The Histotechnician is responsible for performing specimen preparation within the Histology lab.  The Histotechnician interacts with nursing personnel and providers.  The Histotechnician supports preanalytic, analytic, and post analytic laboratory workflows. Responsibilities may include the following: 1) sample accessioning; 2) sample processing including grossing specimens and 3) moderate and high complexity testing.  Testing areas may include Histology, Cytology, and Molecular. 

At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options focused on your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:    

• Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.
• Dental, health and vision insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience.

Join our team of experts and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.

Pre-Analytic workflows

• Identifies patient samples using two patient identifiers.
• Assists with sample transport, receiving, processing, and accessioning of specimens.
• Demonstrates knowledge of computer programs for sample identification, accessioning, and sample tracking.
• Utilizes supply items in a cost effective manner, recognizing when to reorder, and assisting with unpacking and/or restocking items.
• Achieves basic understanding of lab tests to answer provider questions in an easy to understand way.

Analytic workflows

• Performs high complexity limited gross in using good laboratory practice.
• Performs tissue embedding, sectioning, staining, and frozen section processing.
• Works closely with testing personnel with lab procedures/tests/training
• Works efficiently with the work flow and work load
• Documents routine instrument maintenance
• Troubleshoots and resolves instrument and equipment issues
• Documents, reviews and writes technical procedures for department
• Monitors technical practices to meet necessary standards, recommendations and requirements of voluntary and government agencies (CAP, DNV, CLIA).
• Strong knowledge of computer systems used on analyzers, PowerPath and EPIC

Post Analytic Workflow

• Able to review reports for errors
• Understands the Quality Program Management system

Committed Team

• Prioritizes work in the best interest of the patient, sharing the work with team members.
• Assists with training new employees and students, being helpful and supportive in their teaching.
• Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
• Attends department huddles, staff meetings and other required training.
• Checks emails regularly for huddle minutes and important communications relevant to assignment.

Basic UPH Performance Criteria        

• Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.
• Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.  Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

Education

• An earned associate degree in a laboratory science (chemical or biological science) or medical laboratory technology, obtained from an accredited institution
  • OR
• Education/training equivalent to the above that includes the following: 60 semester hours or equivalent from an accredited institution. This education must include 24 semester hours of medical laboratory technology courses, or 24 semester hours of science courses that includes six semester hours of chemistry, six semester hours of biology, and 12 semester hours of chemistry, biology or medical laboratory technology in any combination

Other

• Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
• Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Technical Aptitude- ability to learn new systems quickly
• Medical Terminology
• Basic laboratory skills
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Professionalism
• Decision making skills
• Planning and Organizing skills
• Problem solving

• Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.