Health Technician-Emergency Department

Veterans Health Administration • Winter Park, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Technician (HCT) provides basic and intermediate clinical and administrative support for acute and non-acute direct patient care in the Emergency Department (ED), Nursing Service, at the Orlando VA Medical Center. The role supports patients, families, visitors, and employees as needed.

The technician performs and documents clinical measurements and procedures, assists with safe patient movement and transfers, observes and reports changes in patient condition, and helps ensure accurate medical records and quality patient care. The role also supports ED operations by welcoming and directing arriving patients and visitors, gathering information about presenting complaints, maintaining supplies, and directing patients to Medical Center resources.

The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with flexibility to meet service needs. This is not a virtual position. A one-year probationary period is required. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change-of-station authorization are not available.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-5, in the normal line of progression.
• Experience applying knowledge, methods, and techniques relevant to the technician position.
• Experience interviewing patients and collecting information about their current health status and immediate needs.
• Experience obtaining and documenting patient vital signs and performing 12-lead EKGs, including recognizing abnormalities and changes.
• Ability to observe changes in patient condition and report signs and symptoms to an RN, MD, NP, or PA.
• Ability to recognize emergency situations and respond appropriately.
• Proficiency in medical, drug, and equipment/supply terminology, and the skills to identify and use equipment and supplies properly.
• Ability to communicate with and treat veterans, their representatives, visitors, and VA staff courteously, tactfully, and respectfully, and to provide consistent information according to established policies and procedures.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Completion of the required application, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Selected applicants must undergo a background/security investigation and pre-employment onboarding. Tentatively selected applicants in testing-designated positions are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• A one-year probationary period is required.
• A pre-placement physical examination is not required. The work has no inherent physical requirements essential to successful performance that could not be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment.
• There is no educational substitution at this grade level.

Responsibilities

• Obtain and document patient vital signs, including blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, oxygen saturation, and postural vital signs; report deviations.
• Set up and use electronic and manual vital-sign equipment, pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2, suctioning equipment, and oxygen equipment; identify correct oxygen delivery and promptly report abnormal findings to a physician or registered nurse.
• Obtain and interpret 12-lead EKGs, enter required information accurately, recognize abnormalities and changes in rhythm strips, and take appropriate action.
• Perform venipuncture to obtain ordered serum blood samples in accordance with applicable VHA, Medical Center, ED, and laboratory policies and procedures.
• Move, lift, transfer, and transport patients using proper equipment and techniques; assist patients with safe ambulation and transfers.
• Verbally report and/or document patient observations and treatments in the medical record using standard nomenclature and approved forms.
• Observe, report, and record general and specific physical and behavioral signs or symptoms of changes in a patient's condition.
• Greet and assist arriving patients, families, visitors, and ambulance arrivals, and direct them to the appropriate treatment area.
• Gather information about patients' presenting complaints from patients or family members and report it to the RN or Charge Nurse.
• Order, maintain, and stock ED supplies.
• Provide educational materials and direct patients to appropriate resources within the Medical Center.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefit eligibility depends on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• VA may grant qualifying newly appointed federal employees credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; this requires prior approval and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed