Position Summary:
In this position you will work in the Pathology and Laboratory medicine Service at the Malcolm Randall VAMC from the NF/SG Veterans Health System performing highly complex laboratory diagnostic testing. Cytotechnologists are solely responsible for reporting microscopic interpretation of specimens from the body sites; and collaborating with pathologists to diagnose benign and infectious processes, precancerous lesions, and malignant diseases.
Required Education & Experience:
- United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
- Skill in researching, testing, validating, and implementing new procedures and equipment.
- Knowledge of pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes to establish and monitor the overall laboratory quality management and quality control program, and initiate corrective action as needed.
- Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification.
- Education. Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program.
- Ability to independently determine specimen adequacy using complex specialized testing methods or techniques during Endoscopic Ultrasound, Endobronchial Ultrasound, and other Fine Needle Aspiration procedures.
- English Language Proficiency. Cytotechnologists must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C.
- Ability to convey knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines such as CAP, JC, and OSHA, and to ensure staff compliance with safety requirements, including continuing education and employee orientation.
- Skill in collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for quality assurance, statistics, trends and reports, and implementing quality improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Communicates effectively and courteously while working as a healthcare team member.
- Gives direction and guidance using underlying principles of laboratory testing.
- Incorporates principles of educational methodology in the instruction and training of new employees and students in the laboratory’s in-service/continuing education program.
- Performs and documents quality control and assurance activities and corrective actions related to test performance using statistical principles and theories of performance improvement.-Identifies discrepancies, solves problems, and presents solutions.
- Prepares and evaluates all Non-GYN specimens received at the Malcolm Randall VAMC from the NF/SG Veterans Health System prior to evaluation by the Pathologist.
- Evaluates and implements new techniques, equipment and procedures. Interprets findings and makes recommendations.
- Provides excellent service as defined by the customer (healthcare providers, patients, and others).
- Maintains department in readiness for inspection by CAP or other accrediting agencies.
- Evaluates and solves problems related to collection and processing of all cytology specimens.
- Provides immediate assessment of fine needle aspirates performed at the Malcolm Randall VAMC.
- Adheres to practices and regulations governing biosafety and biosecurity in the workplace.
- Responsible for entering cytology result in the computer system.
- Maintains and documents the optimal functioning of laboratory equipment, identifies malfunctions, troubleshoots and performs preventative maintenance of equipment.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Prepares and evaluates all pap smears received at the Malcolm Randall VAMC from the NF/SG Veterans Health System.
- Organizes work and sets priorities to meet deadlines.
- Answers inquiries regarding specimen collection requirements, results and problems.