(Per Diem) Pathologist Assistant I

(Per Diem) Pathologist Assistant I

Summary:

Describes gross anatomic features of routine, uncomplicated, and complicated surgical specimens, ensuring all lesions, markings and sutures are mentioned. Dissects surgical specimens and prepares tissue for histologic processing.   Assists Pathologists in performing autopsies. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs gross examination and dictation of surgical specimens
• Photographs all appropriate gross specimens for teaching purposes and patient reports
• Keeps paperwork, instruments and workspace clean, free of blood or other potential contaminating or infectious materials
• Assists Pathologist in frozen sections
  1. Ability to troubleshoot and take corrective actions for problems with frozen section preparation and staining, or problems with the cryostat
• Ability to process a fresh lymph node, including touch preps, representative sections in RPMI
• Ability to open a uterus, bowel, ovary, etc. submitted for OR consultation and present findings to Pathologist
• Supports the maintenance of the cryostat as required
• Assists Pathologist in autopsies
  1. Confers 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, etc), and notifying all personnel directly involved
• Ensures compliance with all local, federal, CLIA and CAP regulations
  1. Supports department in being inspection ready
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education/Certifications:

• BS Degree
  1. MS Degree preferred
• Graduate of an NAACLS accredited PA Program and pass the ASCP certification exam
  1. Maintain ASCP certification
• 1+ year experience preferred

*Exceptions made for OJT Certified Pathologist Assistants

Skills and Abilities:

• Medical terminology
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrate the ability to perform effectively under pressure
• Must be able to work independently
• Flexible and committed to the team concept
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills 
• Willing to instruct and train other staff members
• Highly adaptable, with the ability to prioritize and focus
• Ability to effectively work with leadership and staff at all levels of the organization
• Basic PC skills including MS Office, and the ability to learn new software
• Maintains professionalism in all facets of the laboratory environment