The Outpatient Lab Health Technician functions as a member of an interdisciplinary health care team and is responsible for performing multiple duties where much of the work is in support of patient diagnosis and/or treatment.

Duties

Duties include but not limited to: Collection of laboratory specimens (blood, urine, and stool). Processing of specimens by centrifuge to separate plasma and serum. Separation of specimens into correct tubes for transportation to various labs. Performs D- Sticks for Metabolic studies. Obtains timely and appropriate blood samples as ordered per unit policies and procedures. Recognize abnormal lab values and reports to Charge Nurse and Physician. Exercises sound judgment to identify patient care needs, implement treatment protocols and collect pertinent data. Directs and supports patients in the implementation of unit protocols, treatment goals and provides input into the treatment and discharge plan. Instructs patients on their role in various procedures and metabolic protocols covering information previously discussed with the patient by the Physician or RN. Reviews current treatment plan, CPRS records on assigned patients prior to initiation of any procedures or protocols, to ensure quality care. Documents in the clinical record the patient's progress toward protocols, medical treatment needs and interventions; discharge planning and referral data. Obtain venous blood samples by aseptic venipuncture technique from patients in the Outpatient Clinic Proficiently collects blood samples with a minimal number of failures, patient bruising, or required resticks. Verifies patient information and tests ordered in the computer system. Specimens must be properly labeled and initiated, following specimen procurement policies and procedures. Performs a range of support duties to include obtaining specimens, including, but not limited to, blood (phlebotomy), urine, feces, nasopharyngeal swabs, fecal occult blood specimens (FOBT kit). Performs the processing of all clinical laboratory specimens and is responsible for the timely and proper distribution of specimens to the reference laboratories to include centrifuges, decants, and aliquots specimens as appropriate. Responsible for proper disposition of laboratory waste in the laboratory. Packages supplies and specimens for pick up or shipment, following established packaging requirements. Obtains and documents patients' vital signs, 12 Lead ECGs and reports abnormal findings to PACT team members. Moves, lifts, transfers, and transports patients as necessary. Knowledge of pain scale monitoring Incumbent is also responsible for monitoring technical equipment and performing maintenance and quality assurance on instrumentation. Incumbent also monitors lab environment: such as temperatures, freezers, refrigerators and incubators to ensure that they are working as expected. Incumbent has a general knowledge of Laboratory accreditation requirements that are recommended by CAP, FDA and Joint Commission. Performs ancillary testing such as CLIA waived testing and operates instrumentation necessary for testing. Completes eyewash station testing. Performs urine pregnancy testing to include controls. Perform quality control (QC) on glucose testing machine. The incumbent must possess the ability to work with all levels of healthcare system personnel and willing to assist the healthcare system staff with a variety of laboratory policies and procedures. The incumbent will have contact with veteran patients, family members, all levels of NTX staff including physicians, nurses, technicians, etc. The employee must be able to effectively interact with personnel at all levels of the facility and foster harmonious working relationships, and is expected to maintain an attitude of professionalism, courtesy, cooperation, and respect towards all contacts. Patient/family teaching Basic computer knowledge Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm May be required to work other shifts, be on call, work weekends and/or holidays as patient care and needs of the service require. Should operational needs dictate, candidates must be willing to work within other units (including community based outpatient clinics, for example) to assist and support continuation of the provision of care/services. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician - Outpatient Lab/PD05022A and PD549-5022A Physical Requirements: The work on the Unit requires some physical exertion. The Technician must be able to transport patients by wheelchair or stretcher, patients who require observation or monitoring. The duties require extensive periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling. It involves positioning patients and transferring patients to wheelchairs, chairs, and stretchers. The Technician must demonstrate some agility and dexterity to perform phlebotomy, IV therapy, laboratory procedures, and EKGs. The Technician must be able to work 8-12 hour shifts. Technicians must have the ability to function in stressful situations.

Requirements

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• Designated and/or random drug testing may be required
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Specialized experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS 05 in the federal service, that equipped with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to successfully perform the duties of this position and that is typically in and/or related to the position being filled. Specialized experience includes: Initiates patient care such as collection of laboratory specimens (blood, urine, and stool); documents in clinical record; promotes infection prevention control such as hand washing, wiping down exam tables or equipment in between patients; provides emergency care such as but not limited to: vital signs, patient condition, pain level and recognizes abnormal findings and reports to Charge Nurse. 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 Dallas VA Medical Center 4500 South Lancaster Road Dallas, TX 75216 US
• Name: VISN 17 SSU USAS Group
• Email: [email protected]