Histology Technologist

Up to $5000 Sign on Bonus 0.9 to 1.0 FTE, 72 to 80 Hours Per Pay Period Monday though Friday between 6:30AM and 5:00PM with occasional Saturday The Histology Technician/Technologist is responsible for the performance of laboratory services in the Anatomic Pathology Lab. Occasional coverage may be needed in the MOHS Dermatology Clinic Lab. Both Labs involve working according to established and approved protocols and regulatory agency requirements. The Histology Technician/Technologist is knowledgeable in the technical area(s) to which they are assigned and is expected to resolve technical equipment and procedural problems to completion. This position requires a detail-oriented individual to perform the clerical and technical tasks where problem-solving skills are frequently utilized. The Histology Technician/Technologist works in partnership with staff and providers in providing histology lab services, and assists with the teaching/training of lab staff and others in histology laboratory policies/procedures/principles as assigned. The Histology Technician/Technologist will be required to work in the Anatomic laboratory and/or the MOHS laboratory. Other areas of accountability include the evaluation and troubleshooting of test system performance (both existing and new), and Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement activities related to histology laboratory services. The Histology Technician/Technologist will work with other staff to efficiently and effectively meet the organization's mission, vision and values. Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Assists with specimen dissection, gross in, and frozen section analysis as needed. Applies appropriate numerical identification of samples required. Enters identifying information into computer database. Maintains manual logs as necessary. Properly prepares and fixes specimens for processing. Knowledgeable in the acceptable fixatives and processing times required for good dissection. Proficient at the proper mounting and positioning of prepared tissue into the paraffin blocks for cutting. Cuts mounted surgical sample into appropriate serial sections. Submits appropriate representative sections for review. Stains sections for analysis. Performs in house special stains when applicable. Monitors and troubleshoots acceptable stain quality. Keeps appropriate records and logs of materials processed. Maintains all records, documentations, policies and procedures to meet the requirements of regulatory agencies including document control of all records. Participates and assists in quality assurance/improvement programs. Maintains all equipment and performs maintenance tasks when needed. Implements new technologies when appropriate. Stores blocks and slides in a manner that permits prompt retrieval. Enters appropriate patient charges based on sample type and work performed. Refers and maintains records of samples referred to outside facilities or patients. Assists in collection, registration, and processing of surgical, outpatient, MOHS and cytology samples. Disposes of surgical material waste in a timely manner. Ensures adequate stocks of histology supplies, reagents, and stains. Maintains a clean and safe work environment. Assists as needed in other duties to benefit the overall smooth operation of the laboratories. Uses LEAN principles and continuous systems improvement (CSI) thinking and methods in the evaluation and improvement of histology processes and workflows. Seeks ways to add value (and eliminate waste) in related processes. Attends focus board meetings daily. Identifies and implements cost saving (waste reduction) opportunities. Develops positive relationships with others through the use of exceptional communication, timely feedback and follow up on issues and through alignment and focus on the laboratory initiatives of the strategic plan. Attends mandatory staff meetings and completes mandatory educational requirements of Winona Health staff. Understands, supports, and integrates into one's position the organization's vision/mission/values (see last section.) Performs other duties as assigned. Essential Skills and Experience: Skills and Abilities Basic computer skills; Word. Excel. Access or other database. Outlook. Patient information database (Cerner, EMR, American Data) Education and Experience: Successful completion of a Histology Technician/Technologist program which is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinic Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS). Requires certification as ASCP. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Finger dexterity required to manipulate small pieces of laboratory equipment and tissue in performing tests. Color discrimination required to select proper stains in order that diagnostic qualities of the tissue can be properly defined, and to make color comparisons of specimens and tissues being tested. Internal Applicant Policy: It is the policy of Winona Health to work with employees in an equitable fashion regarding promotions, transfers and position reclassifications. Any employee wishing to apply for another available position at Winona Health must submit an application for consideration through the internal application portal. Employees requesting to change positions should have successfully completed at least six (6) months in their current position. Employees currently in the formal disciplinary process may be required to meet with the Director of Human Resources to determine eligibility to request transfer. The employee's past performance, experience, training and qualifications will be considered in transfer/hiring decisions. Consideration for transfer or promotion is not a guarantee of transfer or promotion. Employees may be given a chance to interview for a position when they meet the minimum position qualifications. Disclaimer: Winona Health is an equal opportunity employer. Winona Health does not refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate against a person with respect to tenure, compensation, terms, upgrading, conditions, facilities, or privileges of employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local discrimination commission, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination under applicable local, state, or federal law. Winona Health does not tolerate retaliation against any employee, patient/resident, physician, or other individuals pursuing concerns regarding Civil Rights issues. Winona Health adheres to ALL pertinent governmental policies and legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, as amended, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.