Diane makes an interesting point in that she is grossing about 80% of the
workload and not receiving additional pay.  With the right documentation and
degree technicians grossing can apply for membership and challenge the
fellowship examination with the American Association of Pathologists'
Assistants.  As a fellow member of the AAPA the jobs are plentiful, (I get a
job mailing about once a week) and you will be financially rewarded.  Get
paid what your worth.  You can check out the AAPA website at
www.pathologistsassistants.org .  This is exactly the route I took and I
have never been happier.

Chuck
Charles R. Embrey Jr., PA(AAPA), HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Carle Clinic
Urbana, IL
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Gladney, Diane C [mailto:Diane.Gladney@se.amedd.army.mil]
Sent: Friday, September 28, 2001 8:40 AM
To: 'Rose Richardson'; Jennifer MacDonald
Cc: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: RE: Tech Grossing


I have been grossing specimens for about 4 years. I was thoroughly trained
by our pathologist to gross the specimens that they wanted me to do. I
assist them with all the others. I have been "grossing in" with pathologist
for more years than I care to think about, but the experience was helpful
when I was formally trained by the pathologists. We had a checklist of the
types of tissues that I would gross and my competency (sp?) on grossing. I
always ask for guidance on unusual cases. I am now in the process of
learning to gross more types of tissues as our workload increases. But the
additional duty of grossing has not gotten me more pay although I gross
about 80% of our cases each day (some days the percentage is higher). I am
thankful for the valuable experience. I suggest that a list of specimen
types with a rating on competency be used. This worked well for us. After
the training was complete, the pathologist wrote a competency letter for
grossing and listing the specimen types to be placed in my personnel folder
and for our CAP and JAHCO inspections. I hope that this info is helpful for
you.

Have A Great Day,
Diane

Diane C. Gladney, HT(ASCP)
Moncrief Army Community Hospital
Dept. of Pathology, Histology Section
Ft. Jackson, SC 29207-5600



-----Original Message-----
From: Rose Richardson [mailto:rrichar3@iupui.edu]
Sent: Thursday, September 27, 2001 7:19 PM
To: Jennifer MacDonald
Cc: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Re: Tech Grossing


I am curious, how many techs are doing grosing?  In our Pathology
Department they are not allowed to do it.

Rose