Medical Technician - Phlebotomist

<p>This position is in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), South Central VA Health Care Network (VISN 16), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in Houston, Texas, under Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service (PLMS). The incumbent is a Medical Technician (Phlebotomist) performing a variety of clinical and administrative functions.</p><h3>Major Duties</h3><p>*THIS IS NOT A VIRTUAL POSITION, YOU MUST LIVE WITHIN OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE WITHIN A COMMUTABLE DISTANCE OF THE DUTY LOCATION* Major duties and responsibilities include: Processes a wide variety of complex specimens from hospitalized patients and patients from outpatient and community-based clinics. Receives, routes and stores specimens noting labeling, contamination, hemolysis, shortage or other errors in sampling, recognizing common environmental or other considerations that could affect the results. Draws blood from patients for requested laboratory tests. This includes special drawing techniques and assuring proper tubes are used and the correct amount of blood is drawn. Verifies patient as the individual denoted on the request and labels all tubes with the patient's name, social security number, date and time to insure proper identification. Performs glucose Tolerance Tests and other specialized blood collections as indicated. Incumbent has direct patient contact and must treat all patients with the utmost courtesy and respect. Performs all types of specimen collection in a courteous manner. Provides for patient comfort. Adheres to safety, infection control, and universal precautions at all times while drawing specimen samples. This includes such things as removing tourniquets and wearing gloves. Instructs patients in proper sterile midstream urine collections, 24-hour urine collection and the collection of specimens for culture and sensitivity, ova parasites and occult bloods. Responds to, reports and assists in emergency situations. Must know first aid procedures for the care of patients who become sick or faint while having blood drawn. Observes and reports any physical or mental changes while patients are being drawn. Uses the VA computer system when processing specimens. Samples are accepted into the computer for testing, or the order removed from the computer if samples are not collected. Protects the security of the computer system and maintains patient confidentiality. Maintains accurate and orderly operational and quality control logs, records and worksheets where required according to established department protocol. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 12:00am-8:00am, Monday-Friday 4:00am-12:30pm, Monday-Friday 3:30pm-12:00am, or Monday-Friday 7:00pm-3:30am (actual shift to be determined by supervisor). All shifts may include alternating holidays and weekends. Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved Designated Drug-Testing Position: Applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Applicants will not be appointed to the position if a verified positive drug test result is received.</p><h3>Requirements</h3>You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.<h3>Education</h3>IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. NOTE: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).