The Central Texas Health Care System is recruiting for a highly qualified Medical Technician for our Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service located in Temple, Texas. The Medical Technician serves as a phlebotomist and specimen collection handler in the Specimen Handling Section, wards and outpatient clinics. Work may be performed in the laboratory or in patient care areas. Major duties include but are not limited to: Performs phlebotomy (venipuncture) and urine specimen collection on patients ranging from minimally to critically ill who may be hard to draw. Works as a phlebotomy technician, obtaining venous blood specimens from adults using knowledge of human anatomy, aseptic technique, and phlebotomy material selection (i.e. vacutainer, syringe, butterfly). Uses judgment in selection of phlebotomy site based upon the patient's condition, age group, and type of test to be performed. Prepares phlebotomy site for proper specimen collection, based upon knowledge of blood specimen types, request forms, anticoagulants and transport conditions testing procedures. Assists in training other personnel (employees and student trainees) in proper phlebotomy and specimen collection techniques. Performs processing procedures (centrifugation, splitting specimens into aliquots under the guidance of others, requiring knowledge of the correct type tube, amount of specimen needed, and procedure to be followed according to the test requested). Performs glucose tolerance testing by administering pretest substances, drawing blood at specific time intervals. Assists in disinfecting and closing the Phlebotomy Room at the end of the shift. Contacts Medical Staff in handling patients in cases of fainting, convulsions, and illness. Conveys to the patient the intention of performing a phlebotomy while showing understanding and empathy for the patient's condition. Following initial instruction or by following SOPs, receives specimens and accompanying request forms for any of the tests that can be performed, and checks each for proper identification. Performs accessioning procedures by use of computer system; labels specimens and request form, where applicable, with Accession No. labels; and distributes specimens to the laboratory Sections responsible for performing the test, including transfer of the specimen and request to an outside laboratory when required. Files results of completed laboratory tests. Insures proper identification of patients. Clearly labels specimens after drawing with patient's name, identification number (SSN), phlebotomist's initials, collection time, and date as required. Follows universal precautions, and infection prevention and control guidelines in the performance of all procedures, wears task appropriate PPE, disposes of needles and contaminated waste, and patient isolation requirements in the performance of all procedures. Follows proper procedures in the storage and disposal of needles and syringes. Maintains adequate stock of supplies, inventories supplies as needed and informs Supply Tech of requirements in order to replenish the present stock. Rotates stock as needed to insure supplies are used according to expiration dates. Occasionally serves as receptionist at the laboratory front desk, greeting and processing patient lab orders, providing them with appropriate guidance, answering nontechnical inquiries, and referring technical inquiries to the appropriate laboratory staff member. Similarly, receives other persons visiting or calling the laboratory reception area. Trains employees and student trainees in venipuncture, specimen processing, etc. Insures that standard operating procedures for the assigned section are followed and kept current. Understands requests issued by medical staff and recognizes proper medical staff to contact for clarification of request, if necessary. Contacts proper medical staff to inform them of problems that may arise in working with the patients. Assists the receptionist in accessioning patients and in providing instructions for testing (i.e. clean catch urines, GTT's, 24 hour urines, etc.). May be assigned the duties of Acting Supervisor for the section during brief, specific times during the absence of the Supervisor. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 4:00 p.m. to Midnight with rotating weekends and holidays. May be occasionally scheduled for other tours as needed. Telework: Not available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/PD04937A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Note: This vacancy qualifies for night differential pay. Service between 6 p.m. and ending at 6 a.m. shall receive an additional 10% of the basic hourly rate of pay for each hour of service provided 4 or more hours fall between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. In addition. this vacancy qualifies for weekend pay (Premium Pay for Service on Saturday or Sunday). Service, between midnight Friday and midnight Sunday, shall receive an additional 25% of the basic hourly rate of pay.
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.
