Pathologist Assistant

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Work Shift

Job Summary:

The Pathologist's Assistant (PA) assist licensed pathologist by performing gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens, description and preparation of specimens for histopathology processing. The Pathologist's Assistant assists with or performs dissection and gross description of autopsies. PA's are also responsible for the maintenance and running of pathology equipment for testing. PA's also assist with administration and management of AQ/QC within Anatomical pathology and must possess good communication and organizational skills. Ability to work individually and within a Team environment. He/she must have sufficient computer skills to accession specimens. Additional computer skills beyond this level would provide a valuable contribution. The Pathologist's Assistant photographs specimens and maintains photographic equipment. The Pathologist's Assistant is responsible to the Laboratory Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

General Duties and responsibilities - Conducting gross examination and dissection of surgical specimens. - Performing autopsies and collecting specimens for microscopic examination. - Preparing tissues for histopathology processing. - Assisting in the preparation of frozen sections during intraoperative consultations. - Recording and analyzing patient medical histories and clinical findings. - Maintaining and operating laboratory equipment. - Ensuring accurate labeling and documentation of specimens. - Collaborating with pathologists and other medical professionals. - Supervising and training laboratory personnel. - Complying with safety and quality control standards. Strives to make the WellStar Statement of Values part of their daily work activity. * Strives to make the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those served top priority. * Works to deliver the best customer service with a human touch. * Works toward providing high-quality healthcare. * Maintains positive interaction with co-workers. * Strives to develop a work environment that is conducive to a satisfying and enriching career. * Maintains positive relationships with Medical Staff. * Uses resources and supplies efficiently to ensure quality and service accessibility. Takes responsibility for meeting general requirements. * Maintains attendance/punctuality in accordance with system policy and procedure. * Adheres to dress code and is neat in appearance. * Wears and displays ID badge appropriately on the upper torso while on duty. * Maintains an organized and clean work area. * Assists with maintaining a neat and clean facility (picks up papers, reports, spills, etc.). * Maintains confidentiality as outlined in system policies. * Limits equipment/computer use to work related functions. * Willingly performs other duties as assigned. * Completes task within designed time lines. * Follows employee conduct expectations as outlined in the Employee Handbook. Takes responsibility for identifying and meeting own learning needs. * Identifies self learning needs and seeks opportunities for improvement. * Participates in 6 hours of education classes per year. * Completes additional designated and required educational classes. * Maintains standards of professional practice. * Recognizes personal limitations and/or seeks assistance as needed. * Attends scheduled department meetings. If unable to attend, reads minutes and documents. Supports and participates in system/hospital/unit performance improvement efforts to enhance and improve services. * Incorporates the philosophy of quality and performance improvement into daily routines. * Actively searches for methods to improve customer service or patient care. * Uses internal resources to enhance knowledge and skill to improve customer service and performance improvement. * Assists other employees to improve their skills and knowledge. Demonstrates principles of team work within the system/hospital/unit. * Acts as a resource and a mentor by understanding a teammates learning needs and abilities and adapting teaching/managing style to meet these needs accordingly. * Assists with team prioritization that effectively utilizes own energy and resources. * Demonstrates ability to give constructive feedback and effectively resolve conflict. * Identifies trust issues and working toward establishing an environment of mutual understanding and respect. * Serves as a positive role model to peers and assigned staff in the delivery of patient care personal conduct, and personal appearance. * Contributes to the development of cohesive group relations. * Ensures and maintains confidentiality in relation to patient/family/significant other/hospital. * Resolves issues through positive problem-solving techniques that promotes integrity of all parties involved. * Responds willingly to special needs of unit/department. * Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling of time. Demonstrates leadership abilities and utilizes sound management principles. * Implements and monitors standards according to policy and procedure. * Assigns responsibilities giving consideration to the skill and experience of staff. * Addresses inappropriate behavior or poor work performances displayed by staff; documents and communicates such to appropriate individual in accordance with system procedures. * Monitors equipment, supplies and reserves on hand and environment to assure for the safe and timely delivery of patient care. * Supervises assigned staff in the performance of their duties including providing input into performance evaluations. * Participates in the orientation/training of employees and students. Performs other duties as assigned Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education:

• Bachelors Medical Science or Accredited Program Other / Related Field

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):

All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

Additional License(s) and Certification(s):

Certification or eligible for certification by American Association of Pathologist Assistants (AAPA) Upon Hire Required or PA(ASCP) - Pathologists' Assistant within 120 Days Preferred or NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant training program or equivalent Upon Hire Required or

Required Minimum Experience:

Less than 1 year NAACLS accredited Pathologists' Assistant training program or equivalent Preferred or Minimum 1 year Experience as a Pathologists Assistant is preferred if on the job trained. Preferred

Required Minimum Skills:

Knowledge of Laboratory information systems Medium Strong organizational and multitasking skills Medium Excellent written and verbal communication High Attention to detail and high level of accuracy High Ability to work independently and part of a team Medium Eligibility to obtain professional certification (ASCP) Medium Knowledge of anatomy, clinical pathology, and laboratory procedures Medium Proficiency in the use of laboratory equipment and software Medium Strong problem-solving and analytical skills High Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information High Physical stamina to perform the required tasks Medium

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