Histology Assistant

Tenet • Detroit, MI

18h • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision and following established procedures, performs duties necessary to assist the prosecutor with autopsies. Prepares instruments, sets up the morgue, handles specimens, prepares bodies for autopsies, and cleans/decontaminates the morgue autopsy suite consistent with hospital and regulatory policy requirements. Receives surgical tissue specimens and prepares autopsy tissue specimens for microscopic and pathological examination. May be crossed -trained to perform designated duties that benefit the Anatomic Pathology department including but not limited to; answering telephone, assisting with pathology material archival needs; assisting laboratories across campus with needs (gross room and/or morgue) and assisting Senior Laboratory Assistants and other AP staff members with certain duties. Assist pathologists in preparing bodies and organ specimens in a high quality environment during the autopsy process (before, during and after care), following all system and laboratory policies and procedures to ensure safety throughout. Maintain the morgue autopsy room, supplies and equipment Responsible for surgical instruments and lab supplies during autopsy and in gross rooms, ensuring all are in good working order and available as needed. Prepare body for autopsy, including lifting/moving entire body, organs, etc. Safely work with numerous high risk biologic and chemical hazards Responsible for cleaning morgue after autopsy, including all instruments and trays, replacing any dirty linens, washing tables, and ensuring the body is safely managed at all times. Assist with daily inventory of patients in morgue cooler, working as needed with hospital administration as to storage needs, security and any immediate needs (i.e., body is leaking fluids, unclaimed, lacking paperwork, etc). Follow all hospital and laboratory policies and procedures regarding security, safety, quality, documentation and privacy needs. Assist pathologist assistants with needs in gross room, including but not limited to\: ordering supplies, putting away supplies, cleaning, disposing of waste and managing day to day needs. Provides a daily audit of morgue cooler inventory to administration.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to operate automated, non-automated, and computerized laboratory instruments and equipment
• Excellent hand-eye coordination - possess manual dexterity and fine motor skills to accurately judge depth and distance; manipulate, adjust and control small objects with coordination such as tissues, forceps, inking, etc
• Vision - possess visual acuity with the ability to discriminate color, details and structures of tissue samples while dictating; ability to clearly read letters and numbers on computer screen, requisition, specimen vial and cassette
• Health - possess the physical, mental and emotional health to work an eight hour day; to be flexible to reach and bend; able to stand for long periods of time; able to concentrate and pay close attention to detail while performing job responsibilities in multitask environment; have mobility to move freely around the laboratory; and lift 20 pounds
• Affective attributes - possess the willingness and ability to be flexible and adaptable to change; be tolerant, ethical, and responsible in all actions; ability to trouble shoot and determine appropriate course of action; prioritize tasks; willingness and ability to perform autopsies at other DMC sites as needed; and perform under stressful conditions
• Hazards - possess the willingness and ability to work with sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, infectious/biohazardous materials, and repetitive tasks
• Communication - possess the willingness and ability to follow verbal and written instructions; and effectively and positively interact and communicate with all patients, staff, doctors, administrators and coworkers

Nice To Haves

• 6 months experience in preparing and/or eviscerating bodies for subsequent autopsies is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assists prosecutor with autopsies
• Prepares instruments
• Sets up the morgue
• Handles specimens
• Prepares bodies for autopsies
• Cleans/decontaminates the morgue autopsy suite
• Receives surgical tissue specimens
• Prepares autopsy tissue specimens for microscopic and pathological examination
• Maintains the morgue autopsy room, supplies and equipment
• Responsible for surgical instruments and lab supplies during autopsy and in gross rooms
• Prepares body for autopsy, including lifting/moving entire body, organs, etc
• Safely work with numerous high risk biologic and chemical hazards
• Responsible for cleaning morgue after autopsy
• Assists with daily inventory of patients in morgue cooler
• Follows all hospital and laboratory policies and procedures regarding security, safety, quality, documentation and privacy needs
• Assists pathologist assistants with needs in gross room
• Provides a daily audit of morgue cooler inventory to administration

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match
• Generous paid time off (PTO)
• Career development and continuing education opportunities
• Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, auto & home insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED