Medical Technician

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) in Inpatient and/or Outpatient Specimen Acquisition. A Medical Technician (phlebotomist) performs a variety of clinical and administrative functions. Major Duties: * 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. Must be proficient in the area of phlebotomy, being able to work with even the most difficult patients and follows proper procedures for redrawing blood. In addition, must develop the essential speed required to complete the blood drawing duties. * 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. * Assists in teaching laboratory and CBOC personnel theoretical and practical aspects of phlebotomy, a variety of specimen collections, and urine/blood specimen requirements. * Must be able to respond to, report and assist 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. * Performs and exhibits knowledge and skills specific to the adult and geriatric patient. Provides care based on psychosocial, educational, safety and related criteria, appropriate to the age of patients served. * 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. * Assures that phlebotomy tray is adequately replenished as required. * Performs other specialized accessioning procedures as directed in Hematology, Special Hematology, Chemistry, Special Chemistry, Blood Bank (blood gases) and in Microbiology (blood cultures). * Assists with maintaining a neat and clean work area. * Assists with heavy workload. Willingly helps other Medical Technician (phlebotomist) who need assistance. Work Schedule: Various schedules from Monday to Friday 3:30 pm-12:00 am/ 04:00 am to 1230 pm/ 12:00 am- 08:00 am Alternating Holidays & Weekends and from Monday to Friday 07:00 am- 3:30 pm. Tour of Duty will be based on position selected, subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Telework: Not authorized for telework. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Medical Technician/PD04163A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Created: 2026-04-16