Cytologist

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health brings together two award winning health systems in Washington state - CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason. As one integrated health system with the most patient access points in western Washington our team includes 18,000 staff and nearly 5,000 employed physicians and affiliated providers. At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health you will find the safest and highest quality of care provided by our expert, compassionate medical care team at 11 hospitals and nearly 300 sites throughout the greater Puget Sound region.

In the crucial field of cellular diagnostics, the meticulous analysis of specimens is paramount for guiding patient care. Join our team as a Cytotechnologist, where your expert screening and interpretation provide the foundation for timely and accurate diagnoses.

As our Cytotechnologist, you will perform accurate microscopic screening and interpretation of gynecological and non-gynecological specimens so pathologists and clinicians can detect and identify cancerous and precancerous cellular changes, leading to optimal patient care and timely intervention. Your work directly provides clinicians with accurate results to assist them with optimal patient care.

Every day, you will meticulously evaluate gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens, using your expertise to detect, differentiate, and interpret the presence or absence of disease. You will be expected to diagnose negative gynecologic Pap cases, perform rapid on-site evaluations for fine needle aspirations, and resolve technical issues and discrepancies while maintaining absolute integrity in reporting results and ensuring compliance with all high-complexity testing requirements (CLIA and CAP).

Essential Key Job Responsibilities:

Microscopic Evaluation & Interpretation: Performs all microscopic evaluations of gynecologic and non-gynecologic cytology specimens to detect, differentiate, and interpret the presence or absence of disease under the guidelines of regulations and laboratory policies.
Gynecologic Diagnosis: Responsible for the diagnosing of negative gynecologic Pap cases.
Documentation & Integrity: Document results in the laboratory information system for each patient case. Maintains absolute integrity in the accurate performance and reporting of results. Observes professional discretion with patient information.
Assistance with Procedures: Assists with fine needle aspirations, specimen collection, preparation, and staining.
Rapid On-Site Evaluation (ROSE): Performs rapid on-site evaluations for adequate tissue sampling, preliminary interpretation, and triage of patient samples in order to assist the proceduralist in ensuring an efficient and effective procedure to best support excellent patient care.
In-Lab Testing & Problem Solving: Performs in-lab testing on various patient samples for optimal patient results. Appropriate knowledge of specimen processing is required. Resolves technical issues and problem solves discrepancies.
Ancillary Test Triage: Uses knowledge-based expertise in diagnostic testing to assess patient history to further triage patient specimens for ancillary tests.
Quality & Process Improvement: Exhibits good knowledge of current lab standards and process workflows. Participates in development of policies and procedures that require change or implementation. Assists in quality assurance and proficiency testing programs, including federally regulated annual proficiency testing and continuing education credits required for maintaining certification.
Collaboration & Communication: Communicates effectively with other lab staff outside of this department.

To be successful in this role, you must possess advanced cytotechnological expertise for high-complexity testing, demonstrate exceptional analytical and microscopic interpretation skills, and exhibit a meticulous commitment to accuracy, regulatory compliance, and patient confidentiality.

Required Education and Experience

AFTER Sept 1, 1992:

• Opt 1: Bachelor degree in Cytology OR Opt 2: Bachelor degree in related science and 12 month in accredited Cytology program

BEFORE Before Sept 1, 1992:

• Opt 1: completed 2 years in an accredited institution and have 1 year training in an approved school of cytotechnology; Opt 2: 6 months formal training in an approved school and 6 months full-time experience.

Required Certifications

• AFTER Sept 1, 1992: Cytologist with American Society for Clinical Pathology (CT-ASCP)
• BEFORE Sept 1, 1992: Cytologist with American Society for Clinical Pathology (CT-ASCP) is preferred but not required.

Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Training

• Must be able to prioritize and organize assignments effectively. Must possess a high level of independence in their work. Must have a full understanding of laboratory technique and specialized methods