Position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration, Eastern Oklahoma Health Care System in the Pathology and Laboratory Medical Service. The multiskilled Health Technician performs a wide range of functions which include compliance to CLIA and The Joint Commission regulations for laboratory testing, clerical, and health technician functions. The Health Technician uses knowledge of technical methods and procedures to carry out a variety of essential duties.

Duties

Ensures proper cleaning and performs minor maintenance of laboratory equipment. Ensures all quality control materials are run and acceptable daily or as required by regulations. Receives patients for medical laboratory testing; processes orders, appointments, and collects specimens; contacts providers to correct order errors and/or place orders if patient arrives with no orders. Advises professional staff on center, lab, and testing policy. Performs patient care procedures: collecting lab specimens, applying dressings, and/or adjusting supportive equipment; processes tissue cultures and specimen samples related to pathology testing. Prepares patient for blood and/or urine collection according to CAP and TJC guidelines; accepts patient orders; prints labels, selects proper tubes and containers; PPE, labels specimens in front of patient. Follows proper patient preparation and venipuncture while following sterile collection techniques; bandages patient appropriately following collection. Per the National Patient Safety requirement ABSOLULTELY uses two identifiers to properly identify patient. Performs patient care procedures; proper collection and handling of various specimens including venous blood; collects blood on ward rounds and other designated blood collection areas; collects blood samples by venipuncture or arterial puncture and accurately labels blood tubes and other collection containers; instructs patients on proper specimen collection procedures. Collects microbiology specimens in support of the VA's initiative to reduce transmission of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. Maintains adequate quota of sterile and non-sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment; checks for outdated supplies/items. Prepares specimens to be sent to outside laboratories; assures proper specimen was collected; records in send-out book; puts specimen in the proper receptacle; packages specimen to maintain correct temperature during shipping; completes and checks paperwork to send specimen to correct laboratory; ensures returned send-out results are entered into computer. Receives and accessions specimens from EOVAHCS inpatients/outpatients; correctly accessions testing for referral and research specimens. Administers and collects specimens for employee drug screening program; completes required chain of custody paperwork; packages for shipment to testing facility. Coordinates all aspects of special-conditions testing such as procuring specialized collection kits; determines correct handling environment for each specimen submitted for referral laboratory testing. Prepares electronic and manual test requisitions and manifests; prepares, packages and dispatches specimens to appropriate referral laboratory; utilizes secure access to private referral laboratory databases for test research, requisition, and results. Solves technical specimen problems and discrepancies. Manages CBOC packaging and shipping supply inventory; ensures in-clinic availability of required materials for safe, legal transport of biological specimens. Receives all package deliveries to laboratory; signs for receipt/acceptance of possession; evaluates specimen integrity, judges correctness of specimen type, quantity, age, and condition upon receipt; reconciles physical specimens received against printed manifest document. Maintains service staff records; ensures proper certifications in accordance with CAP and TJC; assists in supervision of clinical staff including training and competency assessments, monitors QC materials, proficiency testing and competencies for nursing, and provider Point of Care glucometer. Answers telephone calls; coordinates information and actions relating to patient care and services; assists patients, visitors, and others requesting information, guidance or referral for special assistance. Monitors humidity and temperature charts for laboratory; reports any readings outside of normal compliance with regulatory standards for maintaining supplies. Sets-up necessary accessories or supplies; advises medical personnel of new equipment, accessories or supplies. Facilitates release of information from patient medical records; protects confidentiality of patient's medical records. Facilitates training for Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Laboratory Technicians, Medical Technologists, and Medical Technology students for phlebotomy skills. Ensures fire, safety, disaster, and infection control procedures are implemented. Possesses knowledge and skills required to effectively implement GEMS; competency monitored by ability to demonstrate through implementation process that sufficient education/training has been provided; monitoring performed by annual audits, questionnaires, and trending of staff knowledge. Work Schedule: Various; depends on the needs of the facility Position Description/PD#: Health Technician - Pathology and Laboratory/PD14453-A and PD14453A

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. All applicants for this position, must meet the Individual Occupational Requirement IOR): Specialized Experience (for positions at GS-04 and above): Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. Specialized Experience, GS-0640-06, Health Technician - Pathology and Laboratory: In addition to meeting the IOR for this series and grade, applicants must have 1 year of creditable experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, GS-05; experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities 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 but is not limited to: Receiving and preparing laboratory test requests and specimens; utilizing automated system to admit patients, maintain and retrieve patient data, enter test data, requests, and results; abide by safety, infection control, and universal precautions; properly process, transport, store biological specimens; prepare equipment/site to draw blood cultures; collect, handle, and deliver specimens; collect chain-of-custody drug screen specimens; instruct patient on specimen collection procedures; provide administrative support by daily checks of the clinic stockroom, assisting with placing clinic orders, and verifying providers schedule; maintain equipment, instruments, and inventory. Physical Requirements and Work Environment: The work requires much walking through the clinic, with occasional requirements to lift objects, computer work and operating office equipment. The positions require the ability to process written and electronic information. The work requires the ability to physically control or defend against emotionally distressed patients. The work requires above average agility and dexterity due to the fine skills of some of the point of care lab testing. The work may require heavy lifting of equipment or patients. The incumbent may be required to commute between two outpatient clinics within the workweek, depending on the clinic workload. 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

There is no educational substitution for the GS-06 level.

Contacts

• Address Jack C Montgomery VA Medical Center 1011 Honor Heights Drive Muskogee, OK 74401 US
• Name: Gina Lee
• Phone: 307-778-7550 X3629
• Email: [email protected]