The Primary Purpose of the Position is: To serve as a member of the Emergency Department team performing a variety of examination, diagnostic procedures and clerical duties. The Health Technician is also certified in Preventive Management of Disturbed Behavior, (PMDB). To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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: Obtaining and documenting patients' vital signs; Initiating cardiac monitoring correctly, and is able to print vital sign history, taking appropriate action for critical values; Performing finger stick blood glucose testing, specialized treatments and documents and reports results according to policy and procedure; Performing Diagnostic Tests and Procedures, positions patients for procedures. Recognizes certain abnormalities in the ECG strip, e.g., premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, brachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, etc.; notifies the RN or physician immediately; Observing changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the professional nurse or physician; Initiating cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to A.H.A standards; maintains BLS and ACLS certification; Performing venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples and blood cultures as ordered according to policy and procedures; Collecting labels and sending laboratory specimens as ordered according to policy and procedure. 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. ["This is an open continuous announcement. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and qualified candidates will be considered as vacancies become available. Applications will remain on file until May 29, 2023.The first cut-off date is December 16, 2022. Duties include but are not limited to: Receives requests or instructions for procedures. Interprets requests or instructions for medical or health care personnel. Performs as technician in charge of office. Receives assignments for a variety of difficult examinations. Employee independently interprets and carries out the requests. Obtains and documents patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, oxygen saturation and orthostatic vital signs). Able to set-up and use electronic thermometers, vital sign measurement equipment, and pulse oximetry. Recognizes and reports abnormal values to RN or ED physician staff. Initiates cardiac monitoring correctly, and is able to print vital sign history. Prepares patient for and obtains 12 lead ECGs; provides privacy and emotional support during test. Recognizes certain abnormalities in the ECG strip, e.g. premature ventricular contractions, tachycardia, brachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, etc.; notifies the RN or physician immediately. Able to retrieve and print patient 12 lead EKGs from computer system (CPRS - VISTA imaging)/or EKG database via modem. Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples and blood cultures as ordered according to policy and procedures. Collects labels and sends laboratory specimens as ordered according to policy and procedure. Performs finger stick blood glucose testing and documents and reports results according to policy and procedure. Takes appropriate action for critical values. Performs a variety of specialized treatments which may include: Nasal pharyngeal and/or tracheostomy suctioning Inserting straight foley catheterizations Inserting urethral foley catheters Irrigation supra-public catheters Instituting and monitoring bladder irrigation via 3 way urethral catheter Documents and reports results appropriately. Moves, lifts, transfers and transports patients as necessary using proper lift equipment and correct transfer techniques. Assists patients to ambulate and transfer safely. Observes changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the professional nurse or ED physician. Recognizes emergency situations and responds to them appropriately. Assist providers with specialized exams/procedures in the ED by preparing patient, handing instruments to the provider providing emotional support to the patients; cleans equipment and room between procedures using proper infection control techniques. Follows standard procedures set by infection control in all aspects of daily duties. Disposes of infectious material correctly. Verbally reports and/or documents in the medical record observations of and treatment given to patient to insure accurate records and quality of care, using standard nomenclature and approved forms. Will initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation according to A.H.A standards; maintains BLS and ACLS certification. In the event of disturbed patient behavior, assist in producing a safe resolution of the disturbance without undo injury to patient or staff. Able to attend to patient needs as \"sitter\", while under \"close observation\" or when in restraints. Attends bi-annual PMBD training. Cleans stretchers, wheelchairs and equipment according to policy and procedures. Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of equipment and supplies. Assist with preparation of patients designated for admission including separation, securing and inventory of clothing/valuables. Work Schedule: Full-time, All Shifts with rotating weekends and Holidays Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician (Emergency Room)~/07908-A Physical Requirements: Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds; Light lifting, under 15 pounds; Moderate carrying, 15-44 pounds; Light carrying, under 15 pounds; Pulling hand over hand (8-12 hours); Pushing (8-12 hours); Reaching above shoulder; Use of fingers; Both hands required; Walking (8-12 hours); Walking (8-12 hours); Kneeling (8-12 hours); Climbing, legs only (8-12 hours); Climbing, use of legs and arms; Both legs required; Near vision correctable at 13\" to 16\" to Jaeger 1 to 4; Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid may be permitted)"]
About Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration
Providing Health Care for Veterans: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,255 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,074 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics), serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year.
