The incumbent serves is responsible for performing multiple duties in the central accessioning and specimen processing area. These complex duties include reference laboratory specimen processing, clerical functions, patient testing and outpatient phlebotomy. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-06 grade level: One year (52 weeks) of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Use of proper specimen collection techniques such as phlebotomy, venipuncture, finger sticks, urine; Collects, processes, & stores samples according to general collection protocols. Uses proper infection control, laboratory safety, and universal precautions when collecting samples. Performs various technical laboratory procedures such as computer test access, computer search for past and future patient lab orders. English Proficiency Requirement: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Specimen Collection Infection Control Medical Information Communications Critical Thinking There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. ["Major duties include but is not limited to: Receives and prepares requests for testing and specimens into the clinical laboratory and verifies the accuracy and completeness of the requests Identifies unusual conditions and discrepancies which may cause erroneous test results Accessions all requests into the hospital computer system Receives telephonic inquiries and corrects discrepancies with hospital personnel Follows procedures for processing biological specimens, understands sample requirements for tests and clearly communicates those requirements Separates and routes the specimens to the specific laboratory section that performs the testing Assists healthcare personnel who deliver specimens by directing them to the place the specimens in the proper location Notifies laboratory staff of the need for emergency testing Operates various types of laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers and eyewash stations Performs preventive maintenance on laboratory equipment Receives all specimens that are sent to commercial reference laboratories for testing Verifies proper patient preparation, specimen collection and specimen transport requirements for all reference laboratory tests Takes appropriate action to correct and solve problems pertaining to reference laboratory rests Serves as a reference for other healthcare professionals on collection and processing of reference laboratory testing Serves at the reference and the processer for complex specialized Hematology/Oncology sample to include Flow, Cytogenetic, and Fish testing among others on both peripheral blood and bone marrow Performs a limited amount of patient testing Responsible for processing anatomic pathology samples Follows established safety and infection control procedures while performing patient testing duties Completes annual training on exposure to Formaldehyde, exposure to biohazardous substances and general safety procedures Answers incoming call for Pathology and Laboratory Services quickly finding and relaying accurate information, performs dispositions of add-on orders Functions as a resource person and troubleshooter, assists clinical personnel in executing laboratory information system order entry and results options, prepares referral specimens for shipment Contacts physicians for clarification of requests and justification of need for send-out testing, packages and ships containers following regulatory guidelines, maintains shipping certification Assists the laboratory in functions such as checking temperatures, stocks supplies and rotating stock appropriately Draws bloods for outpatients for requested laboratory testing using special drawing techniques, assuring proper tubes are used and correct amount of blood is drawn Must be proficient in phlebotomy Verifies the patient as the individual n the requests and labels all tubes with two unique identifiers including patient name, social security number, DOD ID number, date and time to insure proper identification. Initials all tubes drawn Collects glucose tolerance or lactose tolerance specimens Prepares the collection site and drawing blood cultures Collects timed specimens such as growth hormone, peak and trough drug levels or cortisol levels Instructions patients n proper sterile midstream urine collection, 24 hour urine collections, non-sterile urine collection and collection of specimens for culture and sensitivity such as ova and parasites and occult bloods Adheres to safety, infection control, and universal precautions while drawing blood or working with patient specimens or within the laboratory Wear appropriate personal protective equipment and using needle protective devices Observes and reports any physical or mental changes while patients are being drawn; alerts the appropriate personnel if necessary Follows hospital and section procedures when dealing with outpatient medical emergencies Performs other duties as needed Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Phlebotomy/PD30652A Physical Requirements: Work is performed in a laboratory atmosphere ad requires regular and physical exertion such as walking, bending, recurrent standing and moderate lifting. The work requires specific physical characteristics and abilities and dexterity needed to perform intricate analytical and technical procedures. Entering patient information, test orders and data in a computer may result in physical problems from the effects of motion and eyestrain. Laboratory instrumentation makes constant noises which could lead to hearing loss over long periods of exposure. The position may also require assisting geriatric and/or disabled patients. The incumbent must have normal color vision."]
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. VHA Medical Centers provide a wide range of services including traditional hospital-based services such as surgery, critical care, mental health, orthopedics, pharmacy, radiology and physical therapy. In addition, most of our medical centers offer additional medical and surgical specialty services including audiology & speech pathology, dermatology, dental, geriatrics, neurology, oncology, podiatry, prosthetics, urology, and vision care. Some medical centers also offer advanced services such as organ transplants and plastic surgery.
