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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 health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Histotechnologist 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 system policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.¿ 

A Histotechnologist performs routine histology procedures, in accordance with all department specific SOPs and guidelines, resulting in stained slides for microscopic review and diagnosis by the pathologist.¿ This position is responsible for communication with pathologists, residents, and coordinators regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.¿  

Responsibilities:

• Performs cassette-log reconciliation.¿ Initiates appropriate programs on conventional and microwave tissue processors.¿ Recognizes, resolves, and documents standard processor alarms.

• Embeds biopsy, routine surgical, and autopsy tissues, if applicable, per SOP. Recognizes adequacy of processing.

• Identifies and orients tissues correctly. Documents tracking and quality issues on embedding log.

• Performs and documents routine paraffin block reconciliation. Prioritizes blocks based on established guidelines.

• Operates microtome per SOP, and determines appropriate block orientation and alignment, knife angles, and settings to obtain representative sections.

• Recognizes acceptable vs. unacceptable sections; evaluates instances in which specific tissue might require a deviation from standard procedures to ensure diagnostic sections are produced.

• Appropriate documentation including specimen identification throughout all technical and clerical processes including in the laboratory information system, as well as cassettes, slides and logs, as required by regulatory compliance.

• Operates automated instrumentation to stain and coverslip microscopic slides.

• Performs manual methods during instrument downtimes.

• Recognizes, resolves, and documents unacceptable staining, coverslipping results and/or instrument failure.

• Performs special staining techniques using automated instrumentation and manual methods.

• Identifies appropriate positive and/or negative controls. Evaluates stains microscopically for¿acceptable results.

• Executes sectioning and staining of frozen tissue. 

• Identifies and corrects staining deficiencies. Documents stains and quality issues.

• Performs and/or assists with gross examination, dissection, and selection of representative tissue for microscopic examination for designated specimen, if applicable by site. Resolves discrepancies prior to gross examination and escalates to supervisor or Pathologist when necessary. 

• Utilizes dictation equipment to document description per procedure, if applicable.

• Investigates, escalates, and documents any discrepancies or unresolved issues appropriately.

• Prioritizes technical workload based on assignment or established priorities, responds effectively to changes in workflow adjusting work to incorporate STAT requests or fluctuations in work volume.

• Exercises independent judgment in the performance of technical responsibilities.

• Practices the proficient and safe use of all equipment necessary for the completion of all duties and responsibilities within defined turn-around times.

• Performs required Quality System responsibilities including initiating “Quality Investigation Reports”.

• Reports equipment or instrument malfunctions appropriately.

• Maintains a clean and safe work environment to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements. Cleans and disinfects laboratory areas per SOP. Performs minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.

• Monitors laboratory inventory to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate. Notifies coordinator promptly of any supply issues.

• Participates in Safety and Infection Control activities. Follows all required safety procedures, assumes a proactive role in laboratory safety.

• Takes initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.

• Participates in the training and teaching of students and new staff members.                         

Additional Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Assists in specific process improvement projects.

• Will assist with problem resolution regarding patient specimens including root cause analysis.

Required:

• Bachelors degree in the biological, physical, chemical, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or histology. 

• HTL (ASCP) certification or HTL (ASCP) eligible. If eligible must take and pass the national certifying exam within one year of employment.

Preferred:

• Prior work experience in a CAP accredited histology laboratory. 

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) 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.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.