Cytotechnologist

Under the administrative guidance of department leadership, the incumbent’s responsibilities include screening for evidence of cancer or other pathological conditions to include marking abnormalities, recording diagnoses, and submitting slides for pathologist review for both gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens. Renders a final diagnosis on all atypical gynecologic material and on all non-gynecologic material and records this information according to department policy. Submits all gynecologic slides with abnormal diagnoses to pathologist for final physician diagnosis. Maintains records of all work performed in the cytology laboratory. Incumbent remains abreast of changes in the profession or methodology and maintains a level of expertise through continuing education and successfully participates in yearly proficiency testing.  

The clinical laboratory is a 24-hour/7 days a week operation, providing laboratory services to an inpatient and outpatient population of all ages.

The incumbent will perform accurate microscopic screening and evaluation of gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens for the detection of cancer and other pathologic conditions. Correlates findings with patient clinical data according to established laboratory procedures. Accurately reports findings into the Laboratory Information System (LIS), bringing unexpected findings to the attention of the section supervisor and/or pathologist. Adheres to minimum productivity rates established per individual and completes Quality Assurance activities related to cytological screening.

Knowledge of proper collection techniques and can perform sample preparation for all gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens, including slide production and slide staining.

The incumbent will verify patient identification is correct on the slide, in the LIS and on the requisition and the demographic data is complete with age, LMP (for gynecologic specimens), clinical history, specimen type and site. Will assess the quality of specimen preparation, fixation and staining quality. Each specimen will also be assessed for their specimen adequacy. 

The incumbent will comply with all CLIA and CAP regulations, including but not limited to successfully passing annual CLIA-mandated proficiency testing for gynecologic cytology; documenting the slide interpretation results of each case examined or reviewed; recording total number of slides examined/reviewed within a 24 hour period; recording the number of slides examined/reviewed per hour within each 24 hour period.

Performs and appropriately documents quality control and quality assurance programs, instrument function checks and solves problems as indicated within the appropriate procedure/maintenance manuals. Assists in the collection and collation of data and statistical and productivity reports as needed. Requests assistance or/or makes section supervisor aware of problems when assistance is needed or non-routine measures are needed or outside service is required; documents corrective action.

The incumbent is responsible for identifying hazardous waste within the department and ensuring the proper storage and handling of such waste. In addition, the incumbent is responsible for working with the Manager of Environmental Services (or designee) to ensure that hazardous waste is disposed of in accordance with existing policies and laws.

Hospital, Laboratory and work specific competencies are demonstrated annually and completed within the established time frames.

Must be knowledgeable of, and observe all safety requirements in the laboratory and hospital. A comprehensive knowledge must be maintained in all procedures for which performance is required. Knowledge of the Hospital Information System to collect clinical and demographic information as required by policies and procedures. Maintains corporate compliance by observing and enforcing the related policies and procedures with emphasis on confidentiality.

This position does provide direct patient care.

The foregoing description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills and efforts or work conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the general nature and level of the job.

Name

Description

Education:

Baccalaureate degree (BA/BS) and graduation from an Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools accredited School of Cytotechnology or other organization approved by Health and Human Services. 

OR:

 Before September 1, 1992, have successfully completed 2 years in an accredited institution (12 credits in science, 8 of which are in biology) and have graduated from an accredited School of Cytotechnology.

OR: 

Certified in Cytotechnology by a certification agency approved by Health and Human Services (e.g. American Society of Clinical Pathology).

Must have working-level knowledge of the English language, including reading, writing and speaking English. 

Experience:

One year experience as a screening Cytotechnologist is preferred. 

Knowledge of Image Analysis screening preferred.

License(s):

Ability to obtain and maintain a State of Nevada Cytotechnology license within 6 month of hire. (Incumbent may work under a Provisional certification and can re-apply, but final licensure must be obtained within one (1) year of hire,) OR General Supervisor licensure with a specialty in Cytology

Certification(s):

National certification as CT (CYTOTECHNOLOGIST) (ASCP) is required within 6 months of hire.  

Computer / Typing:

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Word and have the ability to use the computer to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, complete online benefits enrollment, etc.