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Northeast Georgia Health System is rooted in a foundation of improving the health of our communities.

About the Role:

Job Summary

The lead technologist is responsible for the ongoing assessment of histologic and cytologic techniques and for independent decision making to ensure timely and accurate testing in the anatomical pathology area. Because of their experience and level of expertise, they are also responsible for the training and supervision of other staff technologists and technicians.  The lead technologist must maintain sufficient clinical and managerial expertise to function as an assistant to the Laboratory Section Supervisor and perform those duties in the Section Supervisor’s absence.  Also, the lead technologist is expected to display initiative, excellent verbal and written communication skills and be proactive in dealing with the day-to-day responsibilities and problem resolution in the department.  The leadership role of the lead technologist requires this self-motivated individual to work closely with the Lab Section Supervisor, Lab Administration, and Pathologists. To be well respected by their peers and other co-workers.  Employee performs clinical duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.

Minimum Job Qualifications

• Licensure or other certifications: ASCP

• Educational Requirements: Associate degree required.

• Minimum Experience:

• Other:

Preferred Job Qualifications

• Preferred Licensure or other certifications:

• Preferred Educational Requirements: Bachelor of Science preferred.

• Preferred Experience: 3 years experience

• Other:

Job Specific and Unique Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Embedding of surgical specimens

• Microtomy of surgical specimens 

• Tissue Processing

• Special Stains & Immunohistochemistry

• Frozen Sections

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

Oversees routine operations of the Histology department

• Instructs staff in histologic techniques as necessary

• Responsible for troubleshooting and repair of equipment

Embedding and microtomy of surgical specimens

• Embeds multiple pieces in same block arranging tissue in a parallel line to the longer axis of the mold

• Arranges tissue in center of mold using the appropriate orientation dependent on tissue type ( skin, tubular specimens, bone)

• Faces block and cuts sections at appropriate thickness without loss of tissue

• Cuts multiple sections in a smooth ribbon without holes, chatter or undulations

Tissue processing

• Understands basic operations and different programs

• Is able to run a standard overnight program

• Demonstrates how to change processing reagents and paraffin baths

• Performs routine maintenance and daily cleaning

Special stains and immunohistochemistry

• Locates and maintains control slides for each stain ordered

• Uses proper equipment for each staining technique

• Follows correct protocol of stain ordered by pathologist

• Follows proper storage requirements for all reagents

Knowledge

• Documentation of records to maintain laboratory accreditation with CAP, GDHR and DNV.

• Consults with section supervisor on questionable laboratory results.

• Assists section supervisor in preparedness for inspections. Reviews all manuals as assigned.

• Possesses advanced knowledge of Laboratory testing as evidenced by compliance with policy, procedure and protocols.  Demonstrates proficiency in reviewing and ascertaining accuracy of results and QC problems.

Frozen Sections

• Fills out frozen section record sheet

• Labels slides and containers appropriately (patient name &/or assigned accession number)

• Stains sections correctly following the rapid H&E guidelines

• Cleans cryostat after each frozen

Physical Demands

• Weight Lifted: Up to 20 lbs, Occasionally 0-30%  of time

• Weight Carried: Up to 20 lbs, Occasionally 0-30%  of time

• Vision: Moderate, Frequently 31-65%% of time

• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending: Occasionally 0-30%

• Standing/Walking: Frequently 31-65%

• Pushing/Pulling: Occasionally 0-30%

• Intensity of Work: Frequently 31-65%

• Job Requires: Reading, Writing, Reasoning, Talking, Keyboarding

Working at NGHS means being part of something special: a team invested in you as a person, an employee, and in helping you reach your goals. 

NGHS: Opportunities start here.

Northeast Georgia Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not tolerate discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, disability, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification or status.