The position of Health Technician provides clinical and administrative support in a wide variety of patient care and related activities in an Inpatient Acute Care, 2W setting at the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. The purpose of this position is to be a productive team member carrying out a variety of technical functions including electrocardiograph, respiratory, nursing, laboratory, and miscellaneous administrative/ clerical duties.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 07/16/2025. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-05 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: a.) Knowledge of anatomy, first aid and basic patient care. Ability to establish rapport and interview patients to collect information and data about current health status and immediate needs. Able to communicate findings orally and in writing clearly and succinctly. Ability to work effectively with patients/families in crisis. b.) Knowledge of medical terminology, drug terminology, and equipment/ supply terminology, and skills sufficient to identify and use equipment and supplies properly. Ability to communicate proper use with nurses, medical staff, and family members. c.) An understanding of disease and illness and skill sufficient to teach patients. Provides instruction on self-care at home. Reinforces to patient and family members the importance of compliance with the prescribed plan of care. d.) Knowledge of electrocardiograph (ECGs, cardiac monitoring) and vital sign measurement equipment. Knowledge of the special applications of technical equipment, abnormal measurements and appropriate steps to initiate. e.) Working knowledge of priorities for inpatient care, medical terminology, and the operation/documentation of our EMR. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major Duties: Obtaining and documenting patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, weight, oxygen saturation, and postural vitals). Preparing patients for 12 lead ECGs using various types of ECG machines. Observing changes in patient condition and reporting signs and symptoms to the professional nurse. Troubleshooting, cleaning, calibrating, and maintaining all electrocardiographs and other equipment to maintain a safe, clean work area. Collecting labs to include the identification process of using two identifiers, and ensuring labs are transported to the laboratory for processing. Performing venipuncture and arterial puncture to obtain serum blood samples as ordered according to policy and procedures. Insertion and removal of peripheral IV according to policy and procedures. Performing finger stick blood glucose testing and documenting/reporting results. Performing foley catheter insertions and irrigations, and discontinuing catheters as ordered. Moving, lifting, transferring, and transporting patients as necessary using proper equipment and correct transfer techniques. Preferred Experience: Med/Surg within last two years Work Schedule: Rotating Shifts: Day/Evening/Nights Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD03465A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized