A Cytotechnologist utilizes knowledge and anatomical laboratory experience to receive accession and prepare cytological specimens for examination. The Cytotechnologist performs the analyses of cytopathology specimens in an accurate and timely manner. This position requires the exercise of independent judgment, timeliness, accuracy and responsibility with minimal supervision by the director or supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Cytology Specimen Prep Duties and Technologist Responsibilities

Prepares cytologic specimens for analysis
Assures proper maintenance of equipment
Verifies and assures accuracy of specimen and patient information.
Enters information into computer reporting system according to standard laboratory procedures
Performs all appropriate laboratory technical procedures including specimen prep, staining, destaining and restaining and screening with little or no supervision
Screens specimens and dots slides as appropriate for pathologist
Performs testing and reports results on laboratory specimens
Performs all duties associated with FNA specimen collection, processing and screening
Meets the diagnostic performance guideline established by the medical director
Performs job duties in an honest, punctual and ethical manner
Reviews and updates all cytology related procedures and procedure manuals on an annual basis and prepares for review by the Medical Director
Performs quality control and maintains all appropriate documentation
Achieves minimum daily workload productivity as established by the Medical Director
Adheres to NYS screening guidelines for cytotechnologists and maintains proper documents pertaining to number of slides screened
Maintains competency and assumes responsibility for continuing education relevant to responsibilities
As a Cytotechnologist II, participates in the quality control program by re-screening negative pap smears to validate test results

Demonstrates technical skills necessary to perform specimen collection and triage

Accepts and identifies specimens received in the laboratory
Checks specimen container and requisition for proper identification and specimen transport condition
Enters patient demographics and specimen information into the pathology information system.
Selects paperwork required to ensure specimen identification, specimen processing and billing
Verifies insurance information and retrieves missing information.

Demonstrates the ability to perform gross examinations of specimens

Checks and maintains accurate specimen identification
Determines correct fixatives for requested procedures
Weighs and measures specimens
Selects tissues and cassettes for processing and stores residual tissues using methods that insure preservation
Records required information necessary for subsequent procedures such as embedding and cutting
Dictates gross descriptions clearly, accurately and according to guidelines of the department
Photographs specimens correctly
Implements proper tissue processing procedures
Follows decalcification procedures

Demonstrates the ability to process Heme/Path bone marrow specimens

Demonstrates the ability to prepare reagents for bone marrow Wright Giemsa stain
Performs Wright Giemsa stain on bone marrow smears
Demonstrates the ability to coverslip and prepare bone marrow slides to be submitted to the pathologist

Other Lab Duties

Assists the Histotechnologists with slide labeling as necessary
Assists with cover slipping and staining procedures as necessary
Maintains laboratory equipment, including monitoring and changing reagents as necessary
Maintains any temperature or other laboratory related charts as requested
Performs other qualified laboratory duties as requested by supervisor
Assures adequate laboratory supply inventory
Thoroughly, accurately and legibly documents test results
Demonstrates and uses the applicable computer systems

Reviewed the policy for Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Plan

Understands the proper use of all personal protective equipment necessary to perform all assigned duties.
Adheres to all policies and procedures regarding precautionary measures taken to minimize risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission.

Equipment Maintenance Manual

Reviewed standard operating procedures and maintenance manuals for equipment
Operates and maintains equipment according to protocol

Communicates with hospital personnel, medical staff and patients and incorporates customer orientation principles into daily work

Establishes relations, supports and provides laboratory assistance as needed
Maintains daily contact with pathologists and other medical staff
Promotes congenial laboratory work environment
Has a clear understanding of who the primary customers are and what they require; focuses on their needs, expectations and satisfaction
Relates to people in an open, friendly and caring manner
Serves customers with respect, tolerance and consideration for cultural, ethnic and/or religious beliefs
Uses customer feedback as a basis for taking actions which solve customers problems quickly and effectively
Advocates for patients rights and responsibilities

Participates in professional development and accounts for personal achievement and progress toward outcomes

Maintains current knowledge of new procedures, methods and equipment through personal study
Attends educational conferences, inservices and meetings as able to ensure continuing education and professional growth
Sets goals, implements plans to meet goals and holds self accountable for results
Inspires others by example and influences them to do and be their best
Demonstrates self direction and initiative in work practices

Complies with all institutional and departmental policies

Maintains patient confidentiality at all times
Completes all required inservices and assessments in a timely manner
Portrays a professional caring attitude at all times and greets departmental visitors accordingly
Answers telephones promptly and appropriately
Submits appropriate paperwork for requesting leave time
Calls department for unscheduled absences and lates and fills out appropriate paperwork upon return
Participates as part of a team in helping to maintain high quality performance of departmental duties and assists others whenever possible
Helps to maintain a clean, safe environment for the workplace
Adheres to departmental policies regarding overtime, lunches and breaks
Fosters a spirit of cooperation and communication when seeking to schedule vacations and leave time in order to accommodate the work flow and maintain adequate staffing levels
Is responsible to complete all assigned work during the scheduled work period and does not do so at the expense of quality or accuracy
Wears ID badge at all times
Does not leave the work area without giving proper notification to coworkers
Accepts and adapts to changes in responsibilities and work flow promptly and without resistance
Respects coworkers, discourages gossip and fosters a spirit of unity and cooperation.

Demonstrates individual commitment to Teamwork

Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with others at all levels of the organization
Shares information, resources, and ideas
Demonstrates flexibility in work practices, procedures, or processes
Works effectively with others to accomplish tasks and goals, and to find solutions to problems
Participates in and actively supports group decisions
Works actively to resolve conflict to a positive outcome

Evaluates the Cost Effectiveness of daily work

Identifies methods and approaches to simplify work processes, decrease waste and increase the quality of service provided
Demonstrates effective time management to promote productivity and cost efficiency
Uses material goods wisely, is conscious of the environment and is accountable for prudent use of resources

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

EXPERIENCE

See Education

EDUCATION

Must have a bachelors degree in Cytotechnology OR
A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with an appropriate distribution of biology, chemistry and math courses and completed a program in Cytotechnology. OR
Meets one of the grand parenting requirements for licensure as a Cytotechnologist -

1)Cytotechnologist I - Meets the minimum NYSED requirements for a Cytotechnologist.

2)Cytotechnologist II -Four years experience as a Cytotechnologist I and achieves all Cytotechnologist I core competencies

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Must meet New York State Education Department requirements as a Cytotechnologist and hold a NYSED license in Cytotechnology.

WMCHealth

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