Benefits

• $10,000 Tuition Reimbursement per year ($5,700 part-time)
• $10,000 Student Loan Repayment ($5,000 part-time)
• $1,000 Professional Development per year ($500 part-time)
• $250 Wellbeing Fund per year($125 for part-time)
• Matching 401(k)
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Annual Employee Salary Increase and Incentive Bonus
• Paid time off and Holiday pay

Pay Starting at: $30.89+ per hour based on experience

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose-driven and committed to our mission to deliver world-class care. Here, you'll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you've been, and we support where you're headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

• Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well-Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being.
• Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce-led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Description

The Lead Cytotechnologist reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, 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.

Responsibilities:

1. Leadership Role
   1. Responsible for reporting of weekly and monthly case workload to assist leadership in review of budgeting and staffing to volume
   2. Responsible for reviewing time and attendance, verifying correct start and end times as well as eligibility for holiday, sick and vacation time
   3. Actively participates on both the laboratory and hospital committees as requested
   4. Takes a lead role in the development and implementation of new procedures, instrumentation, computer functionality etc.
   5. Sees that the technical requirements for regulatory agencies are met - CAP, CLIA, JCAHO.
   6. Trains new employees in the theoretical and operational aspects, procedures and evaluates their work.
   7. Assures monthly and quarterly preparation of Cytology laboratory reports, procedures, and quality controls are met.
   8. Assures complete documentation of employee training, annual competency, procedure manual reviews, QC logs etc.
   9. Oversees Cytology department proficiency testing for Technologists and Technicians.
   10. Assists in the annual evaluation of the technical performance of employees.
   11. As a technical specialist, serves as a technical resource and mentor to the staff.
   12. May be called upon to oversee the operations of the department in the absence of management personnel.
   13. Organizes and maintains updated technical resources for the department.
   14. Organizes and maintains daily workflow and departmental coverage of adequacy procedures throughout the hospital

1. Test Method Validation

1. 1. Assists Histology in the validation of Cytology test methods prior to reporting patient results
   2. Assists in the Cytology validation activities with members of the Histology leadership team.
   3. Assists in establishing analytical accuracy and precision for each assay.
   4. Assists in establishing the analytical sensitivity of each assay, as applicable.
   5. Assists in establishing analytical interferences for each test.
   6. Assures that a summary statement is signed by the Medical Director, which documents review of validation studies and approval of each test for clinical use.
   7. Responsible for a centralized archival of method validation and verification records as required by laboratory policy and accrediting agencies.
   8. Assures that method performance specifications and supporting validation data are available to laboratory clients and accreditation teams.
   9. Provides instruction and training of laboratory personnel on method validation as needed.

1. Proficiency Testing

1. 1. Coordinates the proficiency testing program for the Cytology laboratory.
   2. Assures that the laboratory participates in the appropriate required CAP Surveys or another proficiency testing (PT) program accepted by CAP for the patient testing performed.
      1. Creates and maintains a grid of all laboratory tests and corresponding proficiency challenges.
      2. For tests in which CAP does not require PT, assures the laboratory at least semi-annually: 1) participates in external PT, or 2) exercises an alternative performance assessment system for determining the reliability of analytic testing.
   3. Assures that the current College of American Pathologists Activity Menu accurately reflects the testing performed.
   4. Coordinates all phases of the proficiency testing program including ordering, distribution of samples and resulting within proper timelines.
   5. Assures all proficiency testing is performed in compliance with established laboratory policies.
   6. Assures all proficiency testing samples are integrated within the routine laboratory workload, and those samples are analyzed by personnel who routinely test patient samples, using the same primary method systems as for patient samples.
   7. Assures that a proficiency testing attestation statement is signed by the laboratory Medical Director or designee and the individual performing for each survey submitted to CAP.
   8. Establishes an ongoing evaluation of PT and alternative assessment results, with prompt investigation and documentation of corrective action taken for unacceptable results.
   9. Responsible for a centralized archival of proficiency testing records as required by laboratory policy and accrediting agencies.

