Health Technician (OA) Phlebotomist

Veterans Health Administration • Las Vegas, NV

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Technician performs phlebotomy, specimen processing and testing functions, clinical patient support, and general clerical and administrative support for patient activities in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System. The incumbent supports the healthcare system’s guiding principles and promotes patient safety, quality healthcare, customer service, and a patient-focused environment. The role also supports team-based work and may provide on-the-job training and orientation to employees developing phlebotomy or testing skills.

The position involves collecting and processing specimens from hospital and outpatient settings, preparing and transporting specimens, maintaining equipment and supplies, and performing related clerical duties. The technician works independently within general guidelines, identifies and escalates abnormalities or unusual patient issues, and maintains infection-control and quality-improvement practices. The schedule includes various rotating shifts, including days, evenings, and weekends. This is not a virtual position.

Requirements

• For the GS-5 grade level, one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-4, including relevant knowledge and skills in phlebotomy procedures and procurement, patient response monitoring, standard precautions, infection control, asepsis, contaminated specimen management, anatomy and physiology relevant to blood drawing, and clinical instrument setup, cleaning, and routine maintenance; may also include directing patients, answering routine inquiries, and making referrals.
• Alternatively, successful completion of a full four-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree, with a major or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position.
• A combination of specialized experience and education beyond 60 semester hours toward a bachelor's degree may qualify, according to the stated substitution formula.
• Submit a transcript if education is used to qualify; qualifying education must be from an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation; drug testing may be required, and applicants selected for testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis before appointment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Complete the application package and online onboarding process, and provide acceptable identification for pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA healthcare personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• The work requires extensive and recurring physical exertion, including prolonged standing, bending, lifting, walking, stooping, and stretching; the role also involves constant exposure to blood and fluid products, sharps, and chemicals.

Responsibilities

• Explain work requirements and procedures, including instructions for specimen collection, preparation, special handling, and test analysis.
• Collect, receive, verify, sort, separate, prepare, and process specimens for testing from hospital and outpatient settings.
• Perform blood collection and multiple or simultaneous collections while following accurate patient and specimen identification procedures.
• Provide clinical patient support and prepare patients for procedures, including recognizing when a healthcare provider should be informed that collection could not be obtained.
• Conduct on-the-job training and provide orientation in phlebotomy and test procedures.
• Perform clerical duties, including maintaining work lists, logs, and records of procedures performed in drawing areas.
• Set up phlebotomy equipment and ensure equipment and ancillary equipment function to standard.
• Order and maintain specialized supplies for ancillary instruments used in drawing areas.
• Use initiative and independent judgment when general instructions do not provide specific details; seek supervisory assistance for unusual patient issues or unfamiliar situations.
• Recognize abnormalities and bring them to the attention of the appropriate medical or healthcare provider.
• Monitor the environment to ensure patient safety during phlebotomy procedures and respond flexibly in emergent patient-care situations.
• Transport specimens to the laboratory, including specimens requiring special handling.
• Clean, disinfect, and sterilize equipment according to Medical Center policies and procedures; follow infection-control guidelines.
• Participate in Continuous Quality Improvement activities and maintain effective interpersonal relationships with patients, families, and employees.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• VA may offer newly appointed federal employees credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval is required and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level