Pathologists Assistant - Exempt

Responsibilities

• Assist the department manager/supervisor with the day-to-day operations of the surgical pathology area; help ensure the accuracy and efficiency of services provided by the grossing staff
• Capable of performing all of the duties/responsibilities as authorized by the laboratory director/technical supervisor
• Perform gross examination and dissection of large, complex/complicated specimens in preparation for histologic processing, typically hospital-based, whole organ specimens
• Provide technical instructions, training, and guidance to pathologist assistants/grossing technicians, students, and lab assistants in techniques, instrumentation, and organization of work
• May be responsible for orientation, training and training verification of newly hired grossing staff
• May perform New Hire QC for pathologist assistants, grossing technicians, and any histotechs performing gross examination
• May administer competency assessment, including direct observation, to grossing staff
• Provide input to department manager/supervisor for employee performance reviews
• May assist with establishing the level of supervision (direct vs. indirect) for each specimen type for each individual performing gross
• Perform specimen preparation on non-gynecological specimens, including cytopreparation, staining, coverslipping, etc. after completing training on non-gynecological specimen types, including specimen preparation of Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) specimens
• Ensure compliance with all corporate safety, quality control, and quality assurance standards
• Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA, and CAP regulations
• Perform troubleshooting when necessary and have the ability to exercise independent judgment, if required
• Interact directly with pathologists regarding gross dissection/description activities, including defined specimen types that require direct supervision by a pathologist
• Identify problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either correct the problems or immediately notify the histology supervisor/manager, technical supervisor, or director
• Coordinate and monitor workflow
• May act as a key contact person for pathologist, grossing and histology staff to identify problem areas and recommend changes to workflow
• May be responsible for monitoring HPAP as needed
• May participate with the development and/or monitoring of quality indicators for the QMP
• Follow the laboratory's applicable procedures for job-related responsibilities
• Comply with Quest Diagnostics corporate continuing education requirements for grossing personnel as well as those required to maintain state licensure and/or CMP
• Other duties, as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications

Preferred Work Experience: 1-year surgical gross experience, including large, complex/complicated specimens

Education

• Bachelor's Degree (Required)
• Master's Degree (Preferred)

Licenses and Certifications

• AAPA Fellowship status and/or PA (ASCP) (Required)
• Current state licensure, if applicable (Required)
• Meets all requirements as outlined in corporate Minimum Qualifications for Non-Pathologist Performing Gross Tissue Examinations SOP and 1988 CLIA CFR 493.1489 (Required)
• NAACLS approved Pathologist Assistant training program (Preferred)