Pathology Assistant

Join Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital’s team of caregivers that remain on the leading edge of technology and education, all while consistently providing patient-centered healthcare. As part of Cleveland Clinic’s Florida region, Weston Hospital is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale and Florida regions. Here, you will receive endless support and appreciation while building a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.  

As a Pathology Assistant, you will manage laboratory testing within designated sections while ensuring compliance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures related to the delivery of pathology services. In this role, you will direct and coordinate the efforts of team members, provide guidance on appropriate specimen dissections, and serve as a resource to support quality, accuracy, and efficiency within the laboratory.

This is a regular PRN position, with caregivers working shifts varying between 6:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with weekend availability.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

• Perform surgical desk functions following the guidelines of surgical pathology techs.

• Coordinate the efforts of the Manager, Assistant Director, Pathologists, employees and other departments to meet special needs and address problems or concerns.

• Examine, describe, dissect and section selected biopsy and surgical resection specimens under the direction of staff pathologist.

• Determine area of the gross specimens to be samples for microscopic analysis and cut area into appropriate sized sections for further processing.

• Analyze certain gross specimens and biopsy specimens: identify, measure, weigh and describe specimens according to established guidelines.

• Section and dictate gross features of specimens.

• Collaborate with pathology staff to identify areas likely to be involved by neoplastic/inflammatory conditions in surgical specimens.

• Process specimens such as conization of cervix.

• Assist pathology staff to select certain tissues to be submitted for frozen section analysis.

• Check refrigeration for late specimens from previous day.

• Perform accessioning functions for all specimens received: identify specimen, assign accession number, log in and enter pertinent information into the computer terminal.

• Assure appropriate specimen accession and numbering of all surgical specimens.

• Photograph and maintain records for gross specimens that require photography.

• Prepare all solutions, fixative and stain; decalcify all mineralized specimens.

• Maintain records of all discarded and saved specimens.

• Prepare gross specimens for maintenance and storage.

• Check equipment for proper operation and calibrate if necessary.

• Maintain all equipment and instruments used at the surgical desk, according to CLIA requirements.

• Ensure compliance with all local, federal, CLIA and CAP regulations.

• Assist, initiate and institute specialized procedures of duties as designated by the Medical Director or staff pathologist to include administrative and teaching functions.

• Obtain patient's charts and other pertinent data (x-rays, scans, etc.) for review with the pathologist.

• Confer with the pathologist to identify those special techniques and procedures which will be necessary (histochemical, immunofluorescence, toxicological, viral, or electron microscopic studies, cultures, and smears, etc.) and notify all personnel directly involved.

• Work with staff pathologists to assure proper restoration of the body for acceptable release to the funeral director, indicating any biohazards such as contagious disease, radioactive implants, etc. which may be present.

• Assure the completion of the autopsy protocol correct coding and filing of protocols and report, filing hotographic and microscopic slides and maintenance of other anatomical pathology reports and data.

• Maintain completed and up-to-date documentation and files at all times, including product and service quotes.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Bachelor's Degree in Science or Master's Degree in Science

• Completion of Pathologist's Assistant training Program or Histotechnician (HT) American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)

• Five years of clinical experience

• Three years of experience as a surgical pathology technician to include gross examination of tissue

• One year of Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement/Performance Improvement experience

• Working knowledge of OSHA requirements concerning chemical hygiene and blood-borne pathogens

• Understanding of safety rules and regulations, management techniques, laws and the legal interpretations

• Knowledge of anatomy, pathology, medical terminology and physiology sufficient to identify, dissect, and describe certain surgical specimens

• Knowledge of dissection, sectioning techniques and appropriate procedure of handling tissue

• Demonstrated job knowledge of histopathologic techniques and methods

• Knowledgeable of methods used to obtain clinical history including scans, x-rays, laboratory data, etc.

• Familiarity with dictation and dictation equipment and computer

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Pathology or microbiology lab assistant background

• Certified Pathology Assistant

Physical Requirements:

• Essential Duties: The Pathologist's Assistant is responsible for the management of laboratory testing in the designated sections.

• Histology supervisor in the absence of the histology supervisor.

• The position requires intimate knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of pathology services. The ability to retrieve, communicate, or otherwise present information in a written, auditory, or visual fashion is essential.

• Special Characteristics: Ability to direct and coordinate the efforts of others. Ability to accurately judge the need for consultation regarding appropriate specimen dissections. Ability to establish and maintain friendly, cooperative relations with surgical staff, pathology staff, residents and secretaries.

• Physical Duties: Good physical and mental health. Finger and hand dexterity necessary to manipulate instruments and equipment; visual and aural acuity to read and interpret laboratory/pathology reports. Agility and high energy levels. Constant walking during work periods. Turning, stooping, bending, stretching, lifting and moving supplies and equipment and performing related tasks. Any tasks involved with putting away supplies or equipment exceeding 50 pounds will require assistance.

• Working Conditions: Works in a clean, well-lighted, heated and air-conditioned environment. Involve exposure to infectious and carcinogenic substances, odorous chemicals and other hazardous materials. May be exposed to communicable diseases. Possibility of strains due to handling heavy equipment. Possibility of cuts or minor burses from instruments and equipment. Any tasks involved with patient or equipment exceeding 50 pounds will require assistance.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• This position has occupational exposure to blood and body fluids that mandate the wearing of gloves, masks, gowns and goggles for every actual potential exposure.

• Heptovx series of vaccines are recommended.

• Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required for procedures.

The policy of Cleveland Clinic Health System and its system hospitals (Cleveland Clinic Health System) is to provide equal opportunity to all of our caregivers and applicants for employment in our drug free environment. All offers of employment are followed by testing for controlled substances.

Cleveland Clinic Health System administers an influenza prevention program. You will be required to comply with this program, which will include obtaining an influenza vaccination on an annual basis or obtaining an approved exemption.

Decisions concerning employment, transfers and promotions are made upon the basis of the best qualified candidate without regard to color, race, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, status as a disabled or Vietnam era veteran or any other characteristic protected by law. Information provided on this application may be shared with any Cleveland Clinic Health System facility. 

If applying for a Florida position, please see the following website for more information on the background screening requirements required by the Agency of Health Care Administration: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Please review the Equal Employment Opportunity poster. 

Cleveland Clinic is pleased to be an equal employment opportunity employer.