This position is located in the Specimen Processing Section of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service at the VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System in Nashville, TN, Duties include varied responsibilities in the Specimen Processing/Reference Testing Section but may also involve similar duties in other sections such as Urinalysis, Microbiology, and Chemistry.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), No person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English in order to meet the requirements of this position. In addition to the language proficiency requirement, the following is also required: EXPERIENCE: At least one (1) full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-4 grade level in the Federal service that equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSA's) to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is: (a) Technical medical laboratory support work such as performing laboratory tests and examinations (chemical, microbiologic, hematologic and blood banking) and preparing reports of findings or (b) technical support work in a closely related field, e.g., biological laboratory technician work, that required application of the methods and techniques for the position to be filled. At this level, specialized experience should include experience performing a variety of relatively standardized tests, examinations, and determinations. The procedures and techniques are well-established but involve many meticulous sequential steps to complete a test; and following written procedures which give carefully detailed instructions on each step of the assigned test and examinations. ~OR~ EDUCATION: Successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects appropriate to the position to be filled. (Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) ~OR~ COMBINATION OF EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: An equivalent combination of post-high school education and specialized experience as described above. Note: Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirements. (Transcripts must be submitted at time of application) SELECTIVE PLACEMENT FACTOR: This position includes a Selective Placement Factor (skill, knowledge, ability, or other worker characteristic basic to - and essential for - satisfactory performance of the job). Selective Placement Factors are a prerequisite to appointment and represent minimum requirement for a position. Applicants who do not meet it are ineligible for further consideration. The Selective Placement Factor for this position is: Experience performing phlebotomy/blood draws on human patients. You will be rated on the following Competencies as part of the assessment questionnaire for this position: Computer Skills Customer Service (Clerical/Technical) Patient Care Quality Assurance Specimen Collection IMPORTANT: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. All experience listed on your resume must include the month and year start/end dates. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Physical Requirements: The work requires manual dexterity and recurring physical exertion such as standing for long periods of time, bending, reaching for supplies, and lifting (up to 15 lbs.). For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
***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: Performs phlebotomy as required/directed (usually limited to medical center employees) following established procedures for identification/collection/labeling/processing. Collects samples appropriate for the tests requested by the physician using the correct preservatives, anticoagulants, collection intervals and /or times, and patient condition(s). Ensures specimen integrity for testing by placing the specimen on ice, protecting the specimen from light, etc. as may be required. Practices universal precautions including appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing phlebotomies and handling specimens. Operates equipment including performance / maintaining records of quality control and limited maintenance on lab equipment such as centrifuges, refrigerators, freezers, electronic devices. Monitors and maintains supply records to include ordering, tracking, receipt, and expiration dates Initiates the receipt of specimens into the laboratory computer system (VISTA) utilizing ward order entry or multipurpose accessioning. Evaluates the suitability of the specimen for analysis, requesting new specimen if determined to be unusable. Prepares specimens for analysis, insuring that the physiologic state of the specimen properties is maintained. Processes / prepares samples for reference testing. Performs computer functions relative to reference testing including requesting special tests, generating work-lists, and data entry of results. Performs other related duties as assigned. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 11AM - 7:30PM, with rotating weekends/holidays Recruitment & Relocation Incentives: Not authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not approved