Health Technician in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Summary This position is located at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the Acute Outpatient Nursing Division. The incumbent is assigned as a Health Technician (HT) for the Ambulatory Infusion Center (AIC), Vascular Access Team (VAT), Quick Draw (QD) services. The incumbent functions as a non-licensed member of the nursing team and combines the responsibility and selected aspects of a productive team member carrying out and ensuring quality and timely delivery of care. Responsibilities Major Duties: Clinical Operates and maintains (at the user level) a wide variety of physiologic monitoring, measuring and computing devices (such as vital machines and EKG machines) to display and record vital patient parameters for review by clinical staff. Obtains and documents patient vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, oxygen saturation, and orthostatic vital signs). Recognizes and reports abnormal values to the Registered Nurse (RN) or provider staff. Initiates cardiac monitoring correctly and can print vital sign history. Prepares patients for and obtains 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs); provides privacy and emotional support during test. Able to retrieve and print 12-lead ECGs from computer system (CPRS-VISTA imaging) and/or MUSE system Performs venipuncture to obtain serum blood samples and blood cultures as ordered according to policy and procedure. Inserts peripheral intravenous (IV) angiocatheter into peripheral arm veins and convert to saline lock according to policy and procedures – able to discontinue peripheral IVs. Collects, labels, and sends laboratory specimens as ordered according to policy and procedure. Performs point-of-care testing, documents and reports results according to policy and procedure. Takes appropriate action for critical values. Performs a variety of specialized treatments not involving medication administration such as changing wound dressings, assisting with patient positioning, and setting up appropriate equipment for the specialized treatment. Moves, lifts, transfers and transports patients as necessary using proper safe patient handling techniques and equipment. Assists patients to ambulate and transfer safely. Observes changes in patient condition and reports signs and symptoms in such cases to the LPN, RN, or provider. Recognizes emergency situations and responds to them appropriately. Follows standard procedures set by infection control in all aspects of daily duties. Disposes of infectious material per facility policies. Verbally reports and documents in the medical record observations and treatments given to patients, using standard nomenclature and approved forms. Initiates and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) according to American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Cleans reusable equipment according to policy and procedures. Administrative: Assists in maintaining adequate inventory of equipment and supplies. When stocking ensures supplies are rotated and not expired. Secures the confidence and cooperation of patients to achieve desired results; Provides emotional support, friendly assistance, sympathetic understanding and encouragement to patients and families. Motivates patients, their families, and caregivers to learn proper health maintenance by reminding of and reinforcing educational instructions/messages. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, variable tours 7:00am-4:00pm Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician/PD202460 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job 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. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 03/07/2025. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: Must have (1) one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 grade level that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, methods, and techniques to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position. Specialized experience includes, but is not limited to: Performing phlebotomy and Electrocardiogram (EKG) duties. Demonstrating knowledge of the changes associated with aging and the principles of growth and development relevant to the adult and geriatric patient group. Recognizing abnormal respiratory status. Setting up of equipment for a variety of tests, adjusting the equipment, position patient, and taking down equipment and replenish supplies. Using computer programs and standard office machines to accomplish office activities. Certification in Basic CPR is required OR EDUCATION: Must have you successfully completed a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor’s degree, with major study or at least 24 semester hours in subjects directly related to the position. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) OR COMBINATION of Education and Experience: Must possess equivalent combinations of successfully completed post-high school education as stated above and experience to meet total experience requirements. Only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement. One full academic year of study (i.e. 30 semester hours) beyond the second year is equivalent to 6 months of specialized experience. (TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED) Must have one (1) year of phlebotomy and Electrocardiogram (EKG) experience You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Computer Skills Critical Thinking Infection Control Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work involves periods of prolonged extensive or considerable standing/walking. Lifts, positions, pushes, and/or transfers patients. Lifts supplies/equipment. Considerable reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and crouching. 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/. Education 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/. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant’s criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.