Pathologist Assistant

Join Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital’s team of caregivers that remain on the leading edge of technology and education all while consistently providing patient-centered healthcare. As part of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region, Weston Hospital is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale metro area and Florida. Here, you will work alongside passionate and dedicated caregivers, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.   

Manages laboratory testing in the designated sections. Maintains and communicates the knowledge of both departmental and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of pathology services. Directs and coordinates the efforts of others. Consults with team members regarding appropriate specimen dissections.

At Cleveland Clinic, we know what matters most. That's why we treat our caregivers as if they are our own family, and we are always creating ways to be there for you. Here, you'll find that we offer: resources to learn and grow, a fulfilling career for everyone, and comprehensive benefits that invest in your health, your physical and mental well-being and your future. When you join Cleveland Clinic, you'll be part of a supportive caregiver family that will be united in shared values and purpose to fulfill our promise of being the best place to receive care and the best place to work in healthcare. 

Responsibilities:

• Performs surgical desk functions following the guidelines of surgical pathology techs.
• Coordinates the efforts of the Manager, Assistant Director, Pathologists, employees and other departments to meet special needs and address problems or concerns.
• Examines, describes, dissects and sections selected biopsy and surgical resection specimens under the direction of staff pathologist.
• Determines area of the gross specimens to be samples for microscopic analysis and cuts area into appropriate sized sections for further processing.
• Analyzes certain gross specimens and biopsy specimens: identifies, measures, weighs and describes specimens according to established guidelines.
• Sections and dictates gross features of specimens.
• Collaborates with pathology staff to identify areas likely to be involved by neoplastic/inflammatory conditions in surgical specimens.
• Processes specimens such as conization of cervix.
• Assists pathology staff to select certain tissues to be submitted for frozen section analysis.
• Checks refrigeration for late specimens from previous day.
• Performs accessioning functions for all specimens received: identifies specimen, assigns accession number, logs in and enters pertinent information into the computer terminal.
• Assures appropriate specimen accession and numbering of all surgical specimens.
• Photographs and maintains records for gross specimens that require photography.
• Prepares all solutions, fixatives and stains; decalcifies all mineralized specimens.
• Maintains records of all discarded and saved specimens.
• Prepares gross specimens for maintenance and storage.
• Checks equipment for proper operation and calibrates if necessary.
• Maintains all equipment and instruments used at the surgical desk, per CLIA requirements.
• Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA and CAP regulations.
• Assists, initiates and institutes specialized procedures of duties as designated by the Medical Director or staff pathologist to include administrative and teaching functions.
• Obtains patient's charts and other pertinent data (x-rays, scans, etc.) for review with the pathologist.
• Confers with the pathologist to identify those special techniques and procedures which will be necessary (histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral, or electron microscopic studies, cultures, and smears, etc.) and notifies all personnel directly involved.
• Works with staff pathologist to assure proper restoration of the body for acceptable release to the funeral director, indicating any biohazards such as contagious disease, radioactive implants, etc. which may be present.
• Assures the completion of the autopsy protocol correct coding and filing of protocols and report, filing hotographic and microscopic slides and maintenance of other anatomical pathology reports and data.
• Maintains completed and up-to-date documentation and files at all times, including product and service quotes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Science or Master's Degree in Science.
• Understand safety rules and regulations, management techniques, laws and the legal interpretations, which influence the practice of within the Laboratory and Pathology Department.
• Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, medical terminology and physiology sufficient to identify, dissect, and describe certain surgical specimens.
• Knowledge of dissection, sectioning techniques and appropriate procedure of handling tissue.
• Demonstrated job knowledge of histopathologic techniques and methods. Knowledgeable of methods used to obtain clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc. when indicated.
• Familiarity with dictation and dictation equipment and computer are beneficial.

Certifications:

• Completion of Pathologist's Assistant training Program or Histotechnician (HT) American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP).

Complexity of Work:

• All employees are expected to meet the standards of performance outlined in the Organizational-Wide Competencies listed below as applied to the position:
• World Class Service Orientation: Includes attitude, behavior, interpersonal skill, and problem solving that enable an employee to respond to internal and external customer needs and expectations in a positive manner.
• Adaptability: Includes teamwork and flexibility needed to fulfill job responsibilities including adapting to changes in work environment and accepting supervisory feedback.
• Efficiency and Effectiveness: Includes quantity and quality of desired work, as well as organization skills necessary to perform successfully.
• Essential Job Requirements: Includes adherence to all relevant policies, procedures, and guidelines affecting the work environment, including maintenance of required competencies and communication skills.
• Supervisory Responsibilities (if applicable): Includes overall accountability for assigned work group relative to operational goals, personnel requirements, and budgetary constraints.
• Note: The above stated duties are intended to outline those functions typically performed by individuals assigned to this classification.
• This description of duties is not intended to be all inclusive nor to limit the discretionary authority of supervisors to assign other tasks of similar nature or level of responsibility.

Work Experience:

• Minimum five years clinical experience. Three years experience as a surgical pathology technician to include gross examination of tissue.
• One year Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement/Performance Improvement experience.
• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements concerning chemical hygiene and blood-borne pathogens.

Physical Requirements:

• Essential Duties: The Pathologist's Assistant is responsible for the management of laboratory testing in the designated sections.
• Histology supervisor in the absence of the histology supervisor.
• The position requires intimate knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of pathology services. The ability to retrieve, communicate, or otherwise present information in a written, auditory, or visual fashion is essential.
• Special Characteristics: Ability to direct and coordinate the efforts of others. Ability to accurately judge the need for consultation regarding appropriate specimen dissections. Ability to establish and maintain friendly, cooperative relations with surgical staff, pathology staff, residents and secretaries.
• Physical Duties: Good physical and mental health. Finger and hand dexterity necessary to manipulate instruments and equipment; visual and aural acuity to read and interpret laboratory/pathology reports. Agility and high energy levels. Constant walking during work periods. Turning, stooping, bending, stretching, lifting and moving supplies and equipment and performing related tasks. Any tasks involved with putting away supplies or equipment exceeding 50 pounds will require assistance.
• Working Conditions: Works in a clean, well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned environment. Involve exposure to infectious and carcinogenic substances, odorous chemicals and other hazardous materials. May be exposed to communicable diseases. Possibility of strains due to handling heavy equipment. Possibility of cuts or minor burses from instruments and equipment. Any tasks involved with patient or equipment exceeding 50 pounds will require assistance.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• This position has occupational exposure to blood and body fluids that mandate the wearing of gloves, masks, gowns and goggles for every actual potential exposure.
• Heptovx series of vaccines are recommended.
• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.