Grossing Technologist
Job Code: LA3455
ABOUT US
We are welcoming a new era in healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper, we believe in caring for the whole person by getting to know – and making connections with – our patients. By combining the talent and expertise of our people, the breadth of capabilities across our system, and our commitment to helping our communities get better and stay healthy, we are improving the patient experience.
As a UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper team member, you will have a voice in patient care decisions, support the most advanced medical technologies and feel a strong sense of satisfaction from making a difference in people’s lives every day.
JOB TYPE
Classification: Nonexempt
Supervises Positions: No
JOB SUMMARY
Under the technical oversight of a pathologist, the Grossing Technologist assists in the preparation, gross description, examination and dissection of biopsy and various surgical specimens within their assigned competency level, including submission of tissue for histological analysis according to the guidelines. The Grossing Technologist reports directly to the Haymarket Laboratory Manager and indirectly reports to the Anatomic Pathology Medical Director.
The Grossing Technologist accurately describes gross anatomic features of Processing Specimens (as defined by CAP), sections the specimen according to specific protocols, and submits the entire specimen or appropriate sections for histologic preparation as designated by physician oversight. Responsibilities include summarizing and dictating patient’s medical history along with gross findings, assuring appropriate accessioning of surgical specimens, setting up and documenting digital photos of pertinent surgical specimens, performing frozen sections for pathologists’ interpretation, assisting staff with procuring, logging, and dissemination of tissue, participating in quality assurance and safety activities, and interdisciplinary meetings. The Grossing Technologist demonstrates the ability to accurately prioritize and triage specimens, handles and disposes of specimens and chemical waste based on the laboratory protocol, and ensures compliance with regulatory agencies.
The Grossing Technologist will support frozen section testing, fine needle aspirates, and bone marrow specimen collections.
This position’s primary location is Haymarket Medical Center, but will be required as needed to support pathology services at Prince William Medical Center, Monday through Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours as needed.
Patient Care: Shows a commitment to provide the highest level of patient care.
- Collects, labels, and prepares specimens for testing.
- Maintains required documentation for all lab procedures.
- Processes requisitions for testing.
- Prepares and distributes reports.
Safety: Adheres to all workplace and trade safety laws, regulations, standards, and practices.
- Performs quality control testing to assure accuracy of patient testing.
- Performs equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Practices safety policies to maintain a safe working environment.
- Performs all duties to satisfy regulations in preparation for inspections.
Teamwork: Cooperates within a team to achieve goals and deliverables.
- Provides information and consultation to requestors.
- Recognizes interdependencies with other areas and supports other staff as needed.
- Shares and initiates regular and professional communication with co-workers.
- Participates in regular staff meetings.
Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through training or extensive on-the-job experience to perform one's job.
- Performs competency and proficiency testing to assure maintenance of skills.
- Completes educational activities to continually improve skills and assists consultants.
- Participates in improvement of methods and processes.
The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or other biological science or higher - Required
Experience: 1-2 years of experience working in an anatomic pathology laboratory environment
Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.
Licensure: Certification as a Histology Technologist (HTL), Cytotechnologist, Pathologist Assistant or a minimum of 5 years of direct experience as a grossing technologist. HTL, CT, or PA
Additional Skills/Requirements Required
Knowledge of current medical terminology to perform full range of laboratory tasks. Knowledge of medical terminology to communicate with medical staff regarding laboratory procedures and results. Skill in anticipating and reacting calmly to emergency situations. Skill in developing and maintaining department quality assurance. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with patients, medical staff, hospital staff and the public. Ability to follow written protocols. Ability to work independently. Ability to communicate clearly.
Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demand Code: 17A, Medical Technician/Other Techs
Work Function/Activity: Medium to Heavy Physical Demand
The job requires constant sitting, standing, walking, and bending/stooping. Frequent repetitive body movements. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull up to 100 lbs. occasionally. For any weight over 35 lbs. use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Health Northern VA & Culpeper.
OTHER
- May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes
- On call responsibilities as directed: Yes
- Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes
