The incumbent serves as a phlebotomist in the clinical laboratory as assigned. The incumbent performs point of care (POC) testing, clerical and technical support in the coordination, care, and treatment provided to inpatients and outpatients of this Medical Center. Work includes utilization of established protocols and procedures to perform a wide variety of duties interrelated with the collection of blood, urine, and other specimens from patients for analytical purposes. To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 02/14/2023. Selective Placement Factors (SPF) are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirements for the position. For this position experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients is required. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled. At this level, specialized experience should include experience performing a variety of relatively standardized tests, examinations, and determinations. The procedures and techniques are well-established but involve many meticulous sequential steps to complete a test; and following written procedures which give carefully detailed instructions on each step of the assigned test and examinations.. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position . OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized equivalent combinations of post-high school education and specialized experience, as described above Note: only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to l year of specialized experience . You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Computer Skills Interpersonal Skills Patient Care Specimen Collection Technical Competence 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. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: Physical demands may involve lifting, standing, foot travel, bending or sitting, which may occur for prolonged periods of time. The incumbent must have the digital dexterity and adequate vision to perform safe venipuncture procedures. The incumbent also spends time each day performing repetitive keyboarding tasks. The incumbent will utilize all safety practices and equipment required by accrediting and regulatory agencies for purposes of ensuring compliance with occupational safety observance. May require the ability to assist other Medical Center staff in physically control or defend against emotionally ill patient. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. The VA Midwest Health Care Network advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being ["Duties for the position include but are not limited to: Receives outpatients reporting to the laboratory specimen collection area and answers their questions related to the lab visit and other clinic stops. Receives and processes requests for lab testing, verifying the accuracy and completeness of the requests. The phlebotomist interacts with the appropriate hospital personnel to correct any discrepancies. Collects blood, urine, or other specimens from medical center inpatients and outpatients for a wide variety of requested laboratory tests. Performs POC INR testing on patients, and the required quality control testing associated with this assay. Completes all required training, proficiency testing and competency assessment associated with POC INR testing. Responsible for special drawing procedures: such as checking patient armbands to ascertain proper patient identity and draws pre-transfusion samples in compliance with VHA, CAP, FDA and other regulatory agencies; drawing cross matches; collecting blood cultures & drawing timed specimens such as growth hormone and peak and trough drug levels. Adheres to use of proper personal protective equipment when performing specimen collections in a room with posted contact, droplet, or airborne precautions (includes the use of gown, gloves, face shield, face mask, and powered air purifying respirator). Adheres to safety, infection control, and universal precautions at all times while drawing blood. Assists in teaching laboratory and medical center personnel, students and others theoretical and practical aspects of phlebotomy, specimen collection and specimen requirements. Instructs patient on the collection of 24-hour urine samples, stool sample collection, and sputum sample collection. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday day shift 7:30am - 4:00pm, rotating weekends and holidays. Off shift coverage as needed. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician (Phlebotomy)/PD40101A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Bargaining Unit Status: Yes Financial Disclosure Report: Not required"]
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
