Duties

The Healthcare Technician functions as a highly skilled member of the staff and provides administrative and clinical support for the delivery of acute and non-acute care in the ED. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Obtain and document 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. Recognize and report abnormal values to RN or ED physician staff.
• Initiate cardiac monitoring correctly, and is able to admit/discharge patients from monitoring system and print rhythms strips.
• Initiate the collection of labs based on approved Nursing Protocols as directed by RN.
• Prepare patient for and obtain 12 lead ECGs; provide privacy and emotional support during test.
• Recognize 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.
• Perform venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples and blood cultures as ordered according to policy and procedures.
• Able to insert angiocaths into peripheral arm veins, obtain blood for laboratory test.
• Collect labels and send laboratory specimens as ordered according to policy and procedure.
• Perform finger stick blood glucose testing and document and report results according to policy and procedure. Take appropriate action for critical values.
• Perform foley catheter insertions and irrigation according to policy and procedure, able to discontinue catheters as ordered. Document and report results appropriately.
• Move, lift, transfer and transport patients as necessary using proper equipment and correct transfer techniques. Assist patients to ambulate and transfer safely.
• Observe changes in patient condition and report signs and symptoms in such cases to the professional nurse. Recognize emergency situations and respond to them appropriately.
• Assist physician with specialized exams/procedures in the ED by preparing patient, handing instruments to the provider providing emotional support to the patients; clean equipment and room between procedures using proper infection control techniques.
• Follow standard procedures set by infection control in all aspects of daily duties. Dispose of infectious material correctly.
• Verbally report and/or document 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.
• 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", 1:1 observation for SI/HI patients, and "close observation" as indicated.
• Clean stretchers, wheelchairs and equipment according to policy and procedures. Assist in maintaining adequate inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Assist with preparation of patients designated for admission including separation, securing and inventory of clothing/valuables.
• Assist with answering call lights, comfort measures, and provision of fluids/food to patients as needed. Provide support and reassurance. Secure the confidence and cooperation of patients to achieve desired results.
• Perform sterile dressings changes, ace bandage application, unna boot application, suture removal, application of heat/cold as ordered. Able to measure and fit patient for crutches and instruct in use. Assist with teaching patients self-care at home.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this job
• Subject to a background/suitability investigation
• 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.
• May serve a probationary period
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959
• A complete application package; Resume, Transcripts, etc
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Review our benefits

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  Documents Accepted:

  • Cover Letter
  • DD-214/ Statement of Service
  • Disability Letter (Schedule A)
  • Disability Letter (VA)
  • Other Application Documentation
  • PCS Orders
  • Performance Appraisal
  • Professional Certification
  • Proof of Marriage Status
  • Resume
  • Separation Notice (RIF)
  • SF-15
  • SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action
  • Transcript

  Documents Required:
  

  • Resume

  Please review the above list(s) to ensure you have included all necessary documents required for your application.Not every applicant will require the same documents, therefore it is the applicants responsibility to ensure that their application package includes all necessary documents to determine qualifications and eligibility for appointment, such as a copy of your SF-50, transcript, ICTAP/CTAP documentation (for displaced Federal employees).You will not be contacted for additional information. Applicants will be deemed ineligible if supporting documentation is not submitted.
  Veterans' Preference: Since the Direct-Hire Recruitment Authority is being used, traditional Veterans' Preference rules do not apply. Qualified veterans will, however, be given full consideration for this position.
  Applications are accepted online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  All applicants are encouraged to apply online.
  To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 01/31/2024 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12287608.
  1. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.
  2. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package.
  NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

  Agency contact information

  VISN 17 SSU USAS Group

  Email

  VISN17SSUUSAS@va.gov

  Address

  Audie L Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital
  7400 Merton Minter Boulevard
  San Antonio, TX 78229
  US

  Next steps

  After the vacancy announcement closes, applicants are evaluated to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

ALL US CITIZENS. DIRECT HIRE AUTHORITY: This position is being filled using Direct-Hire Authority (5 CFR 337.201) for this occupation.