Health Technician-Emergency Department

Veterans Health Administration • Daytona Beach, FL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Health Technician (HCT) provides a wide variety of basic and intermediate clinical and administrative support functions in the Emergency Department (ED), Nursing Service, at the Orlando VA Medical Center. The HCT supports acute and non-acute direct patient care and assists families, visitors, and employees as needed. The role includes collecting and documenting patient information, supporting clinical procedures, responding to changes in patient condition, assisting with safe patient movement, and helping maintain ED supplies and patient flow.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-5 grade level in the normal line of progression for the occupation.
• Experience applying the knowledge, methods, and techniques relevant to the technician position.
• Experience interviewing patients to collect information about 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, with skills to identify and properly use equipment and supplies.
• Ability to communicate and treat veterans, their representatives, visitors, and VA staff courteously, tactfully, and respectfully, and provide consistent information in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Must complete the required application, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Must complete a background/security investigation and online onboarding requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Must serve a one-year probationary period.
• Applicants must meet all requirements by the announcement closing date, 10/19/2026.

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, and suctioning equipment; recognize and promptly report abnormal findings to a physician and/or RN.
• Obtain and interpret 12-lead EKGs, enter required information accurately, recognize abnormalities and rhythm changes, 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 transfer techniques; assist patients with safe ambulation and transfers.
• Verbally report and/or document patient observations and treatment in the medical record using standard nomenclature and approved forms.
• Set up oxygen equipment and identify correct oxygen delivery.
• 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 ambulances, and direct them to the appropriate treatment area.
• Gather information about the presenting complaint 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 Medical Center resources.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package for employees and their families.
• VA may offer newly appointed federal employees credit for job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; this must be requested and approved before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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