1. Cytotechnologists Responsibilities
   1. Microscopic screening of FNA's/touch preps and non-gynecological specimens (body fluids)
   2. Determines adequacy and quality of samples submitted for evaluation
   3. Prepares report of each specimen, describing microscopic findings and conclusions in accepted terminology
   4. Responsible for marking all representative material of diagnosis on slides for pathologist review
   5. Accurately records workload information for quality assurance management

1. On-site adequacy service (FNA's, EUS FNA's, EBUS FNA's, Ion FNA's, Biopsy Touch Preps):
   1. Routinely stocks supply in all FNA service areas, including FNA carts and totes
   2. Assists at FNA/biopsy procedures by reviewing patient clinical history, completing patient history form, preparing and staining slides, and controlling ultrasound machine for FNA's performed by pathologist
   3. Assists pathologists with the assessment of adequacy and determination of preliminary diagnosis
   4. Provides staff with appropriate specimen triage and collection information, as needed

1. Cytology specimen preparation:
   1. Receives and accessions cytology specimens, verifying orders and patient information
   2. Processes non-gynecological specimens, selecting appropriate preparation techniques
   3. Stains and prepares slides for microscopic evaluation
   4. Troubleshoots specimen problems appropriately and in a time-efficient manner, including dealing with any add-on orders by physicians
   5. Prepares and performs rapid evaluation of Toluidine Blue slides on body fluids
   6. Prepares cell blocks from non-gynecological specimens
   7. Maintains/troubleshoots instruments and performs quality control procedures
   8. Regularly stocks cytology prep area, ordering appropriate supplies when necessary
   9. Files all cytology slides per established procedure

1. Participates in quality control practices and continuing education requirements:
   1. Participates in mandatory safety activities
   2. Utilizes safe practices per established laboratory procedures
   3. Participates in the cytotechnologist competency assessment plan, CAP continuing education survey program, and CLIA-mandated annual proficiency testing
   4. Participates in educational seminars and programs to maintain and advance technical knowledge
   5. Assists in the preparation of technical policies and quality control data reports
   6. Assists in cytology inspections based upon guidelines set forth by CAP, JCAHO, and other laboratory/accrediting agencies
   7. Participates in the orientation of fellow employees and students

1. Builds and develops respectful relationships with department customers as demonstrated by:
   1. Immediately acknowledges and greets customers
   2. Creates a positive first impression
   3. Seeks to understand customer's needs from the customer's point of view
   4. Responds to customer needs in a timely fashion
   5. Provides customers with information from start to finish
   6. Takes action to let customers know they are our top priority
   7. Demonstrates respect for different cultures, rituals and beliefs
   8. Respects confidentiality.

1. Builds and develops respectful relationships with co-workers and other departments as demonstrated by:
   1. Voluntarily pitches in and helps out others.
   2. Demonstrates appreciation of other's contributions
   3. Shares knowledge with others
   4. Welcomes new staff and helps them become part of the team
   5. Shares non-judgmental specific observations
   6. Ensures everyone involved has the appropriate information to best meet the customer's needs
   7. Demonstrates respect for different cultures, rituals and beliefs
   8. Respects confidentiality

1. Uses all available resources to resolve and prevent problems as demonstrated by:
   1. Follows through and follows up on problem resolution
   2. Involves all necessary parties in defining and solving problems
   3. Seeks the necessary resources when problems are outside realm of control
   4. Listens fully, then verbalizes an understanding of issues and problems from other's point of view.
   5. Manages personal emotional response to maintain professional demeanor and integrity.

1. Performs other duties related, but not limited, to the above.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's degree in medical technology, clinical laboratory science, or biology with a Cytotechnologist certification by American Society of Clinical Pathologists

Experience:

Preferred candidates will have 3 or more years of experience performing moderate and high complexity testing in a clinical laboratory setting. Proficiency Testing programs required with active participation in College of American Pathologist accreditation inspections preferred.

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer 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.