Traveling Laboratory Assistant

Job Title: Traveling Lab Assistant

Location: Brandon and Tampa Bay Regional Travel as needed

Travel: yes, will need to drive to other locations to help assist the Mohs tech at high volume locations

Job Description: To maintain efficient Mohs lab(s) within Suncoast. Maintain compliance with all federal and state regulatory entities and guidelines governing the operation of histopathology labs within a physician practice environment.

Role and Responsibilities

Clinical and Administrative

- Learning and developing practical skills for Skin Cancer Surgery including Receiving specimens from surgical frozen diagnostic cases, ensuring accurate identification of specimens, maintaining logbook, inking, embedding, staining, and coverslipping sections for H&E diagnosis
- Maintain par levels for all supplies required for the processing of tissue.
- Submits reports to the Lab Director in a timely manner
- Maintains valid drivers license for driving the Mohs van
- Other duties and special projects as assigned by the Lab Director
- Operates laboratory computer system to accession specimens and correctly affixes labels to specimen containers and requisitions.
- Prepares cassettes and slides for the corresponding patient specimens
- Prepares sections of human tissue for immediate microscopic examination and patient diagnosis, using frozen section technique to gross, ink, freeze, cut, mount and stain tissue specimen received from surgery
- Operates computerized laboratory equipment to fix, dehydrate, and infiltrate with wax, tissue specimens to be preserved for study by a Pathologist
- Prepares slides using routine hematoxylin and eosin stain to enhance visibility under microscope
- Examines slides under microscope to ensure tissue preparation meets established laboratory requirements
- Processes recuts and additional stains as requested by a Surgeon and/or Pathologist
- Prepares frozen tissue for permanent fixation and processing that will be embedded, sectioned, stained and labeled so the slide can be read by an offsite pathologist
- Performs daily Quality Control and Quality Assurance tests as required and maintains all necessary documentation and logs Troubleshoots any problems as necessary
- Should maintain laboratory equipment and track all routine maintenance performed
- Files slides, reports and laboratory results and retrieves blocks, slides, and requisitions in accordance with State and Federal guidelines
- Monitors inventory, requisitions supplies prior to depletion, stocks and maintains laboratory supplies
- Operates, cleans, and sterilizes laboratory equipment, glassware, and instruments. Maintains a clean workstation
- Operates frozen van in a safe and courteous manner while providing safe and secure transportation of specimens, supplies, equipment and pathology reports
- Obeys traffic laws
- Maintains frozen van in top working condition as follows:
- The histologist will check the oil level on the generator before heading out to perform frozen section
- The histologist will check and restock supplies as needed before heading out to perform frozen section
- Clean and wipe down all countertops with a CaviWipes disinfecting towelettes after each day of frozen sections
- Remove and clean stainer containers bi weekly in a 10% bleach solution
- Defrost and clean and oil the cryostat on a monthly basis
- Sweep out the frozen truck daily
- Replace counter liners when needed

Professional

- Demonstrates initiative and responsibility
- Able to perform repetitive tasks without loss of focus
- Adheres to ethical principles
- Time Management
- Adapts to change
- Attends all team meetings and mandatory in-service training/education
- Maintains current certifications and licensing

Communication

- Recognizes and respects cultural diversity
- Adapts communication to individual’s ability to understand
- Uses professional, pleasant telephone etiquette
- Uses medical terminology appropriately
- Treats all patients and co-workers with compassion, empathy, and mutual respect
- Projects a professional manner and image
- Consistent attendance and punctuality/ Adherence to time clock procedures

Legal

- Maintains confidentiality and documents accurately
- Uses appropriate guidelines for releasing patient information
- Practices within the scope of education, training and personal capabilities
- Conducts self in accordance with Suncoast’s Employee Handbook.
- Maintains awareness of federal and state health care legislation and regulations; OSHA, HIPAA, and CLIA

Core Competencies

- Efficiency
- Attention to details
- Organized
- Punctual
- Takes initiative, proactive
- Team Player
- Honesty/Integrity
- Flexible
- Calm under pressure
- “A Doer”, persistence
- Problem solver, Strategic thinking, Creativity
- Analytical skills
- Clear and concise communication/Listening skills
- Quick Learner, Intelligence
- Follow through on commitments
- Enthusiastic, Friendly, Positive attitude
- Openness to advice and constructive criticism
- Strong work ethic

Physical Demands

- Prolonged standing/walking
- Frequent travel and driving Mohs van
- Multitasking position
- Repetitive head, neck, hands wrists and arm motion/rotation
- Extensive reading, writing, typing required. Typing speed 45wpm +
- Lifting to 40lbs
- Frequent use of computers and medical equipment
- Exposure to lab chemicals

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

AS or bachelor’s degree in science or similar required. Knowledgeable in computer programs, EMR systems, customer service, excellent verbal communication skills. Ability to commute/relocate and work in person.

Benefits:

- Full comprehensive Health Insurance
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discounts
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance