Health Technician (Phlebotomy)

Department of Veterans Affairs

The position is located in the Mid-Atlantic Health Care Network (VISN 6), Fayetteville NC VA Coastal Healthcare System, in the Pathology & Laboratory service, at the Wilmington VA Clinic, in Wilmington, NC. The position serves as a Health Technician (Phlebotomy) in the core laboratory section. The Health Technician (Phlebotomy) will perform duties in the receiving, accessioning and specimen processing area.

• Major duties of the Health Technician (Phlebotomy) include but are not limited to: Properly identifies patients utilizing the full name and social security number before collecting, processing and /or hospital computer entry of requests. Compares orders from multiple physicians and request the medical technologist to combine the orders. Properly identifies, labels and collection blood bank specimens for STAT and routine testing while next to the patient bedside or chair side. Proficient in phlebotomizing patient in varying debilitation (i.e., paralysis, stroke, mentally unstable, spinal cord injuries in fetal position and contractures). Performs phlebotomy using specialized techniques for cleansing the blood collection site to prevent bacterial contamination that's critical to patient care, to ensure the contamination rate of blood cultures remains with in guidelines with blood culture contamination. Draws the blood tests ordered by providers for inpatients, outpatients, CBOC patients and for requested drug screens. Applies knowledge of human anatomy, aseptic and sterile techniques and phlebotomy equipment in selection of the phlebotomy site, taking into consideration the condition of the patient, age group, and the type of test requested. Selects proper vacutainer tubes for testing using various sized needles, and/or butterfly collection devices to collect appropriate specimens. Establishes proper identity of all patients, ensures accountability of specimens by proper and complete labeling with patient's name and identification and initials all tubes drawn. 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. Organizes work in the collection room to ensure optimal patient flow. Keeps phlebotomy work areas, carts, and storages clean, well-stocked and organized with supplies. Rotates supplies as needed. Removes expired supplies. Completes weekend duty list. Answers telephone in the main laboratory assist with collection questions and refer other question to the medical technologist on duty. May be occasionally assigned to perform Stat/On Demand blood draws. Responsible for maintaining the integrity of the sample. Sample integrity requires 1) appropriate sample submitted for testing, 2) adequate volume of same, 3) correct tube 2 type 4) correct storage and packing of sample, 5) sample is free of contaminants which may compromise the reporting of results, and 6) correct collection of the presence of an intravenous infusion site. Performs blood drawing in a courteous manner and monitors the patient throughout the collection process, ensuring patient safety, observing blood flow, adequate mixing of specimen, and confirming blood flow stops at appropriate time. Possesses proficiency in phlebotomy, being able to draw all but the most difficult patients and follows proper procedures for redrawing blood. Completes the urine drug screen and blood draw quickly to produce quality specimens. Administers first aid, if necessary, to counteract unfavorable patient reactions. Provides care based on physical, psychosocial, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served. In patient emergencies, completes appropriate alert notifications, or initiates emergency patient treatment procedures, to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other basic patient support functions. Monitors patients or directs monitoring of patients during and after procedures. Provides training and guidance in phlebotomy techniques to intern students, volunteers, medical technologist and new hires when directed. Records workload data is required for turnaround times and STAT's. Notify the Team Leader or supervisor of all uncollected specimens immediately. Documents each instance on the phlebotomy forms. Other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Phlebotomy)/PD08432A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized

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