such as coronary artery perfusion, central nervous system perfusion, enucleation, inner ear bone dissection, spinal cord removal, etc.
Photographing the body, organs, microscopic slides and other pertinent materials.Gathering and organizing clinical information and data pertinent to the preparation of the preliminary summarization of the clinical history.
Preparing the body for release, (including indicating the presence of biohazards such as contagious diseases, radiation implants, etc.) and releasing the body to the appropriate mortuary or funeral home representative.
Performing duties related to administrative maintenance of anatomic pathology protocols; photographic and microscopic slides; and assuring the completion of coding.
Assisting in the organization and coordination of anatomic pathology conferences.
Assuring the proper maintenance of equipment and the provision of adequate supplies.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Graduate from a NAACLS accredited pathologists’ assistant training program with ASCP board certification
Minimum one years’ experience in a hospital laboratory preferred
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
Must have an in depth understanding of Biology and Anatomy
Excellent communication skillsAbility to utilize critical thinking skills to solve problems and seek alternative approaches to difficult problemsMust have strong attention to detail
Ability to work as a member of a team as well as a self-directed individual
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
Frequent standing, use of hands to finger, handle, feel, talking, hearing, lifting or carrying, near vision, depth perception and color vision.
Occasional far vision, pushing, pulling, twisting or reaching,
NOTICE REGARDING LATEX SENSITIVITY IN APPLICANTS FOR EMPLOYMENT.
It has been determined that Covenant HealthCare cannot provide a latex safe or latex free work environment at any of its facilities. Unfortunately, that means that any individual, including an applicant or an employee, is likely to be exposed to latex while on Covenant’s premises. Therefore, latex tolerance is considered to be an essential function for any position with Covenant.
