Autopsy Technician, Full-Time Days

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The Autopsy Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Memorial, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Provides primary assistance to staff pathologists and residents with autopsy procedures and related activities.  This position also performs specimen receipt and order entry of tissue specimens into the laboratory computer system, preparation of tissues for gross examination, referral and delivery of samples and supply orders, and customer service (specimen collection and receipt information) via phone and direct communication. This position is responsible for communications with Medical Records relative to autopsy requests and clients, pathologists, residents, and supervisors regarding specimen problems. The position is also required to participate in the laboratory occurrence management program.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interact with Medical Records regarding proper authorization, requests for, and completion of all autopsies.  
• Transport deceased between morgue and autopsy room per SOP.  Lift and transfer body between cart and table. 
• Prepare body for autopsy.  Verify patient identification per SOP prior to start of autopsy. 
• Open body with appropriate incisions.  Assist pathologist and/or resident with evisceration.  Ensure specimens are handled and stored appropriately per SOP.
• Prepare body for funeral home per SOP.  Perform all duties in a manner respectful of the patient and family.
• Clean and disinfect autopsy suite, equipment, tables, and instruments after each procedure per SOP.  Maintain quality control documentation relative to autopsy and morgue procedures.
• Perform body count and submit to Medical Records on a daily basis.
• Participate in the autopsy on-call rotation.
• Receive specimens in the surgical pathology laboratory per SOP.  Document specimen receipt and reconcile specimen logs with appropriate follow-up as necessary.
• Verify specimen and requisition meet acceptable criteria per SOP.  Take necessary corrective action with appropriate OR, clinic, or physician’s office to resolve any specimen and/or requisition discrepancies or deficiencies.  Document any deficiencies per SOP.  Escalate any issues to management staff appropriately.
• Prioritize specimen processing based on established guidelines.
• Accession specimens into the Laboratory Information System.  Label requisitions and specimen containers accurately.
• Generate accurately labeled tissue cassettes.  Collate paperwork, specimens, and tissue cassettes.
• Maintain specimen storage areas.  Triage surgical and autopsy specimens qualifying for disposal.  Discard specimens per SOP.  Clean and disinfect storage shelves prior to reuse.
• Answer routine inquiries related to specimen handling and case status.  Triage department phone calls appropriately.
• Practice the proficient and safe use of equipment necessary for completion of job duties.  Clean, disinfect, and perform routine quality control and maintenance on equipment per SOP.  Report equipment malfunctions appropriately.
• Record all documentation consistently and legibly.  Maintain files (requisitions, specimen delivery logs, problem logs) for easy retrieval of data as necessary.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment in surgical pathology gross room to ensure efficient workflow and compliance with all regulatory requirements.  Clean, disinfect, and perform routine maintenance per SOP.  Perform minor spill cleanup per SOP when necessary.
• Foster department and laboratory teamwork through effective communication.
• Participate in Safety and Infection Control activities.
• Maintain supply stock in autopsy and surgical pathology areas.  Promptly notify management staff of supply shortages or supply delivery problems.
• Take initiative for personal development by attending teleconferences, educational sessions, and required meetings, etc.
• Additional Functions                                                                                 • Perform other duties as assigned.
•  Assist in specific process improvement projects.

• QUALITY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES• This position requires the individual act in a manner respectful of the deceased and family members.   In addition, this position requires extreme care and attention to detail when handling patient specimens and creating test orders in various computer systems.  This position participates in departmental quality improvement activities on an ongoing basis.

 

Required:

• A.S. degree, preferably in mortuary science, biology, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or other related field.  Computer experience with keyboard proficiency.  Familiarity with medical terminology              

Desired:

• B.S. degree, preferably in mortuary science, biology, life sciences, medical laboratory technology, or other related field.  Prior work experience in autopsies, laboratory support, or health related experience

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.