Health Technician

Department of Veterans Affairs

The Health Technician works as a member of the Primary Care Service (PACT), under the guidance of the PACT/CBOC Clinical Nurse Manager. PACT provides comprehensive outpatient services to eligible veterans. 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. The incumbent adheres to all Joint Commission and facility regulations, policies and procedures.

• Major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: The Health Technician performs a variety of clinical, laboratory, and administrative work in support of outpatient services. Monitors patient for adverse reactions, recognizes abnormalities and brings them to the attention of the appropriate medical health care professionals. Records results and ensures that they are made a part of the EMR. Maintains rapport with other clinical staff and participates in clinical staff communication and training efforts. Participates in ongoing clinical education and training as directed by the Clinical Nurse Manager. May be required to travel to Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOC) to support PACT. Independently performs direct patient care activities including intake, obtaining vital signs, ECGs, clinical reminders, and medication reconciliation. Correctly documents all findings in the electronic health record. Reports deviations to the nurse or provider. Adheres to safety and infection control procedures. Identifies and reports data relative to more complex, non-routine patient situations including subtle changes in patient's behavior or condition or variations related to neurological signs, vital signs, or other parameters. Recognizes signs and symptoms that may require nursing intervention and reports these signs and symptoms promptly to nurse or provider for possible intervention. Receives requests or instructions for procedures and interprets requests or instructions for medical or health care personnel. Responds to emergencies by assisting in the performance of resuscitation measures. Assist medical personnel in emergent situations as well as performing occasional minor to moderate de-escalation of agitated Veterans. Responds to medical urgencies/emergencies, initiates BLS and activates emergency medical system. Positions patient for procedures by explaining procedures, secures patients confidence and cooperation during procedures. Performs sterile field set up and assist provider with procedures. Transports patients via wheelchair and/or accompanies ambulatory patients in need of assistance to various areas within the facility. Performs patient care procedures such as collection of specimens, applying dressings, adjusting simple supportive equipment. Performs direct patient support work to include collecting information from patients, providing personal patient care, and educating patients on pre-testing and post procedure activities. Performs test on patients such as Snellen and Ishihara's Color Deficiency. Takes tissue cultures or specimen samples. Fits patients for medical devices such as compression hose, blood pressure machines and braces/splints. Receives and directs patients, answers routine inquiries (via telephone, fax, or secure messages) and makes referrals. Assists patients in contacting other departments or services as needed. Receives and responds to numerous unclear inquiries from patients concerning a variety of medical, personnel and administrative questions. Orders and maintains specialized supplies pertaining to instruments used for procedures in the clinic. Provides orientation/training to staff regarding equipment or instruments used by position. Performs administrative tasks such as maintaining control records for specimens and tests and documenting measurements taken. Test patients, takes measurements, collects, and organizes data from follow up visits, reports result to provider. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:30am-4:00pm. Schedule may be subject to change based on the needs of the Agency Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD92121A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized VA Healthcare System advocates for a Whole Health System of care in each of the Medical Centers. This is an approach to healthcare that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and live their lives to the fullest. As an employee operating in a Whole Health System of care, you will operate in a model with three core elements, seeking to create a personalized health plan for each Veteran. This is done in the context of healing relationships and healing environments and a connection back to the Veteran's community. This aligns with the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Mission Statement to Honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being

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