At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Pathology Technician position is responsible for working under the direction of a Pathologist, performing the gross examination and description of gross-only specimens and surgical biopsy specimens (not requiring dissection or sectioning). This position reports to appropriate HM entity management.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic, team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal department results.
- Collaborates with all members of the patient care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Performs tissue triage, gross examination of gross only specimens and small biopsies (not requiring dissection or sectioning), and documentation (grossing) for any, and all simple biopsy types while ensuring specimen integrity (i.e., preventing tissue death/degradation).
- Photographs specimens for documentation and, at the discretion of the medical director, may maintain the photography database.
- Organizes own workload and sets priorities under direction of the Pathologist. Utilizes all available work time by assisting others and performing additional tasks.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Dictates accurate and precise gross descriptions for small biopsy and gross only specimens.
- Maintains a safe environment within the Laboratory, following all policies and procedures for safety, hazardous materials, security, emergency preparedness and HIPAA.
- Processes, triages, orders, labels (e.g. slides, cassettes) and transports specimens for testing.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Adjusts work schedule to accommodate departmental/organizational needs. Appropriately utilizes the time recording system.
- Uses resources efficiently; does not waste supplies.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree in medical technology or a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Two years of experience working in a surgical pathology laboratory
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS – REQUIRED
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
- Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
- Knowledge of current laboratory principles and procedures used in gross tissue examination
- Extensive knowledge of advanced laboratory theory, technique, and testing related to anatomic pathology
- Knowledge of quality control, quality assurance, and record-keeping procedures which constitute good laboratory practice, and which comply with regulations imposed by outside agencies such as College of American Pathologists and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments
- Knowledge of standard laboratory safety procedures
- Possesses basic computer knowledge; operates multiple computer systems to include, Hospital/Laboratory Information Systems and Microsoft Office software to maintain patient and testing records and other related documents
- Exhibits strong interpersonal and team player skills with all levels of the healthcare team and assures delivery of excellent customer service to all patients, visitors, physicians and co-workers
- Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including organizing workflow and actively participating in problem-solving
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform No
- Scrubs Yes
- Business professional No
- Other (department approved) No
ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital brings the expertise and latest technology of Houston Methodist to Baytown and surrounding counties. The skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses and staff provide unsurpassed medical care in a close-to-home, state-of-the-art facility. Houston Methodist Baytown is committed to meeting the needs of its growing community through the ongoing facilities master plan expansion project, which includes a new, expanded emergency department, a five-story patient tower, outpatient center, renovated Cancer Center, neonatal intensive care unit and the addition of technologically advanced operating rooms.
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.