Pathology Attendant Laboratory Assistant

Job Summary

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of PHSA safety, including both patient and employee safety, is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA’s Agencies/Divisions/Services, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

Reporting to the Section Head, Anatomic Pathology, the Pathology Attendant/Laboratory Assistant assists the Pathologist with autopsies, maintains related records, performs laboratory procedures including maintaining, processing and staining equipment, disposing of chemicals and specimens, making laboratory preparations such as treating slides, and performing clerical and receptionist duties as required.

Duties/Accountabilities

• Maintains processing and staining equipment by performing duties such as changing solutions on tissue processors and stainers, preparing solutions, and recycling reagents. Performs cleaning duties such as cleaning and sterilizing glassware and equipment.
• Disposes of waste chemicals and surgical and autopsy wet tissues.
• Performs laboratory duties such as preparing and treating slides with adhesive agents, and preparing paraffin blocks for cutting.
• Files slides and tissue blocks.
• Picks up specimens from operating theatres and hospital units, and transports them to the laboratory.
• Performs clerical and receptionist duties, including answering the telephone, taking messages, and communicating laboratory results to appropriate staff. Prints, sorts, and distributes patient reports as required.
• Assists the Pathologist with autopsies by performing duties such as preparing cadavers, preparing equipment and supplies, and verifying cadaver identification. Dissects and eviscerates cadavers under the close supervision of the Pathologist, and assists with the procurement of pathology specimens. Numbers, labels, delivers, and stores specimens as directed, and maintains related records. Assists during autopsies by performing duties as directed by the Pathologist, such as weighing and washing organs and suctioning fluids with an aspirator. Replaces organs after autopsy, and sews up cadavers.
• Provides assistance to pathologists with fine needle aspirations.
• Maintains related records by performing duties such as recording morgue admissions, discharges, and autopsies, listing cadaver clothing and valuables, and recording identification when cadavers are released to funeral homes. Applies wristbands to cadavers that are DOA, and liaises with the Bed Utilization department to transfer paperwork and charts.
• Performs cleaning duties as required.
• Requests and maintains adequate supplies for the autopsy service. Receives and stores supplies in the morgue.
• Performs related clerical duties such as answering the telephone, taking messages, filing, and sending reports and records to appropriate departments and facilities.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

Grade 12, plus successful completion of a recognized Laboratory Assistant training program, plus completion of anatomy courses, plus one (1) year’s recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to deal with others effectively.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.
• Ability to organize work.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to type at 25 wpm.