The incumbent serves as a Health Technician (HT) in the Lebanon VAMC Laboratory. The Health Technician is an integral part of the team and many times is the initial contact for the Laboratory customers. Important interfaces and collaborations also occur with larger healthcare system providers including VA and Non VA specialists, hospitals, diagnostic and treating facilities, and community-based programs.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Patient Phlebotomy and Accessions Laboratory Orders: Performs a range of diagnostic laboratory support duties such as collection and labeling of specimens for the Laboratory. Performs repetitive diagnostic tests and procedures such as venipuncture for collection of blood specimens and collection/acceptance of other body fluids such as urine or sputum. Uses proper sterile techniques for collection of samples. Adheres to special instructions, such as coordination of transportation of lab specimens in accordance with laboratory protocols on ice, deliver immediately, protect from light, etc. Verifies the patient as the individual denoted on the request/labels using two approved forms of identification and assures all tubes are labeled with at least the patient's full name, full social security number, date and time of draw, and initials of individual obtaining specimens. Adheres to safety, infection control, and standard precautions at all times while drawing blood or performing testing. This includes, but is not limited to, such things as removing tourniquets, and wearing appropriate PPE to include gloves. Must be proficient in the area of phlebotomy, being able to draw all even the most difficult patients and follow proper procedures for redrawing blood. Responds to calls for assistance from the nursing staff in the collection of blood on the most challenging patients. Blood samples are collected with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or requiring redrawn specimens. Uses hospital computer system to accurately perform work such as reviewing and accepting lab orders, gathering information required to complete assigned duties, and researching and resolving problems. When performing special drawing procedures such as collecting timed specimens, inform patient and nursing staff in procedure to be followed prior to, during and after the test in order to obtain the specimens at the required time. Provides other assistance to patients and customers as needed, including giving directions and accurately answering questions not limited to laboratory services. Clinical and Administrative Support: Must be able to respond to, report, and assist in emergency situations. Must know preliminary procedures for the care of patients who bruise, become sick, arrest or faint while having blood drawn. Observes and reports patient's physical or mental changes or unusual situations encountered (for example, patient in crisis) to appropriate personnel. Demonstrates self- control in difficult or emergency situations with minimal assistance. Monitors supply inventory, rotates stock and minimizes outdating. Responsible for determining that no outdated reagents, tubes, etc., are in work area or in use. Requests additional supplies as needed using established protocols. Performs a range of diagnostic and support duties such as reporting deviations to the provider, labeling and then transporting specimens to the laboratory. Performs Point of Care testing as ordered. Cleans and assures equipment in working order and reports any malfunctions. Provides patient care that is appropriate to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturation needs of the adult/geriatric patient. Serves as support for patients, families, visitors, and staff by providing guidance and direction on hospital policy and procedures. Demonstrates sensitivity and compassion in interactions. Maintains knowledge of the correct care of precleaning/disinfection of reusable medical equipment (RME). Open to shadow opportunities for new HT staff when orienting and provides support in the orientation into the Laboratory area and activities, provider needs and procedures. Serves as a responsible member of and contributes positively to the overall morale of the Laboratory team. Shows a willingness to learn, adapt to change, and accept additional responsibility while demonstrating flexibility and problem-solving skills. In the performance of official duties the employee has regular access to printed and electronic files containing sensitive data which must be protected under the provision of the Privacy Act and other applicable laws, federal regulations, VA statutes and policy, and VHA policy. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 10:00pm to 6:00am or 11:00pm to 7:00am Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/ 01691-A Physical Requirements: Requires flexibility with hours of work and shift tour of duty. May work other tours if asked to work in other areas and does not affect primary work schedule. The work involves long periods of standing and walking with regular recurring bending, lifting, and positioning patients. It also involves computer, keyboard, and telephone work.

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirement ( IOR) - For GS-5: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. 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 GS-04 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Patient Personal Care/Safety- performs or assists with personal care such as body and oral hygiene, dressing/undressing, and toileting/elimination ensuring patient privacy at all times. Nursing Assistance - assists RN in patient care as directed to include but not limited to dressing changes, triage, turning and positioning of patients, enema administration, post mortem care and morgue transfers. Cleaning/Stocking Duties- cleans vacated rooms, strips linens, discards used/open medical supplies, orders supplies when stock is low, cleans dirty reusable medical equipment and delivers supplies. Escort Duties- transports patients, as directed, to designated areas, and delivers lab specimens. Note: Evidence of specialized experience must be supported by detailed documentation of duties performed in positions held on your resume. You must provide work experience information such as hours per week, salary, and starting/ending dates of employment (month and year format) to establish you have one (1) full year of Specialized Experience at or comparable to the required grade level. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have- Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have an combination of specialized experience and education at a graduate level or beyond that is directly related to the work of the position. A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-XX. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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.

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.

If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Lebanon VA Medical Center 1700 South Lincoln Avenue Lebanon, PA 17042 US
• Name: Andrea Stine
• Phone: 717-272-6621 X5065
• Email: [email protected]