Anatomic Pathology Processing Specialist I

Schedule:
Monday - Friday (40 hrs/wk)
12:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Train on shift

Department: AP Processing - 373

Primary Purpose:

Provides services of both a technical and non-technical nature in the laboratory service areas. Duties include picking up, receiving, and accessioning pathology specimens, resolution of complex issues with specimens and orders in the laboratory information systems, direct communication with patient care teams, performance and documentation of quality control activities and selected equipment maintenance, data handling and input, and answering the telephone. Ensures that procedures and methods are performed according to section protocol. Performs a variety of support functions to ensure timely completion of pathology services.

About ARUP:

ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

ARUP proudly hires top talent to create a work environment of diversity, professional growth and continuous development. Our workforce is committed to the important service we provide to over one million patients each month. We always strive for excellence and have a strong desire to have involvement with the advances in medicine and the role laboratory services plays within each patient’s life. We never forget that there is a patient behind every specimen we receive.

We are looking for individuals who want to contribute to ARUP's culture of accountability, integrity, service, and excellence. Consider joining our dynamic team.

Essential Functions:

Understands appropriate specimen collection, handling, and transport procedures. 

Has knowledge of specimen acceptance/rejection policies for section. Maintains familiarity with all specimen types, containers, and fixatives. 

Routinely picks up specimens of different temperatures. Properly handles ambient, refrigerated, and frozen specimens. 

Triages and accessions surgical specimens in accordance with established procedures.

Masters all Laboratory Information System (LIS) functions utilized by the section.

Resolves in-depth issues with internal and external customers, clients, and departments, including complex processing needs such as missing specimen searches. 

Manages concerned customers to reach an acceptable solution. Escalates as appropriate in each instance. 

Serves as a liaison between customers, clients, departments, and other areas of ARUP. 

Maintains knowledge of ARUP and UUHSC laboratories and their locations, hours of operation, and general functions. 

Ensures a clean, well-organized work area. Cleans bench surfaces and equipment as required and maintains appropriate documentation. 

Performs daily stain maintenance in accordance with established procedure and appropriate documentation.  

Ensures adequate supplies to complete the daily-required tasks.

Completes all necessary paperwork in accordance with established procedures in a concise, legible, and timely manner with all required information.

Complies with safety and biohazard regulations in accordance with established procedures. Adheres to all safety policies and regulations including, but not limited to, proper dress code and using proper protective clothing and other equipment. 

Follows all Quality Control/Assurance and Improvement regulations in accordance with established procedures, documenting all QC as appropriate. Reviews all QC data daily with a weekly sign-off. Initiating and documenting all corrective actions as appropriate. Assists with QA data collection as needed. 

Participates in annual competency testing as directed by the supervisor in accordance with APHP-POLICY-3021: Anatomic Pathology Group I Expectations.

Performs new procedures, with appropriate orientation and training, as directed by the supervisor.

Assists in the orientation and training of new personnel on all functions of the department, as directed by the supervisor.  

Assists with departmental and interdepartmental projects. 

Communicates with other departments as requested by the supervisor or in their absence.   

Observes principles of data security and patient confidentiality. Maintains ethical standards in the performance of testing and interactions with patients, co-workers, and other healthcare professionals.

Maintains open and effective communication with personnel in work teams, and with members of other teams throughout the organization.

Demonstrates professional demeanor, in personal appearance and behavior, in all work-related interactions inside and outside of the laboratory.

Provides on call coverage afterhours, holidays and weekends according to call schedule.

Other duties as assigned.

Physical and Other Requirements:

Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.

Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.

Mobility: The person in this position needs to frequently move between work sites and pick up surgical specimens, including the autopsy suite, operating rooms, clinical labs, etc. 

This position works directly with the Gross Dissection lab. 

Communicate: Frequently and effectively communicate with others.

PPE: Biohazard laboratory environment that requires use of personal protective equipment in accordance with CDC and OSHA regulations and company policies. 

ARUP Policies and Procedures: To conduct self in compliance with all ARUP Policies and Procedures.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects, including the human body.

Vision: Having close, far, and peripheral visual acuity to perform a variety of tasks such as make general observations of depth and distance.

Fine Motor Control: Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.

Continuing Education: Continual assessment of current literature and best practices.

Qualifications Education Required High School Diploma or Equivalent or better. Experience Required One year of experience in specimen processing and/or pathology Preferred Intermediate proficiency with applicable ARUP software programs (i.e., Millennium, ESP, ANSR, IMS, etc.) Experience with University software programs (i.e., Epic/Beaker) Keyboarding skills at 35 wpm Courses in anatomy, physiology and familiarity with medical terminology Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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