Medical Technician-Phlebotomy and Processing

Veterans Health Administration • Amarillo, TX

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The incumbent serves in the Phlebotomy and Processing section of the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service at the Amarillo VA HealthCare System, providing phlebotomy support for inpatients and outpatients. The role performs specimen collection, processing, and related testing support, coordinating the movement of specimens from collection through the laboratory sections to help ensure accurate and reliable results.

Most of the work involves routine venipuncture for inpatients, outpatients, Community Living Center patients, Community Based Outpatient Centers, and Emergency Room patients. The technician also receives and verifies test requests, sorts and logs specimens, checks transport requirements, prepares samples, distributes supplies, and supports phlebotomy room upkeep. Additional duties include instructing patients in specimen collection, using aseptic procedures, managing potentially hazardous specimens, resolving routine problems, and following laboratory and hospital procedures. The role includes clerical support for Laboratory Services calls and patient appointment information.

The work schedule may be Thursday through Sunday, 6:00 p.m. to 4:30 a.m., or Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; additional tours may be required to support patient care. The position requires weekend and holiday work on a fair and equitable rotation basis. Compressed scheduling is available; telework is not available, and the position is not virtual.

Physical work includes recurring standing, bending, walking, stooping, sitting, and stretching. Safe venipuncture requires digital dexterity and adequate vision. Lifting is limited to 10 pounds. The technician must use safety practices and equipment in accordance with medical center and accrediting agency requirements.

Requirements

• Six months of general experience and six months of specialized experience in technical medical laboratory support, such as laboratory testing and examinations and preparation of findings reports, or closely related technical support work applying relevant methods and techniques; alternatively, qualifying education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• If qualifying through education, submit transcripts; education used toward qualifications must include coursework directly related to the position.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Complete all required application steps and an online assessment.
• Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
• Selective Service registration is required for males born after December 31, 1959.
• Selected applicants must complete background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements and provide acceptable identification.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Work weekends and holidays on a fair and equitable rotation basis; additional tours may be required to support patient care.
• Perform venipuncture safely using adequate vision and digital dexterity, follow aseptic and safety practices, and meet the described physical demands.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine venipuncture and collect specimens from inpatients, outpatients, Community Living Center patients, Community Based Outpatient Centers, and Emergency Room patients.
• Submit blood samples to the clinical laboratory with minimal delay and minimize collection failures, bruising, and repeat sticks.
• Receive laboratory testing requests, verify their accuracy and completeness, and work with hospital personnel to correct discrepancies.
• Recognize emergency situations and take appropriate action.
• Receive, sort, log, and deliver specimens to laboratory sections; check request slips or shipping documents for required information.
• Verify transport requirements for laboratory specimens, including cultures and biopsies.
• Prepare samples for testing, including labeling, centrifugation, decanting, and allocation.
• Distribute, store, and deliver phlebotomy supplies and other materials; clean and restock the blood collection room and equipment storage areas.
• Receive phlebotomy requests using manual and computerized logging methods.
• Recollect inadequate or insufficient specimens and collect additional samples when needed for further testing.
• Instruct patients in urine and other specimen collection, including sterile and non-sterile urine, 24-hour urine, culture and sensitivity, ova and parasite, occult blood, flu, DNA testing, environmental surveillance, and urine drug screen collections.
• Measure and record urine volume after collection and store the specimen appropriately for analysis.
• Use standard aseptic procedures and safeguards; handle contaminated or potentially dangerous specimens according to agency requirements.
• Assist in writing and revising standard operating procedures related to job performance.
• Make independent decisions and take appropriate action to correct and solve problems.
• Call up laboratory blood collection lists at the correct times and reconcile uncollected orders.
• Observe and report physical or mental changes in patients during blood draws and follow hospital and section procedures for outpatient medical emergencies.
• Process specimens according to strict guidelines to preserve specimen integrity.
• Answer Laboratory Services calls, provide or locate accurate information, or refer callers to technical personnel.
• Provide patients with appointment dates, times, and clinic locations, and explain venipuncture procedures to encourage confidence and cooperation.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to employees and their families; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed