What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cytotechnologist position at West Virginia University Hospital?
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE & CODE:
Cytotechnologist (23011)
DEPARTMENT:
Pathology
REPORTS TO:
Technical Specialist
FLSA STATUS:
Non-Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY: Performs and analyzes a wide range of laboratory testing and related duties in support of the hospital's mission of patient care.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1.
Certified by American Society of Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) or equivalent agency as a Cytotechnologist.
2.
Licensed by the state of West Virginia required within 6 months of employment.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND/OR LICENSURE:
1.
Licensed by the state of West Virginia within 30 days of employment preferred.
2.
Bachelor of Science in Cytotechnology or related science field preferred.
CORE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.
1.
Performs and analyzes, in a timely manner and according to SOP, basic and complex diagnostic (e.g., screen pap smears, Non-Gyn, Special Stains, FNAs) procedures designed to produce accurate reproducible results to meet the needs of patients, as requested by the physician. Assists Physicians with FNA specimen adequacy determination during patient procedures.
3.
Completes assigned workload within established turnaround times by flexing organization of work according to test ordering status (e.g., routine, STAT, ASAP, emergency) and specimen type priority.
4.
Operates laboratory equipment/instrumentation (e.g., centrifuges, microscopes, Thin Prep Processor, H&E Stainer and coverslipper) consistent with standard operating procedures and manufacturer instruction manuals.
5.
Prepares, as required, reagents, and solutions correctly and accurately required to complete necessary testing/requests according to the SOP (e.g., daily review of workload/test results and quality assurance records).
6.
Restocks, as required, the work area and FNA carts of needed supplies to assist co‑workers in the performance of their duties.
7.
Differentiates medical and technical problems, as required, with referral to supervisor and/or medical director.
8.
Must demonstrate, after receiving instruction and training, knowledge of the patient care requirements for all age groups as required by the laboratory standard operating procedures.
9.
Able to prepare and accession patient specimens, accepting only patient specimens for testing that are properly collected and labeled. Evaluates sufficiency of patient information given with specimens and resolves issues with specimen collection and specimen orders in accordance with established laboratory policies.
10.
Performs required quality assurance and control procedures on a predetermined schedule to ascertain the reliability of reagents and laboratory equipment/instrumentation which results in timely accurate reproducible test results to insure quality patient care, and completes quality control records legibly and accurately.
11.
Performs required troubleshooting and subsequent appropriate problem resolution, in a timely manner (e.g., review of the QC records).
12.
Participates, as required, in proficiency testing/interpretation/reporting using established procedures and resulting in a satisfactory report.
13.
Promptly verifies, abnormal/panic results and notifies, as required per SOP, patient care unit and/or physician with full documentation of steps taken.
14.
Participates in the educational endeavors of the institution to meet the current and future needs of the hospital, laboratory and the university in support of the hospital's mission of patient care, teaching, and research.
15.
Participates, as required, in the training, supervision and evaluation of new employees, as established by laboratory policies (e.g., section training checklist).
16.
Assists Pathology Residents and other students/personnel per request, and provides training sets to assist in technical and theoretical instruction of students of the School of Medicine and other health care professionals, as established by laboratory policies. .
17.
Maintains effective communication with laboratory sections, other hospital departments and patients/public, as necessary to assure dissemination of information and the identification/resolution of problems to support the hospital's mission of patient care.
18.
Interacts as appropriate with other hospital areas requiring assistance in procedures such as FNA’s.
19.
Keeps current in all department communications (e.g., reading circulated material, staff minutes and procedures) incorporating new information into routine use. Attends Departmental meetings.
20.
Effectively communicates in a timely manner any unusual supply usage or critical supply levels to the supervisor to expedite ordering of required supplies for the continual service needs of patients.
21
Promotes and contributes positively to the team work of the department by volunteering to assist co‑workers, contributing ideas and problem‑solving with co‑workers as observed by supervision.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Date Reviewed/Revised: May 2020
