The position of Healthcare Technician (HT) in the Emergency Department (ED) at the West Palm Beach VA Medical Center involves providing clinical support in a variety of patient care and related activities. At this level, the HT functions as an integral member of the nursing care team, assisting licensed nursing staff in the care of patients. The primary goal of this role is to enhance the delivery of patient care.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirement: Positions in this series range widely in type and include support duties to medical or health personnel such as audiologists, speech pathologists, medical officers, and optometrists. Therefore, technician experience is experience that required application of the knowledge, methods, and techniques of the position to be filled. In addition to the Individual Occupational Requirement, you may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below:GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: (1) Knowledge of how to perform one's job. Refers to specialized knowledge that is acquired through formal training or extensive on-the-job experience (2) Uses proper specimen collection techniques (phlebotomy/venipuncture, finger sticks, urine, sputum, tissue, etc.); selects appropriate site for sample collection to minimize patient discomfort; uses correct containers and labels; monitors patients for adverse reactions. (3) Promotes infection prevention and control. Demonstrates application of the principles of infection control in all activities (i.e. proper hand washing procedures, etc.). Understands and utilizes standard precautions and uses proper protective equipment. OR, Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have a successful completion of at least One half year of graduate education (9 semester hours) of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field directly related to the work of the position to be filled. OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of specialized experience and graduate level education as described that demonstrates your ability to perform the duties of this position. Preferred Experience: Current EMT-P or EMT-B certification Certified Nursing Assistant BLS Certification 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; religions; 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.
Duties include, but are not limited to: Collects and records patients' vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration rate, actual weight, oxygen saturation, and postural vital signs. The healthcare technician can set up and utilize electronic thermometers, vital sign measurement devices, and performing manual measurements as necessary, along with using pulse oximetry and suction equipment. They also identify and report any abnormal values to the registered nurse. Correctly connects patients to cardiac monitoring, manages patient admissions and discharges within the monitoring system, and prints rhythm strips as needed. Prepares patient for and obtains a 12 lead EKGs using the EKG machine. The HT prepares the patient for an examination by the physician and provides the patient with privacy and emotional support. Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples according to VHA, Medical Center, ED, and Laboratory policy and procedures. Obtains and labels all lab specimens at the patient's bedside and sends them to the laboratory according to policy and procedure. Performs finger stick blood glucose testing and reports to the nurse the results. Moves, lifts, transfers, and transports patients as necessary using proper equipment and correct transfer techniques. Assist patients to ambulate and transfer safely. Observes changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the nurse. Recognizes emergency situations and responds to them appropriately. Uses sound judgment to work with the RN staff to prioritize patients with acute medical needs and institute timely interventions. Assists with answering phones and placing calls/pages as needed. Participates in keeping the patient tracking board updated. Work Schedule: 7pm-7:30am, 11am-11:30pm with rotating weekends, holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Emergency Department)/PD03087A Physical Requirements: The work requires the HT to be mobile throughout the Emergency Department and medical center as needed, involving sitting, standing, walking, bending, pushing, and lifting (moderately heavy). The HT should be capable of prolonged sitting/standing/walking and be physically capable of pushing equipment, wheelchairs and patient stretchers. Proper lifting and body mechanics must be always utilized to prevent injury.