Histology Technician

HCA Healthcare - Tallahassee, FL

Part-time,Full-time - Entry Level

Tallahassee, FL

10,001+ employees

Hospitals

About the position

The Histology Technician at HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital plays a crucial role in preparing and processing specimens for examination and diagnosis by pathologists. This position involves performing various histology and cytology procedures, ensuring quality control, and maintaining equipment. The technician will also participate in training and orientation of new staff, contribute to continuous quality improvement, and support departmental goals related to service and patient satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and processes specimens for gross and microscopic examination and diagnosis by a pathologist.
• Assists in the preparation of frozen sections of surgical specimens for microscopic examination by a pathologist.
• Performs histology and cytology procedures including specimen processing/fixation, cell block preparation, embedding, microtomy, slide preparation, routine and special stains, case organization in accordance with department procedures.
• Assures positive sample, block and slide identification.
• Prepares and maintains solutions for routine stains and histology procedures.
• Performs preventive maintenance on equipment and instrumentation per manufacturer and department procedures and per department schedule.
• Utilizes problem solving skills to ensure the accuracy of procedures performed and proper equipment performance.
• Troubleshoots and takes appropriate corrective action to resolve and/or escalate issues in a timely manner for resolution.
• Adheres to department policy with regards to performance and documentation of quality control and quality assurance for instrumentation, equipment and procedures performed.
• Identifies unacceptable results/outcomes, takes appropriate action and escalates to department leadership when unable to resolve and ensures that patient materials are not provided to a pathologist until the issue has been resolved.
• Actively participates in Continuous Quality Improvement and provides input into the design of workflows, systems and processes and the need for and selection of new methods and equipment.
• Supports the department in achieving goals for service, quality, regulatory compliance, financial performance, patient satisfaction, healthy work environment and integration of intra and inter-departmental activities.
• Acts as a resource to peers and customers and models teamwork.
• Assists in the orientation, training, and competency documentation of department personnel as requested.
• Participates in accreditation inspections.
• Performs duties of a Complex Specimen Processor as required.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's Degree in Histology, Medical Technology, Biomedical Science, Biology or Chemistry preferred.
• 1 year experience in a clinical laboratory setting preferred.
• General knowledge of histology methods and correlation to disease processes.
• Ability to follow directions and protocols for the proper fixation and routine staining of samples.
• Ability to consistently prepare and produce specimen sections with appropriate slide orientation, thickness, and stain quality for microscopic diagnosis by a pathologist.
• Demonstrates good technique in the cutting, embedding, orientation and staining of specimens.
• General knowledge of laboratory accreditation and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, teamwork and organizational skills and sets a positive example.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to assimilate and analyze information and recommend actions to be taken.
• Effective and proactive problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to view work situations from a broad context, understanding the interdependent nature of work processes, and considers the impact of decisions on other components of the organization.
• Is proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Word and Excel.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage with low copay options.
• Dental and vision benefits.
• Life and disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity).
• Auto and home insurance.
• Identity theft protection.
• Legal counseling.
• Long-term care coverage.
• Moving assistance.
• Pet insurance.
• Free counseling services for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing.
• 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock.
• Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
• Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more.
• Consumer discounts through Abenity.
• Retirement readiness and rollover assistance services.
• Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships).
• Colleague recognition program.
• Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence).
• Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.