Pathologists Assistant

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Job Title

Pathologists Assistant

Location

Cleveland

Facility

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Department

Histology-Diagnostics Institute

Job Code

T26046

Shift

Days + Call

Schedule

10:00am-6:30pm

Job Summary

Job Details

Job Responsibilities:

• Performs gross description and dissection of human tissue surgical specimens for examination, holding and transport/shipment.
• Assists with the preparation of freshly removed surgical specimens for cytologic studies.
• Enters accession cases into the laboratory information systems.
• Is delegated by the Technical Supervisor to perform laboratory high complexity laboratory testing in a compliant manner i.e. specimen grossing. 
• Follows the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Performs laboratory testing in a compliant manner.
• Maintains regulatory knowledge and awareness as it pertains to specific job duties.
• Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Assumes responsibility for and takes action regarding any quality control or quality assurance issues as it pertains to specific job duties.
• Maintains instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
• Assumes responsibility for good documentation practices and maintains clear and legible records.
• Performs proficiency testing in compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations i.e. analyze proficiency survey sample in the same manner as a patient specimens, no communication with other CLIA laboratories, complete record retention and accurate documentation and result reporting.
• Follows the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor, Clinical Consultant, or Laboratory Director.
• Exercises good judgment, analytical and problem solving/troubleshooting skills.
• Recommends solutions and improvements.
• Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• Requires strong verbal and written communication skills as well as excellent customer service and organizational skills; ability to interact at all levels of the organization and work independently as well as problem solve and troubleshoot.
• Assumes responsibility for participation in continuing education, professional development and required annual competency assessment.
• Maintains the surgical pathology and related work areas.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Requires candidate to be a graduate of an accredited (NAACLS) Pathologists' Assistant training program and American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification eligible.

  OR

• Three years of experience as a Cleveland Clinic Pathologists' Assistant Trainee with minimum of Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree preferred) in a biologic science.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

• Diploma and/or transcripts must be provided.
• Education will be verified.
• Education outside of the United States requires diploma/transcripts translated into English and proof of foreign equivalency from by an HHS approved agency or nationally recognized organization such as NACES (National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc).
• If the required laboratory training and experience occurred at an outside facility or CLIA laboratory, a signed, official letter from the facility or organization is required which details the dates and laboratory discipline experience and training.

Certifications:

• Pathologists Assistant (PA) certification from the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) is preferred. 

Competencies (Complexity of Work):

• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work unsupervised or with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Work Experience:

Physical Requirements:

• Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity when handling gross specimens and utilizing instrumentation.
• Ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odorous and other hazardous materials to which they may be regularly exposed.
• Typical physical demands include ability to sit or stand extensively and frequent walking.
• Ability to lift and transport bodies for post mortem examinations

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.