Health Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Health Care Technician position at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL is organizationally aligned with Nursing Service. Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, this role encompasses both direct and indirect patient care activities, as well as related support functions. Individuals in this position are required to demonstrate strong powers of observation, perception, and judgment. They must also show initiative and pay meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of their duties.

• The Health Care Technician plays an essential role in supporting the delivery of quality patient care at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital. This position is responsible for performing a wide variety of clinical services that contribute to the overall well-being of patients. The scope of duties includes assisting licensed nursing personnel and carrying out medical technician responsibilities such as phlebotomy, EKG, respiratory care, activity-based exercises, and nutrition assistance. Working under the general guidance and supervision of registered nurses, the Health Care Technician is tasked with completing both direct and indirect patient care assignments. These supportive functions are aimed at ensuring comprehensive patient care services. The Health Care Technician reports directly to the Nurse Manager, maintaining a clear line of accountability and communication within the Nursing Service. Duties include, but are not limited to: Establishes helpful relationships with patients and others; interacts in a courteous manner; explains patient care provided. Provides emotional support, friendly assistance, sympathetic understanding, and encouragement to patients/families. Performs, reports, and records measurements, such as vital signs, intake and output, pulse oximetry, bladder scan, glucose finger stick, and other parameters. Identifies obvious patient problems, symptoms, behavioral changes, and deviations from normal in a timely manner to the appropriate Registered Nurse. Performs EKG as directed and provides results to the Registered Nurse. Assists nurses/physicians with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed on the unit. Safely transports patients to off-unit appointments in the absence of an escort. Serves as patient care observer (when necessary) in accordance with established Medical Center guidelines. Assists in monitoring the Environment of Care for cleanliness, rooms free of clutter, and ensuring patients' belongings are within reach. Follows policies and procedures to ensure safety for patients, staff, and self. Identifies and immediately reports safety hazards to supervisors. Maintains a safe, clean, and orderly work environment through routine maintenance activities such as ordering and stocking equipment and supplies; cleaning equipment and patient care areas; providing proper containment/ disposal of discarded materials; and reporting maintenance and security problems to appropriate personnel. Provides instruction to others on the correct performance of defined tasks/procedures. Assists in emergency situations and initiates CPR when indicated. Work Schedule: 7:30 PM - 8:00 AM, Rotating holidays and weekends Telework: Not Suitable. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD21231A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized.

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