Pathology Assistant

At Cleveland Clinic Health System, we believe in a better future for healthcare. And each of us is responsible for honoring our commitment to excellence, pushing the boundaries and transforming the patient experience, every day.                        We all have the power to help, heal and change lives — beginning with our own. That’s the power of the Cleveland Clinic Health System team, and The Power of Every One.                                    Job TitlePathology Assistant                        LocationWeston                    FacilityFlorida Weston Hospital                     DepartmentPathology-Weston Hospital                      Job Code000387                     ShiftVariable                       Schedule6:00am-11:00am/3:00pm-8:00pm                       Job Summary                         Job DetailsJoin 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 and Florida regions. Here, you will receive endless support and appreciation while building a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.  As a Pathology Assistant, you will manage laboratory testing within designated sections while ensuring compliance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures related to the delivery of pathology services. In this role, you will direct and coordinate the efforts of team members, provide guidance on appropriate specimen dissections, and serve as a resource to support quality, accuracy, and efficiency within the laboratory.This is a regular PRN position, with caregivers working shifts varying between 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with weekend availability.A caregiver who excels in this role will:Perform surgical desk functions following the guidelines of surgical pathology techs.Coordinate the efforts of the Manager, Assistant Director, Pathologists, employees and other departments to meet special needs and address problems or concerns.Examine, describe, dissect and section selected biopsy and surgical resection specimens under the direction of staff pathologist.Determine area of the gross specimens to be samples for microscopic analysis and cut area into appropriate sized sections for further processing.Analyze certain gross specimens and biopsy specimens: identify, measure, weigh and describe specimens according to established guidelines.Section and dictate gross features of specimens.Collaborate with pathology staff to identify areas likely to be involved by neoplastic/inflammatory conditions in surgical specimens.Process specimens such as conization of cervix.Assist pathology staff to select certain tissues to be submitted for frozen section analysis.Check refrigeration for late specimens from previous day.Perform accessioning functions for all specimens received: identify specimen, assign accession number, log in and enter pertinent information into the computer terminal.Assure appropriate specimen accession and numbering of all surgical specimens.Photograph and maintain records for gross specimens that require photography.Prepare all solutions, fixative and stain; decalcify all mineralized specimens.Maintain records of all discarded and saved specimens.Prepare gross specimens for maintenance and storage.Check equipment for proper operation and calibrate if necessary.Maintain all equipment and instruments used at the surgical desk, according to CLIA requirements.Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA and CAP regulations.Assist, initiate and institute specialized procedures of duties as designated by the Medical Director or staff pathologist to include administrative and teaching functions.Obtain patient's charts and other pertinent data (x-rays, scans, etc.) for review with the pathologist.Confer 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 notify all personnel directly involved.Work with staff pathologists 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.Assure 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.Maintain completed and up-to-date documentation and files at all times, including product and service quotes.Other duties as assigned.Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  Bachelor's Degree in Science or Master's Degree in ScienceCompletion of Pathologist's Assistant training Program or Histotechnician (HT) American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)Five years of clinical experienceThree years of experience as a surgical pathology technician to include gross examination of tissueOne year of Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement/Performance Improvement experienceWorking knowledge of OSHA requirements concerning chemical hygiene and blood-borne pathogensUnderstanding of safety rules and regulations, management techniques, laws and the legal interpretationsKnowledge of anatomy, pathology, medical terminology and physiology sufficient to identify, dissect, and describe certain surgical specimensKnowledge of dissection, sectioning techniques and appropriate procedure of handling tissueDemonstrated job knowledge of histopathologic techniques and methodsKnowledgeable of methods used to obtain clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.Familiarity with dictation and dictation equipment and computerPreferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiv