Cytotechnologist
What you'd do
This position is located in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service within the Veterans Healthcare System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, AR.
Major duties
The duties and responsibilities of the Cytotechnologist- are included but are not limited to the following: Patient Slide Review and Result Reporting Duties (25%) Performs highly specialized work with the responsibility for distinguishing various benign conditions from dysplasia/neoplasia and identifying a variety of infectious agents. Examines a variety of specimens for cytological examination to include but are not limited to respiratory tract material, gastrointestinal material, urological material, body fluids, gynecologic smears, cerebrospinal fluid, and fine needle aspirations of various organs and body sites. Examines and evaluates cell samples for the presence or absence of normal/abnormal, patterns, presence of microorganisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, premalignant changes, neoplasms, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Performs microscopic examination for abnormal cells or any objects of diagnostic significance and marks these cells or objects for review. Classifies any abnormalities according to established procedures and writes a screening cytology report to be given bthe responsible pathologist. Signs out Gynecological cases without pathologist review per VHA Handbook. Statistical, Training, and Educational Duties (30%) Maintains continuing education requirements and keeps abreast of the latest developments in the field of cytotechnology/cytology by reviewing current publications. Maintains current CAP certification requirements by successfully completing the CAP PAP Examination annually. Order supplies and maintain adequate inventory for uninterrupted service in the Cytology area. Develops and tests quality control methods using statistical data where indicated. Advises providers, ward and clinic personnel on proper specimen collection techniques. Communicates with providers, ward and clinic personnel when specimens are improperly submitted. Maintains cytology slide files and handles slide request in-house and from outside facilities according to established procedures. Prepares and maintains the cytology chemical inventory and reports them to the P&LMS Safety Officer. Specimen Preparation and Staining (25%) Selects, performs, evaluates, and monitors the performance of the full range of nonroutine and specialized procedures/techniques using manual and/or instrumental techniques in accordance with established protocols. Recognizes and reacts to indicators of malfunction; locates and implements corrections. Makes professional decisions on the appropriate method of collection and handling of specimens including selecting the appropriate portion of the specimen for processing and the type of preparation method to be used. Resolves discrepancies and calls wards/clinics/providers as needed. Reviews information provided on the requisition sheet and specimen container and determines if additional data is required prior to logging the specimen into the VISTA computer system. Prepare and analyze samples, such as Papanicolaou (PAP) smear body fluids and fine needle aspirations (FNAs), to detect abnormal conditions. Performs the duties of cytology specimen preparation and staining. Cleans and disinfects cytology areas and equipment. Assists the clinician at bedside with the preparation of fine needle biopsy slides to determine immediate evaluation for adequacy. Carefully monitors the processing and quality of all preparations. Conducts quality control checks on stains and reagents, making changes when necessary. Adjusts, maintains, or repairs all cytology equipment. Determines need for repair or replacement of equipment. Verifies proper instrument operation using established procedures and quality control checks as necessary. Identifies the cause of common problems and makes simple repairs. Disposes of biohazard material and biological specimens after determining proper disposal protocol. Prepares fixatives, reagents, etc., as needed for specimen handling and cytology preparatory work. Gross Tissue Exam Duties (20%) Performs histopathology duties to include accessioning in specimens, filing slides or general assistance when necessary. Report tissue description in the patient medical record. Maintain effective laboratory operations by adhering to standards of specimen collection, preparation, or laboratory safety. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Cytotechnologist works on a regular basis through the appropriate clinical area(s). Also works off-hour shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed. Subject to change based on needs of the facility Telework: not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 01684-F and 01685-F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): not authorized
What you need to qualify
Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Education Individuals must have successfully completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college/university and successfully completed a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs accredited cytotechnology program. Foreign Graduates. To be creditable, education completed outside the U.S. must have been submitted to a private organization approved by the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education must have been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. programs. Certification: Candidates must currently possess the Cytotechnologist (CT) (ASCP) or Specialist in Cytotechnology (SCT) (ASCP) certification given by the ASCP Board of Certification. Grade Determinations: Cytotechnologist, GS-7: none beyond the basic requirements Cytotechnologist, GS-9: Experience. The candidate must have one year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey level (GS-7) that is directly related to the position to be filled. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs : Ability to review clinical data of patients and evaluates all cytology preparations by light microscopy for the presence or absence of cellular patterns, presence of micro-organisms, inflammatory reactions, endocrinopathies, benign changes, pre-malignant changes, neoplasia, and cellular responses to therapeutic agents. Ability to make a preliminary cytodiagnosis to issue and verify the final diagnosis for gynecologic specimens interpreted to be negative. Knowledge of processes and procedures to prepare all specimens for cytodiagnostic and immunochemistry testing, as well as filtration methods, preparation, fixation, and staining of slides. Ability to instruct others on the proper collection methods and transportation of specimens, and toe determine acceptability of patient samples for processing. Knowledge of the standards of regulatory agencies, such as those of Joint Commission (JC), College of American Pathologists (CAP), Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA), and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), to ensure compliance with requirements and guidelines. Ability to perform routine maintenance of laboratory equipment according to standard operating procedures. Skill in prioritizing workflow/specimen triage Preferred experience: Strong knowledge of cellular morphology, diagnostic criteria, and standardized testing methods. Candidates should have hands-on experience preparing and evaluating gynecologic and non-gynecologic specimens, applying special stains, and accurately identifying precancerous, cancerous, and infectious cellular changes. The ability to work independently, manage workflow in a cytology section, and maintain high-quality laboratory practices is strongly desired. References: VA Handbook 5005/126, Part II Appendix G61, Cytotechnologist Qualification Standard. This can be found in the local Human Resources Office. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-9. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-7 to GS-9. Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.
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