Job Description
The Senior Cytology Processing Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
The Senior Cytology Processing Technician assists in the oversight of all aspects of pre-analytic workflows for the Cytopathology laboratory. This role ensures orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are processed in accordance with approved specimen preparation techniques.
This position is responsible for investigation and communication with Coordinator regarding specimen problems. In conjunction with these functions, the Senior Cytology Processing Technician will assist physicians with on-site Fine Needle Aspirates and are responsible for maintaining the FNA laboratory including supply inventory and instrument maintenance.
The Senior Cytology Processing Technician will assist in the oversight of report distribution to physicians via health record messaging, fax, and provide customer service to internal and external clients via phone and direct communication. In addition, the position will assist the Coordinator with orientation and training of new staff on policies and procedures of the processing lab. The Senior Cytology Processing Technician also participates in the laboratory occurrence management program.
Responsibilities:
- In conjunction with Coordinator, assists in the oversight of all aspects of pre-analytic workflow for the Cytopathology laboratory
- Participates in selection of new team members
- Assists the Coordinator with orientation and training of new staff on instrumentation, policies, and procedures of the processing lab
- Maintains department schedule to ensure adequate coverage of staff to meet the needs of the department
- Assigns daily work load to processing technicians; provides feedback to Coordinator and Manager regarding staff performance
- Monitors utilization of supplies and equipment for optimal efficiency and cost containment
- Troubleshoots instruments; performs maintenance reviews and service requests
- Ensures specimens are ordered, collected, and tracked appropriately. Endorses all specimen issues for resolution
- Performs specimen preparation according to procedures, this includes but is not limited to centrifugation, fluid concentration, liquid-based preparation, cell block and core biopsy preparation, Papanicolaou staining, Diff-Quik staining and slide cover slipping
- Assists with on-site FNA procedures by preparing and staining patient samples. Performs additional preparations under the direction of the Pathologist
- Maintains FNA and processing laboratories by monitoring supply inventory, operating instruments/equipment according to procedures, performing preventative maintenance on instruments/equipment according to defined schedule
- Documents and performs all necessary QC required for Fine Needle and other specimen types
- Monitors laboratory inventory in both the processing lab and the FNA lab to ensure supply levels are appropriate and adequate. Submits supply orders to Manager
- Notifies Coordinator of instrument/equipment failures
- Serves as the department Safety Officer as required, attends the monthly Laboratory Safety Meeting.
- Provides accurate and efficient test order entry into the Laboratory Information System
- Ensures accurate routing and distribution of laboratory reports to physician offices
- Maintains a safe and clean work environment
- Fosters department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum five years of related work experience required, demonstrating a broad and detailed knowledge of job responsibilities and methods
- Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS)
- Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Demonstrates personal alignment with NMH’s core values of integrity, excellence, patients first, and teamwork
Preferred:
- Prior supervisory experience in laboratory support or in the healthcare field
- 1-2 years college course work
- Training experience
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
