Cytology Processing Technician, Full-Time Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Cytology Processing Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Cytology Processing Technician performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the Cytopathology laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered, and are processed in accordance with approved specimen preparation techniques. This position is responsible for investigation and communication with Coordinator regarding specimen problems. In conjunction with these functions, Cytology Processing Technicians assist physicians with on-site Fine Needle Aspirates and are responsible for maintaining the FNA laboratory including supply inventory and instrument maintenance. Cytology Processing Technicians assist with the process of report distribution to physicians via mail and fax and provide customer service to internal and external clients via phone and direct communication.

In addition, the position will assist the Coordinator with orientation and training of new staff on policies and procedures of the processing lab. The position also participates in the laboratory occurrence management program.

Responsibilities:

• Tracks specimens into the laboratory. Ensures specimens are ordered and collected appropriately. Endorses all specimen issues to the Coordinator (or designee) for resolution.
• Monitors pending logs to ensure all ordered specimens are received in the laboratory.
• Performs specimen preparation according to procedures, this includes but is not limited to centrifugation, fluid concentration, liquid-based preparation, cell block and core biopsy preparation, Papanicolaou staining, Diff-Quik staining and slide cover slipping.
• Prioritizes specimen prep based on assignments or established priorities. Completes processing within defined turn-around-times.
• Assists with on-site FNA procedures by preparing and staining patient samples. Performs additional preparations under the direction of the Pathologist.
• Maintains FNA and processing laboratories by monitoring supply inventory, operating instruments/equipment according to procedures, performing preventative maintenance on instruments/equipment according to defined schedule.
• Documents and performs all necessary QC required for Fine Needle and other specimen types.
• Monitors laboratory inventory in both the Prep lab and the FNA lab to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate. Submits supply orders to the Coordinator.
• Notifies Coordinator of instrument/equipment failures.
• Serves as the department Safety Officer as required, attends the monthly Laboratory Safety Meeting.
• Assists with annual safety training of existing staff.
• Assists the Coordinator with orientation and training of new staff on policies and procedures of the processing lab.
• Provides accurate and efficient test order entry into the Laboratory Information System.
• Ensures accurate routing and distribution of laboratory reports to physician offices including faxing and retrieval of microfiche test results.
• Maintains a safe and clean work environment.
• Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication.
• Is responsive and helpful to Manager regarding requests for information about projects and daily activities in the department.
• Assists in specific process improvement projects.

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent and/or transcripts.
• Proof of Education as outlined in CLIA guidelines.

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.