Health Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs

This position is located within the Veterans Health Administration's Central Virginia VA Health Care System at the Fredericksburg Health Care Center under the Richmond VA Medical Center. The position reports directly to the Supervisory Medical Technologist and supports the delivery of high-quality laboratory services within the clinic.

• The selected candidate performs technical work in one or more areas of the Anatomic or Clinical Laboratory, such as chemistry, blood banking, hematology, coagulation, urinalysis, microbiology, histology, and cytology. Performs Venipuncture using specialized techniques for cleansing the blood collection site to prevent bacterial contamination, which is critical to patient care. Draws blood tests ordered by providers for inpatients, outpatients, and employee health. Ensures accountability of specimens by proper and complete labeling with the patient's name and identification and initials all tubes drawn at the patient's bedside or chair side. Follows standard precautions in the use of personal protection equipment and complies with other Medical Center infection control requirements and the handling and disposal of biohazardous materials Skilled and proficient in venipuncture in varying states of debilitation (i.e., paralysis, stroke, mentally unstable, spinal cord injuries in fetal position, and contractures). Provides care based on physical, psychosocial, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served. Responsible for receiving and preparing patient samples for testing in the clinical laboratory and evaluating the acceptability of each specimen, documenting discrepancies, and resolving potential problems. Instructs patients and Medical Center staff on the proper handling of urine and stool collection requirements. Performs specimen processing strictly adhering to Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) and local/agency requirements. Skilled in the selection of proper plates, inoculation technique, and incubation requirements for biological fluids for bacterial growth in Microbiology. Resolves and documents any pre-analytical issues for presentation in the Quality Assurance Improvement Committee (QAIC) for tracking of trends and drifts. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 5:30pm Position Description/PD#:Outpatient Health Technician - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service/PD01599A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized

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