Medical Technician - Phlebotomist

Medical Technician - PhlebotomistDuties include but are not limited to: Phlebotomy - 50% - Collect and label blood and other specimens, including urine, sputum, and body fluids, using proper sterile and standard precautions. Perform venipuncture on inpatient and outpatient Veterans, including difficult collections, while minimizing failed attempts, bruising, and resticks. Verify patient identity using two approved identifiers and ensure specimens are labeled with required patient information, collection date/time, and collector identification. Evaluate specimen quality and suitability for testing and follow special handling instructions, including transport on ice, immediate delivery, or protection from light. Assess patients' physical and emotional condition before and during collection procedures. Explain procedures, position patients appropriately, and provide courteous, compassionate care to promote comfort and cooperation. Follow infection-control, safety, PPE, and standard-precaution requirements during all specimen collections. Respond to collection emergencies, provide preliminary first aid as appropriate, and promptly report fainting, bruising, illness, injury, behavioral changes, or other unusual conditions. Assist with challenging collections and respond to requests for support from staff. Maintain proficiency, efficiency, and professionalism while completing collection duties. Accessioning and Processing - 30% - Receive, accession, label, process, and transport specimens using automated and manual methods and laboratory information systems. Receive specimens from Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs), compare specimens with manifests, and resolve discrepancies or missing information. Review laboratory orders, specimen labels, request information, and specimen integrity; independently contact appropriate clinical staff to resolve problems. Process urine specimens for Clinical Testing Unit/ Chemistry testing and load appropriate specimens onto analyzers according to specimen type, tube requirements, and testing procedures. Perform microbiology setup, including accessioning, specimen plating, media selection, incubation, slide preparation, and Gram staining according to established protocols. Set up molecular testing, load cartridges onto the appropriate analyzer, and collect and load blood cultures using aseptic technique. Instruct patients in proper collection of midstream clean-catch urine, 24-hour urine, stool, culture and sensitivity, occult blood, timed, and other specimens. Transport routine and STAT specimens promptly from collection areas or patient floors to the testing laboratory. Monitor supplies, rotate stock, remove outdated materials, and report supply needs to the Lead Medical Technician or supervisor. Collect employee drug screens using the DHHS split-specimen method, maintain chain of custody, complete required documentation, and maintain Drug-Free Workplace training. Administrative and Customer Service - 20% - Greet patients and visitors and assist with automated or manual phlebotomy and laboratory-service check-in procedures. Answer laboratory-related questions, provide directions, and refer patients or representatives to the appropriate staff when needed. Provide first-line troubleshooting for automated check-in systems and clearly report problems and corrective actions to supervisory or lead staff. Use hospital computer systems to review and accept laboratory orders, retrieve information, document activities, and research or resolve specimen-related issues. Communicate effectively with Veterans, families, visitors, clinical staff, and laboratory personnel. Contribute positively to team morale and demonstrate flexibility, initiative, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Obtain and maintain CPR certification as required by the Medical Center. Complete mandatory training and perform other duties as assigned.Work Schedule: Overnight shift, 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician - Phlebotomist / PD93129A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized