Cytotechnologist

Join the Cleveland Clinic team, where you will work alongside passionate caregivers and provide patient-first healthcare. Cleveland Clinic is recognized as one of the top hospitals in the nation. At Cleveland Clinic, you will receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.

A Cytotechnologist at our Mercy Hospital performs clinical diagnostic studies and evaluations of cellular material from all body sites. Cytotechnologists are vital to the operations of the Cytology department and work directly with the Pathologist.

Our ideal future caregiver is someone who:
•Can adapt to change.
•Has attention to detail,
•Shows integrity.
•Has excellent communication skills.
•Has experience working as a Cytotechnologist.
•Would like to work PRN.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking to grow within their career. Caregivers in this department can work one on one with Pathologists.

At Cleveland Clinic, we know what matters most. That's why we treat our caregivers as if they are our own family, and we are always creating ways to be there for you. Here, you'll find that we offer: resources to learn and grow, a fulfilling career for everyone, and comprehensive benefits that invest in your health, your physical and mental well-being and your future. When you join Cleveland Clinic, you'll be part of a supportive caregiver family that will be united in shared values and purpose to fulfill our promise of being the best place to receive care and the best place to work in healthcare.

Responsibilities:

• Performs routine screening of GYN and non-GYN specimens, i.e. high complexity testing, in a compliant manner.
• Reports results and documents daily workload records.
• Processes specimens for analysis according to specifications and the type of specimen.
• Responsible for documenting slide interpretation results of each gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology case examined or reviewed
• Responsible for documenting the total number of slides examined or reviewed in the laboratory as well as the total number of slides examined or reviewed in any other laboratory or for any other employer for each 24-hour period,
• Responsible for documenting the number of hours spent examining slides in each 24-hour period.

• Follows the laboratory's procedures for specimen handling and processing, test analyses, reporting and maintaining records of patient test results.
• Performs laboratory testing in a compliant manner.
• Maintains regulatory knowledge and awareness as it pertains to specific job duties.
• Adheres to the laboratory's quality control policies, document all quality control activities, instrument and procedural calibrations and maintenance performed.
• Assumes responsibility for and takes action regarding any quality control or quality assurance issues as it pertains to specific job duties.
• Maintains instruments and equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
• Assumes responsibility for good documentation practices and maintains clear and legible records.
• Performs proficiency testing in compliance with Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) regulations i.e. analyze proficiency survey sample in the same manner as a patient specimens, no communication with other CLIA laboratories, complete record retention and accurate documentation and result reporting.
• Assumes responsibility for participation in continuing education, professional development and required annual competency assessment.
• Follows the laboratory's established policies and procedures whenever test systems are not within the laboratory's established acceptable levels of performance.
• Identifies problems that may adversely affect test performance or reporting of test results and either must correct the problems or immediately notify the General Supervisor, Technical Supervisor, Clinical Consultant, or Laboratory Director.
• Exercises good judgment, analytical and problem solving/troubleshooting skills. Recommends solutions and improvements
• Documents all corrective actions taken when test systems deviate from the laboratory's established performance specifications.
• May function in an educator and provides instruction and training in theory, technical skills, safety protocols, and the application of laboratory test protocols to students, employees, residents, etc.
• Assists in the collection and processing of fine needle aspiration specimens.
• Assumes responsibility for participation in continuing education, professional development and required annual competency assessment.
• Other duties as assigned

Education:

Pattern I:

• Bachelor's degree in a chemical, physical, biological or clinical laboratory science or cytotechnology from a four-year college or university.

AND

• Graduate from a school of cytotechnology accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or other organization approved by HHS

OR

• Certified in cytotechnology by a certifying agency approved by HHS; or

Pattern II:

• Meets the CLIA qualifications for cytotechnologist grandfathering clauses. See Code of Federal Regulations, Title 42, §493.1483(b)(3), §493.1483(b)(4), or §493.1483(b)(5); Cytotechnologist Qualifications.
• Diploma and/or transcripts must be provided.
• Education will be verified.
• Education outside of the United States requires diploma/transcripts translated into English and proof of foreign equivalency from by an HHS approved agency or nationally recognized organization such as NACES (National Association Credential Evaluation Services, Inc) or AICE (Association of International Credential Evaluators, Inc).

Pattern III

• Master’s degree from school of cytotechnology accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or other organization approved by HHS

AND:

• Board eligible or less than three years laboratory training or experience as a cytotechnologist in a high complexity laboratory.

Certifications:

• Cytotechnologist (CT) by American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) required.

Complexity of Work:

• Requires critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work unsupervised or with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.

Work Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, pathology, and medical terminology to be able to render a final diagnosis for gynecologic slides requiring independent medical judgment and initially evaluate non-gynecologic slides prior to pathologist final diagnosis.
• If the required clinical laboratory training and experience occurred at an outside facility, a signed, official letter from the facility or organization is required which details the dates and laboratory discipline experience and training.

Physical Requirements:

• Requires manual dexterity and visual acuity required when handling gross specimens and utilizing instrumentation, ability to safely handle potentially infectious patient specimens, carcinogenic substances, odorous and other hazardous materials to which they may be regularly exposed.
• Visual acuity to study specimens under a microscope.
• The ability to distinguish colors.
• Typical physical demands include ability to sit or stand extensively and frequent walking, occasional lifting or carrying of 5 to 40 pounds.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.