Cytotechnologist, Diagnostic Cytology
Cytopathology
Vancouver, BC
Reporting to the Section Head, Diagnostic Cytology, the Cytotechnologist, performs established cytology procedures/techniques/job functions including independent signing out of selected non-gynecological specimens showing unsatisfactory, negative and benign change.
What you’ll do
- Performs diagnostic cytology screening including independent signing out and diagnostic reporting of non-gynecological specimens showing unsatisfactory, negative and benign change, and flagging areas of abnormality for review by pathologist.
- Performs a variety of preparatory procedures such as thin preps, plasma clots and albumin blocks. Participates in process improvements related to preparatory procedures by providing input to the Section Head and/or Chief Technologist.
- Assists the pathologist in the collection of fine needle aspirate samples by performing duties such as preparing slides and triaging specimens for ancillary testing.
- Maintains quality control of staining procedures using methods such as evaluating and documenting stain and specimen quality and providing this feedback to senior staff. Participates in internal and external proficiency testing as required.
- Maintains section productivity by assessment of indicators such as the number of slides screened and maintenance of quality control information. Participates in process improvement projects to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the cytology service. Answers queries on laboratory procedures regarding specimen quality and quantity for submission for cytological examination.
- Applies principles of universal precautions, biohazard, MSDS and laboratory safety to work environment. Participates in the lab safety awareness projects and maintains a safe and healthy workstation environment by following established safety procedures. Identifies and reports situations related to safety.
- Operates and maintains laboratory instruments, microscopes and equipment and keeps instrument logs. Recognizes malfunctions in equipment and microscopes and initiates corrective action.
- Keeps the welfare and confidentiality of the patient paramount at all times by following departmental policies regarding confidentiality such as the use of fax cover sheets and immediate computer log off procedures.
- Maintains knowledge of current developments in Medical Technology through methods such as reviewing relevant literature, consulting with other professionals and attending relevant education programs as requested and approved in order to recommend new applications and contribute to improvement in services.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
What you bring
Qualifications
- Certification with the Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Sciences (CSMLS) as a Cytotechnologist.
- Graduation from an Accredited School of Cytotechnology plus a minimum of two (2) years of recent related experience non-gynecological cytology screening or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
- Demonstrated interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of staff, patients, both verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and organize workload.
- Demonstrated knowledge of diagnostic cytology preparation procedures and current knowledge of the most recent advances in diagnostic cytology.
- Demonstrated ability to operate related equipment and use related software.
- Demonstrated physical ability to perform the job.
Skills & Knowledge
- Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).
- As a strong asset for consideration, we are looking for our successful candidate to have: Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).
What we bring
Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.
- Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
- Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
- Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
- Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
- PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
- Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.
Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time - Until return of incumbent
Wage: $36.69 - $45.81 / Hour
Location: 600 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4E6
Closing date: Applications accepted until position is filled
Hours of Work: 0800-1600 (Monday to Friday)
Requisition # 178989E
What we do
Provincial Laboratory Medicine Services (PLMS) provides laboratory testing at 31 sites across the lower mainland and central coast of BC, including acute care hospital laboratories and specialty laboratories.
PLMS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
PHSA and PLMS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.
The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.
Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services
PHSA is committed to equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently marginalized groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.
One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya'kula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.
Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and marginalization faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and self-determination of Indigenous communities. PHSA must uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents such as including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.
ATTN: PHSA Employees:
To be considered as a PHSA employee (internal applicant) for this position, you must apply online via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca
Please note the internal job posting will no longer be accessible after the expiry date of February 13. 2025. If the internal job posting has expired, please contact the Internal Jobs Help Desk and advise that you would like to be considered as a late internal applicant for this position. Please do not apply for the external job posting.
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