Pathologists' Assistant

We are looking for a certified PA for our laboratory in Wilson, NC!

Hours are 9:30 - 6pm M-F.

Position Scope and Summary:

This position includes gross dissection and dictation of specimens, frozen section microtomy and other duties designated by Director and Pathologists. Ensures quality, consistency and efficiency of grossing. Reports to Medical Director and Director of Support Services.

Supervision Received: Direct supervision is received from the designated Medical Director or Director of Support Services.

Position(s) Supervised: This position is responsible for technical supervision of Grossing Techs with the input of the Pathologist(s) on staff.

Responsibility & Authority: This position is responsible for the effective dissection, dictation and placement of anatomic tissue for processing. Additionally, this position is responsible for the administration of the UniPath P.A. Program inclusive of the training of hospital pathology grossing technicians both in the cutting room and in a classroom setting.

Contacts: Daily contact with pathologists, executive management, management, peers, employees, hospital personnel and external clients.

Core Responsibilities/Essential Functions (In order of priority and % of time):

1. Responsible for gross dissection and dictation of all relevant specimen information such as size, color, consistency, formation, history, etc. Assure appropriate specimen accession and numbering of all surgical specimens. Selection and preparation of tissue sections for microscopic examination. Obtaining biological specimens for culture or other special procedures.

Percentage of time required: 15%

2. Dictation of sectioning method, number of cassettes, orientation and any other relevant facts in regard to tissue placement in cassettes for processing.

Percentage of time required: 15%

3. Designate by color of cassette or writing on the side of the cassette to alert histology personnel to appropriate microtomy protocol.

Percentage of time required: 15%

4. Assist in preparation and staining of frozen sections for pathologists. Review daily surgery schedule for review with pathologist in conjunction with frozen section requests.

Percentage of time required: 15%

5. Assist in the preparation and performance of postmortem examinations to include: ascertainment of proper legal authorization, arrangement and coordination of the patient’s chart/data for pathologist review, confer with pathologist to identify those special techniques and procedures, which are deemed necessary. Perform, under the direction of the pathologist, the postmortem persecution including the external examination, in situ organ inspection (photography if requested), evisceration, dissection and dictation or recording of data such as organ weights, presence of body fluids, gross anatomic findings, etc. Assures proper maintenance of equipment, adequate supplies and cleanliness of the autopsy suite.

Percentage of time required: 15%

6. Collaborates with others to ensure work processes and work flow meet organizational needs and in accordance with established vision, mission and values.

Percentage of time required: 5%

7. Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; uses it for improvements in products and services. Acts with customers in mind. Establishes and maintains effective relationships.

Percentage of time required: 5%

8. Resolves conflict through finding common ground and obtaining cooperation with minimum disruption. Identifies problems and provides appropriate recommendations for solutions in a timely manner.

Percentage of time required: 5%

9. Recognizes problems within the department and provides adequate and reasonable input to Director or site Medical Director.

Percentage of time required: 5%

10. Assures proper maintenance of equipment, adequate supplies and cleanliness of the pathology cutting room. Other duties as assigned.

Percentage of time required: 5%

Other Duties/Responsibilities:

Can include assisting preparation for case presentations such as Tumor Board, specimen photography and literature research.

Assist MLA with gross room duties as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Skill in proper training/teaching of pathology grossing technicians.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations.
• Solid working knowledge of the major functions of the department in order to provide the results defined by executive management.
• Thorough knowledge of key pathology principles including anatomy.
• Skill in effectively working with all levels of the organization.
• Skill in communicating and collaborating both orally and in writing.
• Ability to make independent decisions.
• Ability to effectively problem solve issues.
• Ability to maintain the necessary levels of confidentiality to protect client’s privacy and proprietary organizational information.
• Ability to perform and adhere to scheduled competency examinations.

Education or Formal Training:

Certification as Pathologists' Assistant Required

Experience:

A minimum of 1 years of experience is preferred.

Working Conditions

Work Environment:

Laboratory Environment. Must be able to sustain normal exposure to common laboratory environment, tolerate facemask, chemical vapors, latex gloves, nitrile gloves, goggles/eyewear and germicidal soaps and solutions.

Ability to handle fresh and fixed cytology and anatomic pathology specimens.

Handling hazardous material - will be trained in Large Quantity Generator of Hazardous Waste to include: Hazardous waste regulations, making waste determination, properties of facility waste, waste minimization, reporting and record keeping, waste accumulation (satellite/90 days), container and tank management, inspections, waste packaging procedures, pre-transportation (manifests/labels), contingency plan implementation, emergency response procedures, communications and alarms, emergency equipment use, inspection and repair, evacuation routes, response to fire, explosion and ground-water contamination incidents, and site shutdown procedures.

Material and Equipment Directly Used:

• Scalpel / paddle razors
• Cryostat / OCT compound
• Bone Saw
• India Ink
• Xylene
• Alcohol
• Formalin
• B-5 Fixative
• Dictation equipment
• Cassette / Cassette Labeler
• Copy machine
• Facsimile

Physical Activities:

Requires full range of motion, including manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time. Lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires visual acuity and normal color perception.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38.00 - $43.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical specialties:

• Pathology

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person