The posting
Description
Receives bodies into the morgue with documents (Deceased patient order, Death Note, etc.) and creates unique powerpath identifier for each death (BDyear-xxx). Clarifies and documents autopsy status with release notification sheets RED (DO NOT RELEASE) or GREEN (OK to Release) in clear plastic sleeves on the front of each cooler. Releases bodies to the funeral directors once the autopsy status is cleared (OK to Release) and all paperwork is collected and properly completed. Scans all completed paperwork into powerpath and completes data entry. Assists pathologists in the performance of autopsies. Properly stores and disposes of tissues. Maintains records. Performs housekeeping duties within the morgue areas.
Responsibilities
- Checks Autopsy Status of all cases prior to release. Places release notification sheets into clear plastic sleeves on the front of each morgue drawer indicating “OK to release” if autopsy is declined or completed and “DO NOT RELEASE” if autopsy is pending or uncertain/undecided. If an autopsy status is uncertain or undecided, evaluates the electronic health record (EPIC) for records to ascertain the status and communicates with Decedent Affairs to expedite clarification of autopsy status.
- Reviews EPIC data and necessary papers for any cases to be autopsied, verifies accuracy of permission, notifies the pathologist-on-call, transports the remains to the autopsy room, and releases remains upon completion of the autopsy and upon receipt of proper documentation.
- Generates a BD powerpath case number for each death in the hospital to track it till its release. Completes required fields in BD case. Adds notes to BD case related to issues that might arise, including the associated date and time of relevant information. Scans all paperwork into the BD powerpath case, including Deceased Patient Orders, Autopsy consent, release notification sheets (with relevant notes regarding communications with Next-of-kin), and funeral home affidavits.
- Handles papers connected with the processing of a death and the release of the remains, including, but not limited to, the Deceased Patient Order (Death note), Death Certificate, Autopsy Consent, Funeral Director’s release, OCME City Burial forms, and Anatomic Gift forms.
- Issues daily Morgue inventory electronic (email) reports to Decedent Affairs and communicates any change in autopsy status with them.
- Maintains all instruments in good condition, prepares instruments and tables for autopsies and gross review, cleans instruments and disinfects, using appropriate techniques as directed.
- Assists pathology staff in the performance of the autopsy as directed. May assist in such procedures as initial incision, evisceration, and removal of brain – always under the direction of and in the presence of the pathologist.
- Upon completion of the autopsy, packs, sutures, washes and wraps remains for transport to the holding area and subsequent release.
- Assures the proper identification of all containers, tissues, etc. Stores and retrieves such containers and specimens and, as directed, disposes of the same.
- Keeps all required records and log books in a neat, legible and accurate manner.
- Bags, stores, and records tissue for long term storage. Incinerates tissue as directed.
- Maintains the autopsy room, holding area and preparation areas in clean and safe condition. Properly uses correct cleaning materials and disinfectants.
- Assists in the handling of anatomical material used in Medical School laboratories, including the receipt and disposition of cadavers.
- Prepares formalin solution and other chemical solutions as required.
- Maintains gross dissecting areas for Pathology.
- May assist in photographing specimens and in the accurate labeling of images.
- Functions as liaison between pathology staff, funeral directors, nursing personnel, medical records staff, attending and resident staff in other departments.
- Participates as requested in the training of other technical personnel, students, etc.
- Observes all safety procedures and promptly reports all laboratory accidents to Supervisor.
- Other relevant duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- High School diploma required; Associate degree strongly preferred
- Medical terminology and computer experience preferred
- Must be able to work with dead bodies
- Morgue/Funeral Home experience required
- Tolerate occasional unpleasant odors, sights and other situations
- Acquire and maintain manual skills necessary for accurate discretion
- Be extremely accurate, particularly in tasks associated with the identification and release of bodies and other tissues, the maintenance of records and compliance with procedures and regulations
- Perform basic laboratory calculations accurately
- Maintain written records accurately and legibly
- Work with toxic chemicals in a safe manner, without hypersensitivity reaction
- Follow written and verbal instructions accurately and with good judgement
- Lift and move heavy weights, using appropriate mechanical aids as necessary
- Cooperate with scientific and medical personnel and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, using English
- Maintain a neat and orderly appearance
Collective bargaining unit: SEIU 1199-MSH
Employer Description
Strength through Unity and Inclusion
The Mount Sinai Health System is committed to fostering an environment where everyone can contribute to excellence. We share a common dedication to delivering outstanding patient care. When you join us, you become part of Mount Sinai’s unparalleled legacy of achievement, education, and innovation as we work together to transform healthcare. We encourage all team members to actively participate in creating a culture that ensures fair access to opportunities, promotes inclusive practices, and supports the success of every individual.
At Mount Sinai, our leaders are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We strive to create an environment where collaboration, fairness, and continuous learning drive positive change, improving the well-being of our staff, patients, and organization. Our leaders are expected to challenge outdated practices, promote a culture of respect, and work toward meaningful improvements that enhance patient care and workplace experiences. We are dedicated to building a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and advance professionally. Explore this opportunity and be part of the next chapter in our history.
About the Mount Sinai Health System:
Mount Sinai Health System is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area, with more than 48,000 employees working across eight hospitals, more than 400 outpatient practices, more than 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. Mount Sinai advances health for all people, everywhere, by taking on the most complex health care challenges of our time — discovering and applying new scientific learning and knowledge; developing safer, more effective treatments; educating the next generation of medical leaders and innovators; and supporting local communities by delivering high-quality care to all who need it. Through the integration of its hospitals, labs, and schools, Mount Sinai offers comprehensive health care solutions from birth through geriatrics, leveraging innovative approaches such as artificial intelligence and informatics while keeping patients’ medical and emotional needs at the center of all treatment. The Health System includes more than 9,000 primary and specialty care physicians; 13 joint-venture outpatient surgery centers throughout the five boroughs of New York City, Westchester, Long Island, and Florida; and more than 30 affiliated community health centers. We are consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals, receiving high "Honor Roll" status, and are highly ranked: No. 1 in Geriatrics, top 5 in Cardiology/Heart Surgery, and top 20 in Diabetes/Endocrinology, Gastroenterology/GI Surgery, Neurology/Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology/Lung Surgery, Rehabilitation, and Urology. New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai is ranked No. 12 in Ophthalmology. U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Children’s Hospitals” ranks Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital among the country’s best in several pediatric specialties. The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is ranked No. 11 nationwide in National Institutes of Health funding and in the 99th percentile in research dollars per investigator according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. Newsweek’s “The World’s Best Smart Hospitals” ranks The Mount Sinai Hospital as No. 1 in New York and in the top five globally, and Mount Sinai Morningside in the top 20 globally.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Mount Sinai Health System is an equal opportunity employer, complying with all applicable federal civil rights laws. We do not discriminate, exclude, or treat individuals differently based on race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are deeply committed to fostering an environment where all faculty, staff, students, trainees, patients, visitors, and the communities we serve feel respected and supported. Our goal is to create a healthcare and learning institution that actively works to remove barriers, address challenges, and promote fairness in all aspects of our organization.
Compensation
The Mount Sinai Health System (MSHS) provides salary ranges that comply with the New York City Law on Salary Transparency in Job Advertisements. The salary range for the role is $34.4765 - $34.4765 Hourly. Actual salaries depend on a variety of factors, including experience, education, and operational need. The salary range or contractual rate listed does not include bonuses/incentive, differential pay or other forms of compensation or benefits.
