Pathology Laboratory Assistant III

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Organization:

PAMF-Palo Alto Medical Foundation PAD

Position Overview:

Integrates knowledge, theory and training to properly execute procedures in assigned areas of the laboratory. Responsibilities may include performing specimen and material receipt, preparation, distribution, storage, and disposal; patient visit registration and billing record entry; manual and automated processing of samples; loading/operating low to moderate complexity automated processing and testing instruments ; cleaning, stocking, and routine maintenance; supporting Pathology personnel and pathologists during consultations, postmortem examinations, and routine testing; providing customer service and assistance to clients, pathologists, patients, researchers, and other members of the patient care team; and other routine pre-analytic and post-analytic processes necessary to support health care providers in the diagnosis, treatment, monitoring and prevention of disease. As a member of the laboratory team, works cooperatively with physicians, clients, and staff to facilitate superior patient care and to represent the laboratory positively by acting with courtesy, dignity, respect, and professionalism.

Job Description:

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Under appropriate direct supervision and adhering to all applicable polices and regulations, assists physicians, clients, and staff in providing superior patient care with responsibilities in the following areas:

• PRE-ANALYTIC AND POST-ANALYTIC WORK: Performs pre-analytic procedures to verify specimen acceptability, register patient visits, accession cases, prepare materials and specimens for examination and testing, and distribute materials for testing and/or analysis. May also support qualified personnel during gross examinations, postmortem examinations, intra-procedural consultations, and fine needle aspirations, performing those duties not restricted by code, standard, or regulation. Performs post-analytic duties including materials storage, retrieval, disposal, and distribution.

• SPECIMEN PROCESSING AND TESTING: Performs manual and automated specimen processing and/or testing that is not prohibited by code, standard, or regulation including gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimen processing, routine and specialized staining. Loads and operates low or moderate complexity, automated processing and testing instruments. *Note – only licensed personnel may release test results.

• CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE: Orders and stocks reagents and supplies. Cleans and maintains laboratory space and equipment including preparation and changing of reagents. *Note – only licensed personnel may perform quantitative measurements.

• QUALITY ASSURANCE: Completes all quality control processes for assigned responsibilities with required documentation. Takes appropriate action in response to quality issues and problems.

• JOB KNOWLEDGE & CRITICAL THINKING: Maintains up-to-date operational information and job knowledge; effectively applies information, job knowledge and critical thinking to make sound decisions and solve basic and complex problems within scope of job responsibilities; escalates problems appropriately if outside of job scope.

• CUSTOMER SUPPORT: Contributes to the satisfaction of internal and external customers by responding to and resolving a wide variety of basic and complex inquiries, complaints, and problems; facilitating communication; or by escalating appropriately if problem is outside of job scope. Support functions may include assisting with preparation for conferences and tumor boards; coordinating sharing or release of materials; and providing information as allowed under policy regarding results, collection, handling, submission, and testing.

• COMPLIANCE: Adheres to applicable laws, regulations, codes, accreditation standards, policies, and procedures. Maintains knowledge and comprehension of policies and procedures applicable to all assigned areas and tasks to insure safe and reliable performance of processes.

• May support the laboratory as needed in other functions within the scope of regulation, training and practice.

EDUCATION:

HS Diploma: High School Diploma or General Education (GED)


TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:
2 years of recent relevant experience.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge and practice of standard principles, procedures, views, and equipment related to handling of chemicals, pathogens, and other potentially infectious agents.

Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and medical terminology.

Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse aud