Date: August 2009 Job Title : Pathologist Assistant Department : Surgical Pathology Unit Location : North Shore Hospital Reporting To : Anatomic Pathologists Direct Reports : Clinical Director Functional Relationships with : Internal Team Leader, Anatomic Pathology Anatomic Pathology Technical Staff Secretaries External Clincians All Ward Nurses and Outpatients Clinics General Laboratory Purpose : Assisting the Pathologists in the preparation and performance of surgical specimen dissection by ensuring appropriate specimen accessioning, obtaining pertinent clinical information and studies, describing gross anatomic features, dissecting surgical specimens, preparing and submitting tissue for histologic processing, obtaining and submitting specimens for additional analytic procedures (immunostaining, flow cytometry, image analysis, bacterial and viral cultures, toxicology, etc), and assisting in photographing gross and microscopic specimens. 1. Identifying, sorting and registering patient specimens (in absence of lab assistant/office staff 2. Selecting and cutting tissue samples for histologic analysis, in close consultation with pathologist, and in accordance with the Surgical Pathology Unit Cut-Up Manual 3. Triage specimen received from surgery; dictate gross findings on selected specimen using appropriate medical terminology. Refer tissue sections to pathologists as necessary. Accurate identification and subsequent accurate labeling of specimens and tissue cassettes Accurate descriptions including measurements, identification of all relevant findings. Associate gross findings with clinical information. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT Page 1
4. Work independently when performing professional duties associated with the preparation, performance, and examination and/or preparations of the surgical pathology specimens, with general supervision of PA supervisor and pathologist. 5. Perform specialized procedures such as frozen sections and decalcification; maintain and coordinate specimen and records for specialized procedures using appropriate protocols; submit request for special histologic procedures and special stains when appropriate. 6. The P.A. will aid in the selection, handling and or collecting of tissue for special procedures such as flow cytometry, oestrogen and progesterone receptor analysis, and other procedures which need prompt selection of fresh tissues 7. Handling/collecting biological specimens such as blood, tissue, bone marrow toxicological material and fine needle aspirates for studies such as flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, image analysis and immunohistochemistry 8. Incumbents must remain abreast of technologies related to this field. This is accomplished through literature review, professional meetings/seminars, and participation in continuing education courses 9. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein 10. Maintaining instruments and equipment, and contributing to safe working environment 11. Photograph specimens as appropriate for use in instruction and documentation. Maintain complete and accurate filing of photos. Liaise with medical photographer 12. Maintain storage, filing and disposal of specimens 13. Release of tissue to patients in liaison with Quality & Risk Facilitator of NSH as well as the Duty Nurse Managers 14. Telephone enquiries regarding tissue samples 15. Faxing reports as required (in absence of office staff) Continuing medical education Clean and orderly cut-up area; instruments and equipment in good working order. Safe working environment Ensure macroscopic photographs can be easily retrieved for conferences and documentation. Maintain a clean, efficient and readily retrievable system according to documentation Tissue returned to patients without any complaints Accurate information given Reports faxed when requested promptly Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT Page 2
16. Ensure adequate stores for cut-up area Efficient functioning of cut-up area 17. Other Perform and complete within required timeframe other tasks as assigned by the Unit Manager/Laboratory Team Leader/Clinical Director To recognise Individual Responsibility for Workplace Health and Safety under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 Company health and safety policies are read and understood and relevant procedures applied to their own work activities Workplace hazards are identified and reported, including self management of hazards where appropriate Can identify health and safety representative for area Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT Page 3
Behavioural Competencies Adheres to Waitemata District Health Boards 5 organisational Values of: Respect Integrity Compassion Openness Customer Focus Behavioural Competencies Behaviour Demonstrated Communicates and Works Actively looks for ways to collaborate with and assist others to Co-operatively improve the experience of the healthcare workforce, patients & their families and the community & Iwi. Is Committed to Learning Proactively follows up development needs and learning opportunities for oneself and direct reports. Is Transparent Communicates openly and engages widely across the organisation. Enacts agreed decisions with integrity. Is Customer Focused Responds to peoples needs appropriately and with effective results Identifies opportunities for innovation and improvement Works in Partnership to Reduce Inequality in Outcomes Works in a way that: Demonstrates awareness of partnership obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. Shows sensitivity to cultural complexity in the workforce and patient population. Ensures service provision that does not vary because of peoples personal characteristics. Improves health Work practices show a concern for the promotion of health and well-being for self and others. Prevents Harm Follows policies and guidelines designed to prevent harm. Acts to ensure the safety of themselves and others. Note: This job description forms part of an individual s contract of employment with WDHB and must be attached to that contract. Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT Page 4
PERSON SPECIFICATION POSITION TITLE: Minimum Preferred Qualification Bachelor of Science Overseas medical qualification Experience Previous related experience in a laboratory Previous related experience including surgical pathology, gross dissection on surgical specimens, frozen sections Skills/Knowledge/Behaviour Some knowledge in anatomy, physiology, pathology and histopathology Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently Thorough knowledge in anatomy, pathophysiology, dissection technique, equipment and methodologies Strong analytical skills Waitemata District Health Board -JOB DESCRIPTION - PATHOLOGIST ASSISTANT Page 5