Lead Cytotechnologist Laboratory Full-Time Days

Job Description
The Lead Cytotechnologist 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.
Responsibilities:
Leadership RoleResponsible for reporting of weekly and monthly case workload to assist leadership in review of budgeting and staffing to volume
Responsible for reviewing time and attendance, verifying correct start and end times as well as eligibility for vacation, sick and vacation time
Actively participates on both the laboratory and hospital committees as requested
Takes a lead role in the development and implementation of new procedures, instrumentation, computer functionality etc.
Sees that the technical requirements for regulatory agencies are met – CAP, CLIA, JCAHO.
Trains new employees in the theoretical and operational aspects, procedures and evaluates their work.
Assures monthly and quarterly preparation of Cytology laboratory reports, procedures, and quality controls are met.
Assures complete documentation of employee training, annual competency, procedure manual reviews, QC logs etc.
Oversees Cytology department proficiency testing for Technologists and Technicians.
Assists in the annual evaluation of the technical performance of employees.
As a technical specialist, serves as a technical resource and mentor to the staff.
May be called upon to oversee the operations of the department in the absence of management personnel.
Organizes and maintains updated technical resources for the department.
Organizes and maintains daily workflow and departmental coverage of adequacy procedures throughout the hospital
Test Method Validation
Assists Histology in the validation of Cytology test methods prior to reporting patient results
Assists in the Cytology validation activities with members of the Histology leadership team.
Assists in establishing analytical accuracy and precision for each assay.
Assists in establishing the analytical sensitivity of each assay, as applicable.
Assists in establishing analytical interferences for each test.
Assures that a summary statement is signed by the Medical Director, which documents review of validation studies and approval of each test for clinical use.
Responsible for a centralized archival of method validation and verification records as required by laboratory policy and accrediting agencies.
Assures that method performance specifications and supporting validation data are available to laboratory clients and accreditation teams.
Provides instruction and training of laboratory personnel on method validation as needed.
Proficiency Testing
Coordinates the proficiency testing program for the Cytology laboratory.
Assures that the laboratory participates in the appropriate required CAP Surveys or another proficiency testing (PT) program accepted by CAP for the patient testing performed.Creates and maintains a grid of all laboratory tests and corresponding proficiency challenges.
For tests in which CAP does not require PT, assures the laboratory at least semi-annually:
1) participates in external PT, or 2) exercises an alternative performance assessment system for determining the reliability of analytic testing.
Assures that the current College of American Pathologists Activity Menu accurately reflects the testing performed.
Coordinates all phases of the proficiency testing program including ordering, distribution of samples and resulting within proper timelines.
Assures all proficiency testing is performed in compliance with established laboratory policies.
Assures all proficiency testing samples are integrated within the routine laboratory workload, and those samples are analyzed by personnel who routinely test patient samples, using the same primary method systems as for patient samples.
Assures that a proficiency testing attestation statement is signed by the laboratory Medical Director or designee and the individual performing for each survey submitted to CAP.
Establishes an ongoing evaluation of PT and alternative assessment results, with prompt investigation and documentation of corrective action taken for unacceptable results.
Responsible for a centralized archival of proficiency testing records as required by laboratory policy and accrediting agencies.
Cytotechnologists ResponsibilitiesMicroscopic screening of FNA’s/touch preps and non-gynecological specimens (body fluids)
Determines adequacy and quality of samples submitted for evaluation
Prepares report of each specimen, describing microscopic findings and conclusions in accepted terminology
Responsible for marking all representative material of diagnosis on slides for pathologist review
Accurately records workload information for quality assurance management
On-site adequacy service (FNA’s, EUS FNA’s, EBUS FNA’s, Ion FNA’s, Biopsy Touch Preps):
Routinely stocks supply in all FNA service areas, including FNA carts and totes
Assists at FNA/biopsy procedures by reviewing patient clinical history, completing patient history form, preparing and staining slides, and controlling ultrasound machine for FNA’s performed by pathologist
Assists pathologists with the assessment of adequacy and determination of preliminary diagnosis
Provides staff with appropriate specimen triage and collection information, as needed
Cytology specimen preparation:
Receives and accessions cytology specimens, verifying orders and patient information
Processes non-gynecological specimens, selecting appropriate preparation techniques
Stains and prepares slides for microscopic evaluation
Troubleshoots specimen problems appropriately and in a time-efficient manner, including dealing with any add-on orders by physicians
Prepares and performs rapid evaluation of Toluidine Blue slides on body fluids
Prepares cell blocks from non-gynecological specimens
Maintains/troubleshoots instruments and performs quality control procedures
Regularly stocks cytology prep area, ordering appropriate supplies when necessary
Files all cytology slides per established procedure
Participates in quality control practices and continuing education requirements:
Participates in mandatory safety activities
Utilizes safe practices per established laboratory procedures
Participates in the cytotechnologist competency assessment plan, CAP continuing education survey program, and CLIA-mandated annual proficiency testing
Participates in educational seminars and programs to maintain and advance technical knowledge
Assists in the preparation of technical policies and quality control data reports
Assists in cytology inspections based upon guidelines set forth by CAP, JCAHO, and other laboratory/accrediting agencies
Participates in the orientation of fellow employees and students
Builds and develops respectful relationships with department customers as demonstrated by:
Immediately acknowledges and greets customers
Creates a positive first impression
Seeks to understand customer's needs from the customer's point of view
Responds to customer needs in a timely fashion
Provides customers with information from start to finish
Takes action to let customers know they are our top priority
Demonstrates respect for different cultures, rituals and beliefs
Respects confidentiality.
Builds and develops respectful relationships with co-workers and other departments as demonstrated by:
Voluntarily pitches in and helps out others.
Demonstrates appreciation of other's contributions
Shares knowledge with others
Welcomes new staff and helps them become part of the team
Shares non-judgmental specific observations
Ensures everyone involved has the appropriate information to best meet the customer's needs
Demonstrates respect for different cultures, rituals and beliefs
Respects confidentiality
Uses all available resources to resolve and prevent problems as demonstrated by:
Follows through and follows up on problem resolution
Involves all necessary parties in defining and solving problems
Seeks the necessary resources when problems are outside realm of control
Listens fully, then verbalizes an understanding of issues and problems from other's point of view.
Manages personal emotional response to maintain professional demeanor and integrity.
Performs other duties related, but not limited, to the above.