Pathology Lab Assistant

Where You’ll Work

Penrose - St. Francis Health Services is a full-service, 712-bed acute care provider in Colorado Springs comprising Penrose Hospital, St. Francis Hospital and St. Francis Hospital - Interquest. Penrose Hospital serves as the anchor hospital of Penrose-St. Francis Health Services with 300-licensed beds and the ability to provide tertiary (high tech) medical-surgical services with an emphasis on elective and outpatient care. Established in 1890, Penrose Hospital has grown to become a major health treatment and referral center, specializing in cancer care, cardiac care, emergency trauma care and physical rehabilitation. It's an incredible time to join us as we are a proud Magnet Hospital with designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for superior quality in nursing care. With more than 300 days of annual sunshine, mild winters and easy-to-access recreational areas like Pikes Peak, Garden of the Gods and some of Colorado's top destination resorts, you will enjoy an incredible lifestyle while having the career you've always wanted.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Pathology Lab Assistant, you will perform essential technical and clerical activities related to the processing of tissue and body fluids. Your work is fundamental to providing the accurate samples required for examination and diagnosis by a pathologist.

Every day, you will conduct examinations of surgical specimens under the direct supervision and responsibility of a pathologist. You will ensure that each specimen is handled with precision and care throughout the diagnostic process.

To be successful in your role, you will demonstrate a high level of technical competency and meticulous attention to detail. Your ability to maintain organized workflows and adhere to rigorous laboratory standards is vital to supporting the pathologist in the diagnostic process.

• Conduct gross examination and dissection of surgical and autopsy specimens under the direct or indirect supervision of a pathologist, ensuring accurate documentation, tumor mapping, and comprehensive gross reporting.

• Review pertinent clinical information, history, imaging, and operative records, while coordinating with surgeons and clinicians to ensure all case details are thoroughly evaluated.

• Coordinate with histology technicians and laboratory staff to ensure prompt specimen accessioning, labeling, and processing to meet established reporting turnaround time goals.

• Perform frozen section processing, assist with intraoperative consultations, and obtain samples for research or other ancillary studies according to department standards.

• Ensure proper specimen handling, fixation, and CPT coding accuracy, while actively participating in the maintenance of surgical specimen archives in accordance with CAP and OSHA standards.

• Serve as an educational resource by providing instruction on specimen handling and processing, while monitoring quality, identifying error trends, and providing feedback to improve surgical pathology operations.

Job Requirements

Required

• High School Diploma/ GED

• 6 months clinical laboratory experience

• Excellent customer service and  time management skills

Preferred

• Associate's Degree in biological or chemical science