The Health Technician works as a member of the Nursing - Inpatient Medical/Surgical and Critical Care Team. This position is assigned to the Emergency Department (ED) area within Patient Care Services. The Health Technician assists medical and nursing staff through technical, specialized or support services for the diagnosing or treatment of patient illnesses or medical conditions.
Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Supports professional, licensed providers, both nurses and physicians in designated clinical area using diagnostic and therapeutic medical instruments and equipment to perform non-invasive Electrocardiograms and Bladder Scans according to established procedures. Applies basic orthopedic splints and performs dressing changes in designated areas. Performs phlebotomy in designated areas.
Performs Point of Care (POC) testing using glucometer and I-Stat devices and CLIA-waived testing as authorized, according to established unit procedures. Documents treatments, procedures, and/or telemetry identification conducted by the incumbent in the electronic medical record. Provides non-professional medical and technical support to professional staff during diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Recognizes and informs appropriate multidisciplinary health care team of deviations from baseline screening parameters. Prepares and sets up equipment, etc., for procedures performed by licensed providers, including laceration repair, chest tube insertion, lumbar puncture, etc. Assists professional, licensed providers, including nursing staff and physicians, in the care and treatment of the critically ill and those with emergent needs.
Observes and reports to the provider changes in patient behavior, attitude, bodily complaints, and appearance. Performs standardized treatment procedures requiring considerable training and experience such as performing pharyngeal (mouth cavity) suctions, setting up pulse oximetry, and observing cardiac waveforms; obtains, reads, measures, and interprets electrocardiogram monitoring.
Identifies life-threatening dysrhythmias; activates the appropriate codes and/or steps required to call for definitive help; initiates appropriate action according to established procedures. Performs Basic Life Support, including the operation of the Automated External Defibrillator (or equivalent); applicable protocols are observed. Performs procedures as indicated and pre-authorized, through prior competency assessment.
Utilizes the paging system, answers phones and call lights. Provides non-professional nursing care to patients experiencing extremes of behavior on a regular and recurring basis. Intervenes when patients express or display suicidal ideation by utilizing techniques per established procedures to keep the patient safe, and maintain personal safety, while awaiting assistance.
Performs constant observation for high-risk patients and follows procedures to ensure safety of room environment, maintaining line-of-sight visual surveillance, and reporting changes in patient behavior to the professional nursing staff member(s). Performs a wide variety of duties aimed at increasing the comfort and spirit of the patient.
Transports patients via wheelchair or gurney, accompanying ambulatory patients who need assistance reporting to various areas within the hospital including clinics, diagnostic areas, and treatment areas in the absence of, or non-availability, of medical escort staff. Performs simple personal care duties such as bathing, oral, nail, and hair care. Assists patients with physical limitations such as swallowing disorders with meals.
Assists patients with toileting needs, providing incontinent care as necessary. Performs basic personal nursing care that requires knowledge of standardized procedures such as performance of active/passive range-of-motion activities, ensuring that catheters and oxygen cannula, etc., remain intact. Assists with application of protective devices such as soft restraints, padded mitts, side rails, etc. as necessary, per established procedures.
Identifies physical, social, psychological, and cultural needs of patients by applying relevant growth and development processes specific to the age of the patient, as well as direct communication as the patient is able. Empowers patients and their families, encouraging them to acknowledge and address personal healthcare issues and embrace recommended follow up and self-care.
Performs administrative tasks and manages various support functions such as maintaining control records for specimens, tests, and documenting measurements taken. Initiates work orders, following up to ensure the work is completed. Orders and maintains supplies for the unit. Coordinates with Medical Support Assistants to ensure patient tracking is initiated during check-in, scheduling of appointments for procedures, provider evaluations, etc., from other services.
Work Schedule: 11:30am - MN, 11:30am-8:00pm, 3:30pm - MN, 7:30am - 8:00pm, 7:30am - 4:00pm, 8:00am - 11:30pm with rotating weekend/holidays Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD92902A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized
A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Tiffani.Battle@va.gov · (512) 592-8461
This position is with Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.
The posted pay range is $50087 – $65113/yr.
Applications close on 2026-10-29.
There are 2 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Public' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government · Retrieved 2026-10-19 · Not affiliated with or endorsed by OPM or USAJOBS.gov
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