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Department

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, the incumbent performs high complexity cytology procedures. The cytotechnologist is specially trained and certified to examine cellular samples under a microscope, evaluating the slides for specific abnormalities in the cell's shape, color, or size which could signal a cancerous process or other disease. When abnormal cells are detected, the cytotechnologist works closely with the pathologist to arrive at a final diagnosis. The cytotechnologist's responsibilities can also extend beyond the realm of detection of cellular abnormalities and malignancies. Responsibilities can include research activities, consumer and patient education, and teaching.

The cytotechnologist works with numerous laboratory specimen preparations and possesses a knowledge of laboratory procedures and technologies such as specimen processing for gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology, cellular image analysis, flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, and molecular diagnostic procedures.

Handles day to day bench related problems with little supervision, provides training and mentoring, and is the liaison for the department when the Anatomic Pathology Manager is not available. Maintains all quality control and maintenance records required in the laboratory, resolves problems with test analysis and consults with the supervisors, Director of Laboratory Administration, or the Director of Services when appropriate and according to established protocol.

Essential Functions:

• Accessions, screens, and interprets Gynecologic and Non-Gynecologic slides with more than 98% accuracy, annually. (15%)
• Completes and correctly signs-out cases not required by CLIA '88 to be referred to the pathologist. (15%)
• Enters results into the Hospital Information System (HIS) with 99.5% technical accuracy. (10%)
• Prepares and stains all specimen types (gyn, medical cytology, fna) for cytologic examination. (10%)
• Provides skillful technical assistance with Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) procedures, including slide preparation, staining, and microscopic determination of specimen adequacy in a friendly and supportive manner. (10%)
• Records daily the number of hours spent screening and the number of slides screened on department approved spreadsheets, including time spent screening (to include the number of slides at any other laboratory). (10%)
• Performs activities defined by the cytopathology laboratory's QC/QA program, cyto-surgical correlations, preventative maintenance and evaluation of computer-generated data in a manner sufficient to monitor quality control programs and insure proper laboratory operation. (10%)
• Ensures proper labeling, handling, preservation, processing, preparation, transportation, and storage of specimens. (10%)
• Acts as a resource, gives direction and guidance to technical and support personnel. (10%)
• Triages and executes daily work to ensure consistent turnaround times. (0%)
• Trains for new technology or new testing as new technology or testing is released. (0%)
• Assists with writing policies and procedures as delegated. (0%)
• Participates in huddles or meetings and communicate quality activities inside and outside of the laboratory when needed. (0%)
• Assists in compliance with regulatory and accrediting agencies. (0%)
• Follows and ensures safety, life safety, and infection control procedures for self, patients, and others. (0%)
• Assists supervisor in developing departmental cohesion. (0%)

Education:

• Post High School Diploma or Certificate Program Successful completion of an accredited four year school of Cytotechnology, required or
• Bachelor's Degree with a one year Cytotechnology internship at an accredited hospital, required

Work Experience:

• 1-3 years Of professional experience at an accredited hospital as a Cytotechnologist, preferred.

Licenses:

• CTASCP-Cytotechnologist - ASCP - American Society for Clinical Pathology, required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be proficient and efficient when screening, diagnosing, and releasing results for Cytology.
• Familiar with regulatory compliance in QC and competency requirements.
• Ability to mentor and teach technical staff.
• Good communication and customer relation skills to ensure patient safety and quality processes in the laboratory.
• Ability to perpetuate teamwork.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work within the department.
• Experience with Hospital Information System, Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to troubleshoot testing, equipment, and quality issues relative to testing in the area of oversight.

Shift

Work Type

Salary

Benefits

• Competitive pay

• Outstanding benefits

• Education opportunities

• Shared leadership and advancement opportunity

• State-of-the-art facilities

• Immediate retirement plan matching

• Professional clinical advancement program

• Participation in evidence-based projects

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer

• National Health Service Corps (NHCS) and Colorado Health Service Corps (CHSC) eligible employer

Our Values

• Respect

• Belonging

• Accountability

• Transparency

All job applicants for safety-sensitive positions must pass a pre-employment drug test, once a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Denver Health is an integrated, high-quality academic health care system considered a model for the nation that includes a Level I Trauma Center, a 555-bed acute care medical center, Denver's 911 emergency medical response system, 10 family health centers, 19 school-based health centers, Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, a Public Health Institute, an HMO and The Denver Health Foundation.

As Colorado's primary, and essential, safety-net institution, Denver Health is a mission-driven organization that has provided billions in uncompensated care for the uninsured. Denver Health is viewed as an Anchor Institution for the community, focusing on hiring and purchasing locally as applicable, serving as a pillar for community needs, and caring for more than 185,000 individuals and 67,000 children a year.

Located near downtown Denver, Denver Health is just minutes away from many of the cultural and recreational activities Denver has to offer.

We strongly support diversity in the workforce and Denver Health is an equal opportunity employer (EOE).

Denver Health values the unique ideas, talents and contributions reflective of the needs of our community. For more about our commitment to diversity visit: https://www.denverhealth.org/for-professionals/careers/diversity-and-inclusion