Lead Histotechnician Full Time

The Lead Histotechnician position reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Histology lead tech is responsible for prompt, efficient, and accurate performance of the testing services. Under the direction of the Histology Technical Supervisor, the Lead Histotechnician is responsible for assuring that the services provided in the department section meet customer and CDH expectations, CDH/lab policies, and regulatory requirements.

The Lead Histotechnician is expected to be proficient in all assigned services and spending time in performing those services. This position assists in the design, evaluation, and implementation of new methods.  The lead tech is expected to be a working member of the team, proficient in all areas of responsibility and spending time on the bench.  The lead tech will supervise the section in the absence of the technical supervisor.

Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates our NM values of Patients First, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence.
• Presents a friendly, approachable, professional demeanor and appearance.
• Provides accurate information and timely updates to patients and customers.  Addresses questions and concerns promptly, or identifies appropriate person and resources to do so.  Provides direction or help to patients and customers with finding their way.
• Uses effective service recovery skills to solve problems or service breakdowns when they occur.
• Demonstrates teamwork by helping co-workers within and across departments.  Communicates effectively with others, respects diverse opinions and styles, and acknowledges the assistance and contribution of others.
• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Understands the operation and maintenance of equipment pertinent to job.
• Performs all aspects of daily work in a manner that contributes to and ensure an environment of patient safety.
• Prioritizes work correctly and is able to multi-task.
• Oversees directly and indirectly all work performed in the section.  Reports any issues to the technical supervisor.
• Maintains personal competency for all services under lead tech’s accountability, and performs services when workload and staffing dictates.
• Participates in organizational and departmental performance improvement activities.
• Communicates verbally in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrates flexibility and dependability related to scheduling and completing workload.
• Recommends improvements in lab services and implements changes in concert with responsible technical supervisor.
• Develops and maintains good working relationship with pathology staff and laboratory staff to assure effective coordination and implementation of lab services.
• Serves as a resource person to others inside and outside the section.  Ensure the workflow is coordinated and prioritized.
• Meets current standards and policies for documentation.  Provides documentation that is timely, accurate, up to date, complete and legible.
• Provides accurate computer and non-computer entries and documentation.
• Reviews QC/QA records to assure completeness and to identify areas of concern.  Report finding to supervisor.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement Initiatives as requested, submits triennial internal assessments for section.
• Demonstrates the values of team concept on a consistent basis.  Interacts with all team members in a professional manner.
• Initiates the meeting of responsibilities without prompting.
• Informs supervisor of any site related issues such as workload increase/decrease, change in test requests, personnel concerns, etc.
• Submits suggestions to improve the laboratory’s efficiency to appropriate individuals.
• Creates a positive learning environment when instructing new employees, presents information clearly, concisely and at an appropriate pace.
• Assists the technical supervisor in the training of new employees.  Works with the supervisor to train all employees on new equipment, methods, etc.
•   Investigates NETS report and other lab related issues.
•   Understanding of laboratory specimens and the HIS/LIS computer systems.
•   Maintain organization of work while multi-tasking. Attention to detail is critical. Must be able to follow instructions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required:

• At least 3 years’ experience as a histotechnician in a TJC or CAP accredited laboratory.
• Associates Degree Requirement:
  • Upon hire must provide hard copy of diploma and/or transcripts of Associate’s degree in Medical Technologist, Medical Lab Tech, Clinical Lab Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam. Must provide proof of Education as stated in the CLIA guidelines.
• Certification Requirement:
  • Must obtain Histotechnician HT(ASCP) or equivalent certification within 1 year of hire date.
  • Individual must meet requirements for performing high complexity testing as defined by federal licensing guidelines (CLIA) and accreditation agencies (TJC,CAP).

Preferred:

• 5 years’ of clinical lab experience in a TJC or CAP accredited laboratory

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.