Cytotechnologist 2 - SFMC

at Health Advocates Network in Peoria, Illinois, United States

Job Description

General Summary:

Position reports to the Cytology Technical Lead and the Pathology Department Manager. The Cytotechnologist II position is responsible for participating in specialized and complex technical tasks involved in screening slides of clinical specimens for evidence of cancer or other pathological conditions according to departmental terminology and protocols including; marking abnormalities, rendering diagnoses and determining cases for quality control or subsequent review by a pathologist. Position is required to perform routine quality control and participate in cellular evaluations for specimen adequacy, procedural support and specimen processing as needed.

May prepare cell samples for microscopic examination.

Responsibility for Mission and Service Values

Demonstrates respect for the dignity and needs of others while striving to fulfill our mission of caring and peace through excellence in health care. Abides by and promotes the Values of The Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis through the following responsibilities:

1)Compassion. Displays sensitivity and respect for the needs of patients and others. Places first priority on the well-being of the patient. Treats others with courtesy. Maintains professionalism by remaining objective. Acknowledges others. Demonstrates appreciation for others who contribute to quality.

2)Timeliness. Demonstrates responsiveness to patients, their families, co-workers, and visitors in a timely manner. Responds to requests in a timely manner. Keeps promises and commitments. Completes assigned tasks.

3)Accuracy. Demonstrates attentiveness to detail in all procedures. Completes job responsibilities with minimal errors.

4)Thoroughness. Demonstrates a willingness to provide service to all customers encountered. Politely responds to requests from those we serve. Serves as a role model.

5)Coordination. Demonstrates good organizational skills in coordinating services with co-workers and other departments/services. Cooperates with all departments/services to facilitate integrated patient care.

Responsibility for Organizational Stewardship

1)Attendance/Punctuality. Demonstrates conformance to facility policy. Attends inservices and meetings promptly. Maintains flexible scheduling to meet staffing needs.

2)Time Management. Demonstrates effective time management to ensure that duties are performed in a timely and cost-effective manner.

3)Resource Management. Demonstrates the ability to perform work efficiently, avoiding duplication or waste of equipment, services and supplies. Pro-actively works to increase efficiency.

4)Financial Management. Demonstrates support in complying with budgetary standards. Assists in identifying ways to reduce cost without sacrificing quality.

5)Safety Management. Demonstrates safe practices according to facility policy / procedure, aware of the risks of the position.

Job Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1)Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of procedures for Universal Blood and Body Fluid Precautions. Relates proper techniques necessary to their service and job role. Understands importance and is aware of the procedure for reporting any and all blood and body fluid exposures. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of procedures outlined in the Chemical Hygiene Plan. Maintains work area and equipment in clean and orderly condition. Performs laboratory functions and procedures with proper safety attire. Maintains sanitary and safe work area. Follows all safety precautions/contraindications.

2)Determines type and stage of illness and disease, correlates findings with patient clinical history, classifies results into various categories and issues provisional diagnosis, alerts pathologist to abnormal cell structures and documents all findings appropriately. Quality control reviewer for Cytotech I.

3)Examines cellular samples microscopically to detect minute abnormalities in cell sizes, shapes and color for evidence of cancer or other disease and illness. Performs competency checks on new cytotechnologists, and annual reviews on Cytotech I’s.

4)Receives specimens including blood, exudates, scrapings and other body materials and fluids, or assists physicians with collection of specimens directly from patient. Identifies same according to established coding scheme and logs specimens, recording time, date, type and a variety of patient identification information. Completes Quality Assurance Error Documentation Form for any discrepancies identified.

5)Assists pathologist at patient bedside in fine needle aspiration procedures. Cytotechnologist II’s determines cellular adequacy in Radiology on thyroid aspirations.

6)Prepares specimen for examination using proper chemicals according to established procedures. Responsible for maintaining quality control and ensuring compliance with CAP requirements.

7)May prepare laboratory solutions and reagents for special procedures according to established formulae in order to maintain adequate quantities to carry our assignments.

8)Maintains all necessary records and periodically prepares statistical reports of work performed such as number of cases received, types of specimens handled, percent of abnormal findings and so forth. Maintains files of positive and negative findings, and retrieves reports and slides as requested.

9)Maintains knowledge of current tends and developments in the field by reading appropriate books, journals and literature and attending related seminars, conferences and the like. Presents and moderates teleconferences, proficiency surveys and other continuing education opportunities. Records and documents continuing education credits for staff members.

10)May instruct residents and laboratory students in cytology principles and procedures as requested. Instructs and monitors new hires for a 90 day period, reviewing 100% of slides screened. Performs continued rescreens at a decreasing rate until Cytotechnologist is deemed proficient with OSF methodologies.

11)Develops and maintains a positive working relationship with department and Medical Center personnel and outside agencies.

12)Supports and is involved in the Medical Center’s continuous quality improvement efforts designed to increase patient outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and improve the utilization of the Medical Center’s human, capital, and physical resources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

1) A bachelor’s degree is required with successful completion of a NAACLS accredited cytology program. ASCP CT certification is also required along with 3 years of experience.

2)Knowledge of biology anatomy and physiology, detailed knowledge of cytology and cytological preparation techniques at a level normally acquired through completion of a bachelor’s degree in an accredited cytotechnology program.

3)Approximately three to six months on the job experience is necessary in order to gain understanding of all procedure and equipment, and knowledge of quality control procedures.

4)Interpersonal skills necessary in order to interact effectively with physicians, technologists and other personnel when gathering and exchanging specimen-related information.

5)Analytical skills necessary in order to correlate clinical information and patient history with microscopic observations in determining provisional diagnosis.

6)Maintains current certification according to guidelines established by appropriate certifying agency.

Health Advocates Network, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected basis under applicable federal, state or local law, except where a bona fide occupational qualification applies. EOE including Veterans/Disability