The Health Technician (HT), GS-5 assigned to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has education and skill necessary to provide clinical support for the clinical and clerical support of the adult and geriatric veteran. The HT GS-5 performs all duties under the direction of the RN. The HT may be assigned clinical and non-clinical duties.

Duties

Major Duties and Responsibilities: Patient Care Tasks Ability to implement a full range of patient care to patients/residents with physical and/or behavioral problems in a hospital, long term care or outpatient setting under the direction of an RN and/or LPN. Examples include tube feeding, tracheostomy care and suction, straight catheterizations, care of patients with complex medical and behavioral diagnoses, non-sterile dressings, etc. Performs direct care including bathing, grooming, and toileting. Demonstrates appropriate communication and interpersonal skills with patients, families, interdisciplinary team and other personnel. HT teaches patients and families the necessity to continue the procedures for proper health care. Provides specific health information based on patient's condition, e.g. acceptance of limited physical mobility, proper body mechanics, and pre- and postoperative breathing techniques, colostomy care and irrigations, etc. Keeps family informed of patient's progress. Knowledge and ability to serve as a preceptor to new health technician. Ability to recognize and react to emergent patient care situations and intervenes while waiting for assistance. For example, recognizing need for basic life support, controlling bleeding and assisting with behavior crisis, etc. Demonstrates appropriate communication and interpersonal skills. Communicates pertinent information to team members regarding observations and interactions with patient/residents and/or significant others which may affect the plan of care. Supports the team concept and functions as a team player. Contributes to team initiatives and continuously strives to improve the effectiveness of the team. Performs sitter duties according to the Standard Operating Procedure (Nursing Policy A-22) in any area of this facility when needed Performs one to one direct observation for Residents expressing suicidal or homicidal ideation ( Center Memorandum No.460-111.01) in the ICU or in other areas of this facility when needed. Serves as support for patients, families, visitors, staff, etc. providing guidance and direction on hospital policies and procedures. The individual will demonstrate sensitivity and compassion in interactions. Cleaning/Supply Technician Tasks: Maintains patient care supplies at appropriate levels in rooms and on assigned units as needed. Complies and adheres to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for reprocessing/precleaning reusable medical equipment (RME). Applies concepts/practices within the Holistic Approach to Transformational Change (HATCH) model. Participates in maintaining a clean, safe environment. Removes defective equipment, reports hazards, observes safety regulations. They contribute to maintaining infection control by utilizing proper aseptic technique in performance of duties and standard precautions in the care of all patients, especially those with communicable diseases and those in isolation. liked duties/responsibilities into major job category. Attends planned in-services and completes mandatory reviews and CPR as directed. Provides support in the orientation of new Health Technicians/staff in the ICU on Medical Center activities, policies, procedures, etc. Maintain a safe environment utilizing standard patient safety and infection control practices per VA Policy, this includes terminal disinfections of room, utilizing equipment in a safe manner and performing other assigned unit maintenance duties as assigned by Nurse Manager/RN Designee. Assist patients to develop progressive independence in performing activities of daily living including performing urinary catheterization. Preferred Experience: Previous experience in Med surg and/or ICU, active BLS certification Work Schedule: Variable 40 hours/week (3) 12 hour shifts 7:00am- 7:30pm or 7:00pm-7:30am plus (1) 8 hour shift every week. Schedule will be discussed during the interview. Position Description Title/PD#: Health Technician/PD019280

Requirements

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. GS-05 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-04 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes but are not limited to: Previous Med surg and/or ICU tech experience Preferred Knowledge of providing direct patient care to patients including venipuncture, EKGs, obtaining vital signs, and assisting with emergency response Ability to recognize signs of a medical emergency and respond appropriately utilizing knowledge of BLS principles and basic first aid Ability to work as a member of a team, communicate professionally, take delegation from nursing and providers, and multitask well Active AHA BLS preferred Note Please ensure your resume detail the special experience needed for consideration. OR Education: Applicants may substitute education for the required experience. To qualify based on education for this grade level you must have successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required OR, Combination: Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at this level. You must have a combination of education and experience equivalent to the requirements for a GS-5.Note: Two full academic years of study, or 60 semester hours, beyond the second year is equivalent to 1 year of specialized experience. Applicants may substitute education for the experience required for the GS-05 level. OR Applicants may also combine education and experience to qualify at the GS-05 level. To calculate, first identify the percentage of required education you have earned (when substituting, you cannot use the first 60 semester hours that you earned). Then identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-05. For example, an applicant who has 9 semester hours of graduate level education (i.e. 50% of graduate education required) and 6 months of creditable specialized experience (i.e. 50% of the required experience) would equal 100% of the required experience for the position A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education. 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. Physical Requirements: Rotation of tours of duty and/or overtime may be required. Requires pushing, pulling and lifting no greater than 20 pounds over a 12 hour period. Requires the ability to function in stressful situations.

Education

IMPORTANT: 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: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Wilmington VA Medical Center 1601 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington, DE 19805 US
• Name: Victoria Williams
• Phone: 2026325875
• Email: [email protected]