Health Technician

Summary

This position is at the full performance level located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration (VHA), at the New Jersey VA Medical Center in Acute Care. This position potentially requires flexibility in schedule and assignments, as this is a 24/7 hospital.

Duties

• Operates and supports providers and Registered Nurses in designated clinical area using diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments/equipment including Electrocardiogram, Spirometry, Visual Acuity Screening, and Bladder scan according to established procedures and with documented competency. Locates and sets up equipment needed for complex diagnostic procedures. Operates, calibrates, and maintains medical instruments or equipment. Monitors and plans equipment inventory, routine equipment maintenance, and serves as a unit resource for cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of non-critical, semi-critical, and critical Reusable Medical Devices. Demonstrates leadership in advocating patient safety and educate multidisciplinary staff in assigned area on RMD. Gathers screening data on patients admitted to the hospital to include fall risk, allergies, current medications, homelessness, abuse, means and mode of arrival, danger to self or others, and exposure to communicable diseases. Recognizes and informs appropriate multidisciplinary health care team of deviations from baseline screening parameters. Performs phlebotomy in designated areas. Applies basic splints and performs dressing changes in designated areas. Performs Point of Care testing using glucometer devices according to established unit procedures and with competency validation. Educates other HT staff and serves as the expert resource in specialized equipment/supply maintenance, operation, and quality assurance monitoring. The HT assists doctors and nurses in the performance of diagnostic examinations by performing duties such as monitoring vital signs and positioning the patient, or by performing a variety of routine diagnostic tests per policy. The HT obtains and records measurements and vital signs and then reports deviations in vital signs and/or weight to the RN or provider. As directed by an RN, the HT performs routine diagnostic tests such as venipuncture, electrocardiogram, bladder scans, visual acuity screening appropriate for assigned clinical areas and demonstrated competency. Performs TMO monitoring as assigned. May be designated as a Rapid Response Team member when assigned to the ICU. The HT performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient including transporting patients via wheelchair or gurney, and/or accompanies ambulatory patients who need assistance to various areas within the hospital Applies protective devices such as body holders/vests, soft restraints, padded mitts, side rails, etc Schedules procedures, provider evaluations, and coordinates appointments with other services. Orders and maintains specialized supplies needed for equipment and instruments used in assigned unit Works with logistics and nursing staff to establish par levels of supplies for assigned unit and ensures supplies are readily available for patient care. Assists with stocking and room turn-over to ensure the patient care environment is prepared to receive and care for patients. Performs other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: as needed by the service. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD39018A

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period or trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Education

There is no educational substitution at this grade level.